The Community Affairs References Committee has completed an inquiry into the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency's administration of health practitioner registration and notifications. The report includes 14 recommendations. One proposal is to refer low-risk notifications to health practices and services, with AHPRA only handling clinical issues relating to patient safety. Concern was raised about the stress and detrimental impacts of the current system. Another proposal would remove the mandatory requirements to report to AHPRA about a health professional's conduct if it poses a risk to the public. Concern was raised that the reporting requirements discourage health professionals from seeking help and treatment. Other recommendations include regulation of the use of the title "surgeon;" a more flexible re-entry to practice model; regulation of social workers, aged care workers, and personal care workers; simplification and enhanced education and support about notifications and other complaint pathways; and analysis and improvements in notification timeframes.
April 07, 2022
