Chapter 587

PSYCHOTHERAPY PROFESSION [ CAP. 587. CHAPTER 587 PSYCHOTHERAPY PROFESSION ACT AN ACT to make provision for the regulation of the psychotherapy profession and to provide for matters connected therewith or ancillary thereto 15th September, 2018 ACT XXV of 2018, as amended by Acts XXI of 2020 and V of 2026. 1. Act. 2. The short title of this Act is the Psychotherapy Profession Short title. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires: Interpretation. Amended by: V.2026.2. "ability test" means a test, the purpose of which is to assess the person’s ability for him to be able to practice the psychotherapy profession in Malta as required by the Board under the provisions of this Act; "adaptation period" means a period during which a person may exercise the profession of psychotherapy in Malta, under the supervision of a registered psychotherapy supervisor, which period may include the provision of such further training to such person, as may be required by the Board, at the end of which an ability test shall be held; "aptitude test" means a test of the professional knowledge, skills and competences of the applicant, with the aim of assessing the ability of the applicant to pursue the psychotherapy profession; "association of psychotherapists" means an association of ten (10) or more registered psychotherapists who shall not practise the profession of psychotherapy in their capacity as members of the association; "the Board" means the Board of the Psychotherapy Profession in Malta established by article 4; "ECTS" means European Credit Transfer System; "higher education institution" shall have the same meaning as assigned to it by article 2 of the Mutual Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications in the European Region Regulations;  S.L. 451.02 "higher education qualification" shall have the same meaning as assigned to it by article 2 of the Mutual Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications in the European Region Regulations;   S.L. 451.02 1 2 [ CAP. 587. PSYCHOTHERAPY PROFESSION "legal person" means a company, firm or partnership constituted under civil or commercial law, including a cooperative society, and any other legal persons governed by public or private law, except for not for profit organisations, formed in accordance with the law of a Member State and having their registered office, central administration or principal place of business within the European Union;  S.L. 451.03 "migrant" shall have the same meaning as assigned to it by article 2 of the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Regulations; "Minister" means the Minister responsible for the psychotherapy profession; "National Umbrella Organisation" means an organisation of psychotherapists having the largest membership and reflecting the broadest range of psychotherapeutic approaches; "practical training" means training of not less than six hundred (600) hours consisting of personal psychotherapeutic experience and practical training under continuous supervision in a mental health or psycho-social facility or in both; "practice" in relation to the psychotherapy profession, means: (a) exercising or practising the profession of psychotherapy against remuneration, whether through a legal person or otherwise; and (b) the right to use, in the course of such pursuit, the professional title ''Registered Psychotherapist'', followed by the modality studied, by a person having in his possession a warrant to practise the psychotherapy profession; "prescribed" means prescribed by means of regulations made by the Minister under this Act; "profession" unless otherwise indicated, means the psychotherapy profession;  S.L. 451.03 "professional qualifications" shall have the same meaning as assigned to it by article 2 of the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Regulations; ''psychotherapy'' means the comprehensive, deliberate, and planned treatment, or therapeutic intervention, given on the basis of general and special psychosocial, psychosomatic and behavioural disturbances, or states of suffering, training, by means of scientific psychotherapeutic methods, through an interaction between one or more persons being treated, and one or more psychotherapists, with the aim of relieving disturbing attitudes that lead to change, and to promote the maturation, development and health of the treated person; PSYCHOTHERAPY PROFESSION [ CAP. 587. "registered psychotherapist" means a person who is in possession of warrant to practice the profession of psychotherapy and is registered in the official register of warranted psychotherapists kept by the Board; "theoretical training'" means training of not less than eight hundred (800) hours for a continuous period of not less than four (4) years consisting of training in basic principles of psychotherapy and personality theories; basic methodological principles of research and science; ethical practice and the relevant social and legal framework; theories of personality development and pathology; and psychotherapeutic methods and techniques; "training in a specific psychotherapeutic modality" means training, which consists of theoretical and practical training, in a psychoterapeutic modality, which may be in one of the following: (a) psychoanalytic/ psychodynamic; (b) cognitive/behavioural psychotherapy; (c) systemic/ family psychotherapy; (d) humanistic psychotherapy; (e) hypno-psychotherapy; (f) integrative psychotherapy; "warrant" means a warrant issued under article 3. 3. (1) No person can hold himself out to be a registered psychotherapist, or practice the profession of psychotherapy against remuneration, or hold himself out as being professionally qualified to do so, or assume the title, or designation of a registered psychotherapist, unless such person is the holder of a warrant issued under this Act: Warrant. Amended by: V.2026.3. Provided that no provision in this Act shall be applicable to, or in any manner affect, the practice of professions regulated under any other law and which are subject to regulation by any other regulatory Council or entity. (2) Unless otherwise specified in the warrant, the warrant shall not entitle the holder thereof to practise the psychotherapy profession with specialisation. (3) Without prejudice to the provisions of the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Act and the regulations made thereunder, a person shall qualify to obtain a warrant if such person:(a) is a citizen of Malta or a citizen of the EU, or is Cap. 451 3 4 [ CAP. 587. PSYCHOTHERAPY PROFESSION otherwise entitled or authorised to work in Malta; (b) is of good conduct and good moral character; (c) has full legal capacity; (d) has obtained, to the satisfaction of the Board, a bachelor’s degree in a natural, human, medical or social science issued by a higher education institution which the Minister may, on the advice of the Board, specify in regulations, or has obtained a bachelor’s degree together with a Propaedeutics Psychotherapy Programme of not less than two hundred and fifty (250) hours, or its equivalent of ten (10) ECTS, equivalent to a level 7 award issued by an accredited higher education institution; and (e) has obtained, to the satisfaction of the Board, training in a specific psychotherapeutic modality for a period of not less than three thousand (3,000) hours, or its equivalent of one hundred and twenty (120) ECTS, which is equivalent to a Master’s degree issued by a higher education institution. (4) The Minister may prescribe, in place of the minimum requirements established under the preceding provisions of this subarticle, other minimum requirements in terms of international or multinational treaties entered into by Malta, or with the provisions of any legislation brought into force by virtue of any such treaty or agreement. Cap. 451 (5) Without prejudice to the provisions of the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Act and the regulations made thereunder, where the duration of the training leading to a professional qualification is less than that, which is mentioned in paragraph (e) of sub-article (3), the Board may require the applicant to undertake an adaptation period not exceeding twice the shortfall. The Board may also submit the applicant to an ability test. (6) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-article (3), in the case of a candidate who satisfies the requirements of paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of sub-article (3), but whose training does not fulfil the requirements of paragraphs (d) and (e) of sub-article (3), for any of the following reasons: (a) the training covers substantially different matters, such that the knowledge, skills and competences acquired which are essential for pursuing the profession, differ from the requirements under paragraph (d) of sub-article (3); (b) such training was of a shorter duration than that indicated in paragraph (e) of sub-article (3), PSYCHOTHERAPY PROFESSION [ CAP. 587. the Board may admit the candidate to the respective list, as appropriate, provided that the candidate undertakes to fulfil any compensatory measures, that may be prescribed from time to time: Provided that any decision shall be clearly justified and shall be communicated to the candidate in writing. (7) Compensatory measures shall include an adaptation period of up to three (3) years, or alternatively depending on the candidate’s choice, an aptitude test in the subject or subjects in which a deficiency, compared to the prescribed requirements, has been identified. 4. (1) There shall be a Board, to be known as the Bord for the Psychotherapy Profession in Malta, which shall be composed as follows: (a) four members appointed by the Minister of which: (i) one person shall be a Chairperson having obtained a warrant from the Board and has at least six (6) years experience in the practice of psychotherapy; (ii) two persons who exercise the psychotherapy profession, and who have obtained a warrant from the Board; (iii) one person shall be an advocate with at least five (5) years experience who shall be appointed as vice-chairperson; (b) two members elected from amongst psychotherapists, having a warrant, in an election conducted by the Board: Provided that, in the event of the setting up of the first Board, the psychotherapists referred to in this paragraph shall be nominated by the National Umbrella Organization; (c) one psychotherapist nominated from amongst the permanent academic staff for psychotherapy education and training at the University of Malta; (d) one psychotherapist nominated from amongst the staff providing training in psychotherapy at the Gestalt Psychotherapy Training Institute Malta; (e) one psychotherapist from the staff providing training in psychotherapy at the Institute of Family Therapy Malta; and (f) one psychotherapist from the staff of any other Board for the psychotherapy profession in Malta. 5 6 [ CAP. 587. PSYCHOTHERAPY PROFESSION higher education institution in Malta providing training in psychotherapy. (2) In the event of the setting up of the first Board after the coming into force of this Act, any reference in this article to psychotherapists forming part of such Board shall be understood as referring to persons eligible to the warrant in accordance with this Act. (3) The nominations and elections made in terms of paragraph (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) of sub-article (1) shall, for the first time, be made within two weeks from the date on which a request in writing is made for that purpose by the Minister and, for any subsequent nomination or election, within one month from the date on which the vacancy arises or, when the vacancy arises due to the expiry of the term of office, within one month prior to the said expiration. In the absence of any such nomination or election, the Minister shall himself make the appointment from amongst psychotherapists having a warrant. (4) The members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three (3) years and shall, on the expiration of that term, be eligible to be reappointed: Provided that no person shall serve as member of the Board for more than three consecutive terms. (5) In the event that a member of the Board vacates his office before prior to the expiration of his term of office, the person appointed in his stead shall be appointed for the remaining period of the original appointment. (6) The number of members present required to form a quorum shall be four: Provided that, subject to the presence of a quorum, the Board may act notwithstanding any vacancy amongst its members. (7) The Minister shall designate a person to act as secretary to the Board, but such secretary shall not have a vote. (8) The Chairperson shall have an original vote and, in the case of equality of votes, a casting vote. (9) The legal representation of the Board shall jointly vest in the Chairman and the Secretary to the Board: Provided that the Board may designate any one or more of the other members of the Board, to appear in the name and on behalf of the Board in any judicial proceedings and to sign for and on its behalf any other act, contract, instrument or other document whatsoever. (10) Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions, and to that which may be prescribed under this Act, or other law or regulation, the PSYCHOTHERAPY PROFESSION [ CAP. 587. Board may regulate its own procedures. (11) The Board shall meet as often as necessary, but in no case less frequently than once every three months. The meetings of the Board shall be summoned by the Chairperson either on his own initiative, or on the request in writing of not less than two of the other members of the Board. In the second case, the Chairperson shall summon a meeting not later than two weeks from the date on which the request has been made. (12) In the exercise of its functions under this Act, the Board may consult with any person as it deems appropriate. For this purpose, the Board may invite such persons to attend the meetings of the Board. (13) The Board shall keep true and correct copies of the records of its proceedings and the Board shall give to the Minister any information as he may require within a reasonable period of time. 5. (1) Without prejudice to the other powers and functions given, or may be given, by this Act, or any other law or regulations, the powers and functions of the Board are to regulate the practice and eligibility to practice the psychotherapy profession in Malta, and in particular to: (a) establish psychotherapy standards, assess existing psychotherapy standards and develop new standards of continuous professional development in psychotherapy and such other standards as may be necessary; (b) consider, process and decide on applications for warrants to practice the psychotherapy profession in Malta, and also for equivalence and recognition of qualifications in psychotherapy; (c) warrant; (d) keep a register of psychotherapists with a Repealed by Act V.2026.4. (e) maintain a register of legal persons offering psychotherapy services; (f) investigate allegations misconduct, gross negligence or psychotherapists; of professional incompetence of (g) make recommendations to the Minister to prescribe regulations in relation to the employment of persons who, although having higher education qualifications and professional qualifications, do not qualify for a warrant under this Act; Functions of the Board. Amended by: XXI of 2020; V.2026.4. 7 8 [ CAP. 587. PSYCHOTHERAPY PROFESSION (h) make recommendations to the Minister on the Code of Ethics following consultations with the associations of psychotherapists; (i) necessary; make recommendations to the Minister as may be (j) perform such other functions that arise under this Act, or any other law or regulation, or as may be delegated to it by the Minister. (2) The Board shall, not later than three (3) months after the end of each calendar year, publish in the Gazette a list of persons who, until 31st December of the previous calendar year, were registered in the official register of psychotherapists. (3) The Board shall draw up and publish an annual report concerning its general operations. Application for warrant. Amended by: XXI of 2020. 6. (1) Any person seeking to obtain a warrant to practise the psychotherapy profession in Malta shall make an application to the Board. (2) If the Board is satisfied that the applicant satisfies the minimum requirements established under this Act, it shall issue a warrant. (3) Where, following an adaptation period where necessary, the Board is satisfied that the applicant has successfully completed his training, it shall issue a warrant. (4) For the purposes of the foregoing sub-article, the Board may submit the applicant to an aptitude test. (5) The Board may attach such limitations and conditions as it deems fit to any warrant it issues under this Act. Such warrant shall include such special conditions and such authorisation to practice in areas of specialised psychotherapy for such specific periods as the Board may recommend in accordance with the provisions of this Act and any regulations made thereunder. (6) A warrant issued under this Act shall continue to have effect, provided that the warrant holder shall, every three years, prove to the satisfaction of the Board that he has carried out such programme, or programmes, of continuing professional development as may be prescribed. (7) The associations of psychotherapists shall collect and keep all the information relating to the programme, or programmes, of continuing professional development on an annual basis. PSYCHOTHERAPY PROFESSION [ CAP. 587. 7. The Board shall decide on an application for a warrant to practise the profession of psychotherapy as soon as is reasonably practicable, but in no case later than four months from the receipt of the application together with all the relevant information and documentation in support of the application. The Board shall immediately notify the applicant of its decision. Decision on application for the issue of a warrant Amended by: XXI of 2020. together with the reasons upon which these were based. 8. (1) A person shall not be qualified to obtain or retain a warrant, in terms of this Act, if he has been convicted by any competent court for any crime liable to imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Loss of warrant. Amended by: XXI of 2020. (2) Where a person loses his warrant in terms of the preceding sub-article, notice of such loss shall be given by the Board in the Gazette and such information shall be notified by it to the person losing the warrant, unless such person has been interdicted by the judgement itself. (3) The Board may, at any time, reinstate a person who has lost his warrant in terms of sub-article (1). 9. (1) The Board may set up a committee to inquire into any alleged professional misconduct, gross negligence or incompetence in relation to a psychotherapist. (2) For the purposes of this article, the terms "professional misconduct", "gross negligence", or "incompetence", shall include the following: (a) the obtaining of a warrant in a deceitful or fraudulent manner, or otherwise purporting to be a psychotherapist without the required warrant; (b) the contravention of the Code of Ethics established under this Act; (c) the failure to observe any regulations regarding professional standards or practice; (d) the failure to observe any conditions attached to the warrant issued under this Act; (e) the use of therapeutic interventions, or the assumption of a professional competence for which the person is not qualified or is not authorised to practise in terms of his warrant; (f) acting in any manner that may be detrimental to the psychotherapy profession; Committee of Inquiry. Amended by: V.2026.5. 9 10 [ CAP. 587. PSYCHOTHERAPY PROFESSION (g) giving incorrect information or displaying lack of skill or judgment in the practice of the psychotherapy profession or in the performance of any duties or obligations in the psychotherapy practice. (3) Every holder of a warrant, who is the subject of an investigation, shall have the opportunity to make his defence and bring evidence in his favour, and for this purpose, that person may be represented by an advocate or by any other person of his choice. (4) On the conclusion of the investigation, the committee shall decide whether there are or not sufficient grounds to find the holder of a warrant guilty of professional misconduct, gross negligence or incompetence. In the first case, the committee shall make a report of its decision and shall commit the holder of the warrant for inquiry by the Board, together with its recommendations to impose a penalty, and, in the second case, recommend that no further proceedings should be undertaken. (5) The penalties mentioned in the preceeding sub-article may include the following: (a) the suspension or the revocation of such warrant, subject to such conditions as may be recommended; (b) the suspension or revocation of the registration of the legal person of psychotherapists; (c) warrant; the imposition of conditions attached to the (d) a reprimand; (e) a payment to cover the costs of the investigation; (f) an order for the waiver, reduction or refund of any fees charged for services rendered by the person found guilty; (g) any other penalties that may be prescribed by the Board, or by this Act, or any other laws or regulations. (6) Upon revocation of the warrant, the Board shall strike off the name of the holder of that warrant fro m the reg ister of psychotherapists. The revocation of any warrant shall be published in the Gazette.    Cap. 273. (7) For the purposes of this article, the powers vested, or the powers which may be vested, in the members of the committee, shall be those provided under the Inquiries Act and the committee shall conduct the investigations as provided for in the said Act. PSYCHOTHERAPY PROFESSION [ CAP. 587. 10. (1) The holder of a warrant who feels aggrieved by a decision of the Board may appeal before the Court of Appeal in its jurisdiction within twenty-one days from the date when notice of the decision has been given to him by registered post. 11 Appeals. Amended by: XXI of 2020. (2) In this case the warrant shall be suspended or revoked only when the Court of Appeal confirms the decision of the Board. (3) The Minister responsible for justice may make regulations prescribing the fees to be paid to the Registry of the Court on appeals made under this article: Provided that until such fees have been prescribed, the fees referred to in the Code of Organization and Civil Procedure shall, mutatis mutandis, apply.  Cap. 12. (4) The Board referred to in article 29 of the Code of Organization and Civil Procedure shall make rules establishing the form of such appeals and matters relating thereto. Cap. 12. 11. The Board may, following a request to that effect by the person who has lost the warrant, return the warrant to that person if such person satisfies the requirements that may have been prescribed. Where the warrant has been returned, the name of the person who received the warrant shall be registered again in the official register of psychotherapists. Removal of suspension or cancellation. Amended by: XXI of 2020. 12. (1) Any association of psychotherapists may make an application to the Board to be registered as an association of psychotherapists for the purposes of this Act. Association of psychotherapists. (2) An association of psychotherapists shall be qualified to be registered as an association of psychotherapists under this article if it proves to the Board that at least ten of its members are registered as psychotherapists with a warrant and that it conforms to such other conditions as may be prescribed from time to time. An association of psychotherapists shall submit together with its application a list of its members and any such other information as the Board may require to process the application. (3) The Board shall have the power to require any association of psychotherapists registered under this article to produce such records and information about the association and its members as may be required from time to time. 13. Repealed by Act V.2026.6. 14. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, or any other agreement to the contrary, the following provisions shall apply solely to a legal person pursuing the profession of psychotherapy, and not to members of an association of psychotherapists in terms of article 12: Society of psychotherapists. Provisions solely applicable to societies of psychotherapists. Substituted by: V.2026.7. 12 [ CAP. 587. Legal Persons. Added by: V.2026.8. PSYCHOTHERAPY PROFESSION (a) any act that may be done by a holder of a warrant may be done by one or more of the persons forming part of the legal person pursuing the profession of psychotherapy, on behalf of such legal person, and any act done on behalf of the legal person shall be done by one or more persons forming part of such legal person; and (b) where anything is done or omitted by a person whilst forming part of a legal person pursuing the profession of psychotherapy, the resulting responsibilities and liabilities of such person shall not cease on the ground that the said person has retired, died, or for any other reason no longer forms part of such legal person. 14A. (1) For the purposes of this Act, a legal person established in Malta, or in another Member State, by a psychotherapist, may practice psychotherapy in Malta, provided that the pursuit of the profession of psychotherapy is undertaken on behalf of the said legal person by a registered psychotherapist. (2) Without prejudice to any other provision of this Act or of any other law regulating a legal person, where the pursuit of the profession of psychotherapy is carried out on behalf of a legal person in terms of sub-article (1), the registered psychotherapist shall not be exonerated from any liability or obligation arising in respect of such pursuit. In all circumstances, both the legal person and the registered psychotherapist shall be jointly and severally liable. (3) The name of the registered psychotherapist shall be clearly identified in any formal communication or contracts to the recipient of the service, and on any marketing material relating to the practice of the psychotherapy profession: Provided that nothing in this Act shall be construed as preventing a psychotherapist from forming a legal person with any other person, other than a psychotherapist, to practise the profession, even if not exclusively limited to this profession only: Provided further that the practice of the profession of psychotherapist shall be carried out only by a registered psychotherapist. Applicability of articles 9 to 11. Offences. Amended by: V.2026.10. 15. Repealed by Act V.2026.9. 16. (1) Without prejudice to the other provisions of this Act any person who, for the purpose of obtaining a warrant, or a registration under the provisions of this Act, knowingly gives any false information, or otherwise acts in a deceitful, or fraudulent manner, shall be guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine PSYCHOTHERAPY PROFESSION [ CAP. 587. (multa) not exceeding two thousand and five hundred euro (€2,500) or to imprisonment not exceeding twelve months, or to both such fine and imprisonment. (2) Any person who is found guilty of any other offence against this Act shall be liable on conviction to a fine (multa) of not less than one thousand and five hundred euro (€1,500), and not more than five thousand euro (€5,000), or to imprisonment of not more than three months, or to both such fine and imprisonment, and in the case of a continuous offence, to a fine (multa) of fifteen euro (€15) for each day during which the offence continues. (3) Any person who, not being the holder of a warrant issued under this Act: (a) practices the profession of psychotherapy; or (b) makes use of any professional title psychotherapist, or the designatory letters thereof; or (c) purports to be a psychotherapist; or (d) performs the work of a psychotherapist, of shall be guilty of an offence against this article. (4) Any person who uses the word "Psychotherapists" in relation to a legal person pursuing the profession of psychotherapy, where such legal person is not registered in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (e) of article 5, or who in any manner makes use of a name deceitfully implying the existence of a legal person pursuing the profession of psychotherapy registered as aforesaid, shall be guilty of an offence under this Act. (5) For the purposes of sub-articles (3) and (4), the use of any card, letterhead, sign, board, plate, advertisement or other written, printed or engraved device, instrument or document or through electronic means, with the words "Psychotherapist" or "Registered Psychotherapist", in relation to a name, or of the name "Psychotherapists" in relation to a legal person practicing the profession of psychotherapy which is not registered, shall be deemed as sufficient evidence of the knowledge of such use by that person, unless such person proves that the use of such words was made without his consent and that, upon becoming aware of such use, the person concerned took reasonable steps to prevent the continuation of such act. (6) For the purpose of this article, a person shall not be deemed to be in contravention of the provisions of this Act if such person is practicing psychotherapy during an adaptation period, or when in tr a i ni n g , u n d e r th e a pp r o p r ia t e su pe r v is i on of a r e g i s t e r e d psychotherapist, and subject to such regulations as may be prescribed. 13 14 [ CAP. 587. PSYCHOTHERAPY PROFESSION (7) Subject to the provisions of sub-article (6), no person, or organisation, shall employ a person, other than a registered psychotherapist, for the purpose of practising the profession of psychotherapy. (8) The provisions of this Act establishing offences, shall be without prejudice to the provisions of any other law establishing offences, and punishments in respect of the same acts, or omissions, shall not, in particular, affect the application of any higher punishment under any other law. Violence and threats. 17. Whosoever, by violence or threats, compels a psychotherapist, who is a public officer, to do, or not to do, any act appertaining to his office, shall, on conviction, be liable to the punishment of imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than five years and to a fine (multa) of not less than four thousand euro (€4,000) and not more than ten thousand euro (€10,000). Power to make regulations. 18. The Minister may, following consultation with the Board, make regulations to give better effect to any of the provisions of this Act, and generally to regulate the psychotherapy profession, and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, such regulations may in particular include provisions with respect to: (a) the establishment of standards, procedures and duties in the exercise of the psychotherapy profession and practices to be followed by psychotherapists, either generally or in particular fields of activity; (b) the professional conduct and the Code of Ethics of psychotherapists and standards of competency and integrity to be kept in the psychotherapy profession; (c) the requirements in relation to continuing professional development for the maintenance of a warrant; (d) the work which may be performed and the services which may be provided in terms of a warrant, and the terms and conditions which can be attached to such warrant; (e) the fees that may be charged by the Board in relation to applications for the issue of warrants, the making of any registration under this Act, and any other operations that may be carried out by the Board in accordance with the provisions of this Act; (f) the fees that may be charged by psychotherapists for their professional services; (g) the procedures to be followed in cases of professional misconduct; PSYCHOTHERAPY PROFESSION [ CAP. 587. 15 (h) the employment of persons who, although in possession of higher education qualifications and professional qualifications, do not qualify for a warrant under this Act, and who are working under the supervision of a registered psychotherapist in such establishments, or agencies, as may be prescribed; (i) any other procedure that may be adopted by the Board; (j) any matter that may be required, or is authorized, by this Act to be prescribed; (k) the punishments, the penalties and the consequences and the effects to which a person may become liable in the event of any contravention against, or noncompliance with, any provision of, or any regulations made under this Act; (l) the Board. the administrative fines that may be imposed by 19. (1) A migrant who, on the coming into force of this Act, has higher education qualifications and professional qualifications, which make him eligible for a warrant to practice the profession of psychotherapy in the country where the qualifications have been obtained, shall be deemed to satisfy the provisions of article 3(3)(e). Migrants who, on the coming into force of this Act, have qualifications in psychotherapy. (2) For the purposes of the foregoing sub-article, any training undertaken by a migrant between the date of receipt of the mentioned qualifications and the date of the entry into force of this Act, shall be deemed to be training undertaken under the supervision of registered psychotherapist: Provided that the Board may submit that person to an adaptation period and an aptitude test. 20. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, any person who, before the coming into force of this Act, satisfies the Board that he: Requirements. (a) is in possession of a Diploma in Applied Social Studies with an option in Social Work or a Diploma in Social Work issued by the University of Malta prior to December 2002; and (b) workers, is registered in the official register of social shall be deemed to satisfy the provisions of article 3(3)(d). 21. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, any Other savings. 16 [ CAP. 587. PSYCHOTHERAPY PROFESSION person who, before the coming into force of this Act, satisfies the Board that he: (a) is a European Certificate of Psychotherapy; or (b) was registered with the Council for the Professions Complementary to Medicine as a psychotherapist; or (c) was employed with a Government department, agency or entity, for a period of not less than twelve years as a psychotherapist, shall be deemed to satisfy the provisions of article 3(3)(e): Provided that the Board may submit that person to an adaptation period and an aptitude test.