COMMUNITY HEALTH PRACTITIONERS (REGISTRATION, ETC.) ACT
Act · Health
An Act establishes the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board to regulate community health workers at primary health care levels. It targets health officers and extension workers, requiring them to register and meet standards. This protects patient safety by ensuring qualifications.
COMMUNITY HEALTH PRACTITIONERS (REGISTRATION, ETC.) ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act establishing the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN) to regulate community health workers and allied health practitioners at primary health care level.
Who Does It Target?
Community Health Officers (CHOs) and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) Primary health care facilities The Federal Ministry of Health NPHCDA and state primary health care programmes
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Ensure that community health practitioners who provide frontline primary health care are qualified, registered, and practise within defined scopes, protecting patient safety.
Key Features
Registration: All community health practitioners must be registered with CHPRBN before practising. Qualification Standards: Defines minimum educational requirements for each category of community health practitioner. Scope of Practice: Prescribes the health services community health practitioners may provide at each level. Discipline: CHPRBN investigates complaints and disciplines practitioners for malpractice.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide primary health care system Beneficiaries: Rural communities; primary health care users Funding: Registration fees; Federal Government
How to Access
Hold a recognised community health qualification Pass the CHPRBN licensing examination Register with CHPRBN and pay annual subscription Application method: Apply for CHPRBN registration at https://www.chprbn.gov.ng
Important Terms
Practising community health without registration is illegal Community health practitioners must work within their defined scope and refer cases beyond their competence Annual renewal of practising certificate is mandatory
Official Resources
Website: https://www.chprbn.gov.ng Contact: Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN)
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly as the Community Health Practitioners (Registration, etc.) Act (Cap C16 LFN 2004). Operates alongside the National Health Act 2014, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Act, the Primary Health Care Under One Roof Policy, and the Midwives Service Scheme framework. Aligns with WHO guidelines on community health workers and the SDG 3 target on universal health coverage.