Restriction on employment/engagement of certain individuals is to protect the safety and welfare of vulnerable patients.

This is done by preventing recalcitrant individuals, who can potentially cause hurt to patients, from being re-employed or re-engaged into such services.

Such restrictions are not new and also found under the Early Childhood Development Centres Act 2017 where the policy intent is to protect the vulnerable young.

MOH recognises that not all past offenders may be recalcitrant. Employers who wish to employ/engage restricted individuals may seek the approval of the DGH.

The DGH will consider various factors including the roles and responsibilities of the prospective individual, the nature of the past offence, the likelihood of the individual re-offending or committing similar offences, and the employers’ use of preventive measures, amongst other matters.