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HCPL board affirms mandate to regulate health care professions
The Health Care Professions Licensing Board is advising the public that no person shall practice any health profession under its purview in the CNMI without a valid license issued by the board.
These professions include acupuncturists, chiropractors, baccalaureate social workers, masters social workers, clinical social workers, medical laboratory technicians, radiologic technicians, dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental assistants, embalmers, EMTS/paramedics, midwives, optometrists, pharmacists, pharmacy interns, physical therapists, pharmacy technicians, physical therapy assistants, physicians, physician assistants, podiatrists, professional counselors, mental health counselors, mental health counselor associates, and psychologists (clinical).
The board also regulates and issues licenses to operate clinical/medical laboratories and pharmacies. It will soon also regulate the practice of audiologists, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, speech and language pathologists and any other health care professions.
The only profession it has no authority over is the practice of nursing.
It may discipline a person or licensee for engaging in dishonorable, unethical or unprofessional conduct; negligence, incompetence or misconduct in the practice of a health care profession; making a false, fraudulent, deceptive or misleading statement in advertising; persistent, deliberate over-charging or over-treating of patients; or without having a valid license from the board, using any health care profession titles.
If you have any questions about the licensure and regulation of health care professions in the Commonwealth, contact the Health Care Board at (670) 664-4809, by email at bpl@pticom.com, or visit to its office located at Bldg. 1242, Pohnpei Ct., Capital Hill, Saipan.
