(1)The National Assembly for Wales may by order establish a body corporate, to be known as Health Professions Wales or Proffesiynau Iechyd Cymru (but referred to in this Act as HPW).
(2)HPW is to have such functions in relation to health care professions and health care support workers as may be conferred on it under this section.
(3)The Assembly may by order provide for HPW to carry out functions on behalf of the Assembly.
(4)The Assembly may by order make provision enabling HPW to—
(a)enter into arrangements with the Health Professions Council for carrying out functions on behalf of that Council in relation to Wales;
(b)enter into arrangements with the Nursing and Midwifery Council for carrying out functions on behalf of that Council in relation to Wales;
(c)enter into arrangements with any other body for carrying out functions on behalf of that body in relation to Wales;
(d)carry out any such arrangements.
(5)The reference in subsection (3) to functions of the Assembly does not include a reference to the function of making, confirming or approving subordinate legislation (within the meaning of the Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30)).
(6)The carrying out of functions by HPW on behalf of the Assembly or any other body does not affect the responsibility of the Assembly or the body concerned.
(7)The Assembly may by order make provision about the constitution of HPW (and may in particular make provision similar to that made by Schedule 2).
(8)“Health care profession” means a profession (whether or not regulated by virtue of any enactment) which is concerned (wholly or partly) with the physical or mental health of individuals.
(9)“Health care support worker” means a person employed to provide support for one or more members of a health care profession.