Masseurs To Be Known In Future In N.Z. As Physiotherapists

Wanganui Chronicle, 23 July 1949, Page 6

Masseurs To Be Known In Future In N.Z. As Physiotherapists

WELLINGTON, (PA)— A “masseur” will in future be legallyknown in New Zealand as a “physiotherapist.” Provision for this change is made in the Physiotherapy Bill, which was introduced and read a first time in the House of Representatives today. The Bill also replaces the term • massage” by that of “physiotherapy.” The Minister of Health "(Miss Howard) said the Bill consolidated and amended the Masseurs Registration Act and its amendments. New Zealand was one of the last countries in the world to retain the word “masseur.” The Bill was generally accepted by physiotherapists in New Zealand. The Bill provides for the registration of physa therapists. The existing registration noard known as the Masseurs’ Registrator Board, is reconstituted to include the inspector of physiotherapy in the Department of Health and the piircipal of School of Physiotherapy a* Dunedin and an additional physic nerapi.st. Training and examination required to qualify for registration are left, to lie defined by regulations. Hospitals or other institutions may ae appicved by the Registration Board as training schools ter physiotherapists. Annual practis;;g certificates .are to be taken out by physiotherapists. A physiotherapist, who has been e n inmate of a metal hospital, may not resume practice without a licence from the Registration Board. Lh >[!inary powers are given to the board. There is the right of appeal to g magistrate and two assessors from the decisions of the boa r d. It is an offence for an unregistered person to advertise himself as a physiotherapist.