Section 57 of The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021
If any person,—
- (a)not being a person registered in the Central Register or a State Register, takes or uses the description of an allied and healthcare professional, or
- (b)not possessing an allied and healthcare qualification under this Act, uses a degree or a diploma or a license or an abbreviation indicating or implying such qualification, shall be punished on first conviction with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, and on any subsequent conviction with imprisonment which may extend to one year or with fine not exceeding two lakh rupees or with both.
Summary
- Unregistered people are strictly prohibited from taking or using the description of an allied and healthcare professional.
- People who do not hold an allied and healthcare qualification cannot use degrees, diplomas, licenses, or abbreviations that imply they have one.
- The penalty for breaking this rule for the first time is a fine up to one lakh rupees.
- If convicted again, the penalty increases to a maximum of one year in prison, a fine up to two lakh rupees, or both.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. I am registered but I do not have a master's degree. Can I use the abbreviation for a master's degree anyway?
No. If you do not possess the specific allied and healthcare qualification, using a degree, diploma, or abbreviation implying you do is a punishable misuse of titles.
2. How much can I be fined if I misuse a professional title for the first time?
On your first conviction, the fine can go up to one lakh rupees.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 57 of The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, what happens to a person who uses the description of an allied and healthcare professional without being registered, on their first conviction?
Q2.Under Section 57 of The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, what is the maximum potential punishment for a subsequent conviction of misusing an educational abbreviation?
Q3.Under Section 57 of The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, which of the following is considered an offence?
Q4.Under Section 57 of The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, can a person who actually has a qualification but is not registered use the description of an allied and healthcare professional?