In the initial Association information brochure produced in April 2003, the President, Professor Sebastian Lucas stated:
"APT practice represents the last aspect of modern medicine that is not yet professionally regulated and state registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC). I welcome this new association that makes prime objectives of obtaining state registration, and encouraging the application of high standards in practice across the United Kingdom."
Since it’s foundation in April 2003 the Association has been in regular communication with the Department of Health and other stakeholders and a path emerged for Anatomical Pathology Technologists to achieve statutory regulation with the Health Professions Council (HPC). For the groups aspiring for statutory regulation, the Department of Health established the Voluntary Registration Council for Healthcare Scientists (VRC for HCS) as a stepping stone to full registration.
The sole purpose of the VRC for HCS is to lead non-regulated healthcare science professions into statutory regulation.
Regulation via registration is extremely important as a tool for ensuring that the public receive excellent services provided by professionals who are held accountable for their actions. In this way the sole aim of any registration process is to provide protection for the public.
The AAPT has representative membership of the VRC for HCS and all eligible AAPT members are encouraged to become voluntary registered. For Council members it is a requirement in accordance with the AAPT Constitution.
Visit www.vrcouncil.org for further information on registration and how to join the register.