The Health Professions Act(HPA) was approved on 6th August 1998.

The initial Act outlined twelve (12) categories of professions to be regulated:

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiography, Medical Laboratory Technology, Pharmacy, Optometry, Opticianry, Physiotherapy, Chiropody/ Podiatry, Chiropractic, Occupational Therapy, Clinical Psychology, Dietetics/Nutritionist, Emergency Medical Service, Acupuncture

An Interim Working Committee was appointed to draft the subsidiary legislation and formation of the Health Professions Council. Existing associations and individuals practising in the professions identified for regulation were encouraged to provide input and information to assist in forming the legislation.

The Health Professions (General) Regulations and the Health Professions (Complaints and Disciplinary Proceedings) Regulations were approved in 2000. The Health Professions Council became operational on 1st May 2000.

An Amendment Order was signed in 2001 by Minister of Health Dr. Ronald L. Knowles. Audiology and Speech Language Pathology were added as the thirteenth profession to be regulated. Additionally, sub-groups for several of the professions were also identified.

By 2002, there were 200 registrants on the Health Professions Register. Dr. Charles Diggiss became the third appointed Chairman for the Council beginning his tenure in July 2002.

The Council continued to progressand had over 400 hundred registrants. More clarity was brought to the Council’s processes for registration and licensure including prime source verification. To assist in the authentication of documents, the Apostille Process was established.

In December, the Pharmacy Act was gazetted and signed by the Minister of Health, the Honourable Hubert Minnis. The newly established Pharmacy Council assumed responsibility for the regulation of Pharmacists.

In May, anew Website for the Council was the first step in a multi-dimensional approach to modernise the Council.

The Council considered regulating other health care professions(32 new professions) to help strengthen and protect the health care system of The Bahama.

The Council began to draft legislation for the inclusion of twenty plus professions on the Professions Schedule. HPC launchedits new online registration and website platform demonstrating its commitment to maintaining standards and assurance to the public and the professional.