In any enactment passed before 1st January 1979 the expression “legally qualified medical practitioner”, or “duly qualified medical practitioner”, or any expression importing a person recognised by law as a medical practitioner or member of the medical profession, shall, unless the contrary intention appears, be construed to mean a F1registered medical practitionerF2who holds a licence to practise.

In any enactment passed before 1st January 1979 references (however expressed) to a person registered under the Medical Acts or as a medical practitioner shall, unless the contrary intention appears, be construed as references to a F1registered medical practitionerF3who holds a licence to practise.