Tibi, Eldad put aside differences to push through paramedical bill

Under the new law, people wishing to practice any of the four professions in question must present a degree proving that they have studied the subject.

By REBECCA ANNA STOIL
tibi 224.88 (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
tibi 224.88
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
MKs Arye Eldad (NU/NRP) and Ahmed Tibi (UAL) may be better known as bitter rivals on security-related issues, but the two - who happen to both be medical doctors - have teamed up on a bill close to both their hearts. After years of work, a bill enabling official recognition of four distinct paramedical professions is expected to reach its final vote on the house floor in the coming days. "In the current situation, graduates of these paramedical professions - physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians and communication therapists - who studied overseas have no way of receiving certificates recognizing their degrees from the Heath Ministry because of a court ruling on the topic," explained Tibi. The legislative process on the law that Tibi and Eldad hope will solve this problem began during the 16th Knesset, prior to the 2005 elections, after the Supreme Court ruled that legislation was necessary to protect patients and ensure that their care-givers met the necessary standards. On Tuesday, the bill passed its final vote in the Labor, Welfare and Health committee, and Tibi said that he expected it to come to a vote on the house floor within the next 10 days. Eldad, who chaired the subcommittee that prepared the bill for its Knesset vote over the course of the past two years, said that the new law "protects patients but also protects the rights of health care professionals who invested hard work and money in order to acquire this important and much-needed professional training." Under the new law, people wishing to practice any of the four professions in question must present a degree proving that they have studied the subject. It also sets a series of professional rules, ethical standards and disciplinary directions for practitioners. "This law will help thousands of people," said Tibi, adding that although the Health Ministry had initially opposed the legislative endeavor, they have since come around to play an active role in the bill.