Media Release

21 August 2008

Man fined for claiming to be a chiropractor

A Nelson man has been fined over $4000 after repeatedly claiming to be a qualified and registered chiropractor.

James Michael Dawson was convicted and fined $4200 including court costs in the Nelson District Court, after being found guilty of claiming to be practising a profession as a registered health practitioner, an offence under Section 7(2) of the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act 2003.

The offending took place over a four-month period during 2005, and continued despite Ministry officials contacting Dawson to inform him he was in breach of the Act.

The Ministry of Health's Workforce Manager Dr John Marwick says the sentence sends a strong message that anyone misleading the public by claiming to be a registered health practitioner will be severely dealt with.

"This is not the first time we've had to deal with this type of offending, and in the interests of public safety, it's vital these individuals are dealt with appropriately. New Zealanders have the right to expect excellent treatment from qualified, registered professionals, and these type of prosecutions under the Act serve as a reminder to the sector that this behaviour will not be tolerated."

ENDS

For further information, please contact Michael Flyger 04 496 2265