Bermuda's chief medical officer is to be released from routine administrative tasks under new legislation approved Friday by MPs.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said requirements for the job had included “wholly inappropriate” tasks.

These included oversight of the storage of manure, which she said was best transferred to the Environmental Health Officer.

Ms Wilson told the House of Assembly that Cheryl Peek-Ball, the CMO, had her role mentioned in 26 different pieces of legislation, which created an “untenable” amount of duties.

She added: “We have undertaken reviews of all Acts and legislation where the CMO is referred to and have made amendments where a different person or organisation is better for that role.”

Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, the Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, signalled the Opposition's support for the “housekeeping” legislation.

The House of Assembly also gave the green light to the Allied Health Professions Act 2018, which brings five new professions under regulations for registration, the handling of complaints and disciplinary procedures.

Acupuncture, chiropractors, counsellors, massage therapists and social workers will all now be included in the legislation.