Greater protection for the public under National Law changes

01 Jul 2024

New powers allow unregistered practitioners to be banned

Unregistered practitioners (including suspended practitioners) can be prevented from treating patients under a suite of new powers that enable the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and National Boards to better protect the public.

From today, the public will also have more information about practitioners on the public register, including if they use an alternative name to practise.

The new changes complete a series of reforms to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law agreed by all health ministers aimed at strengthening public protection and improving the operation of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme. The other changes in the same package of amendments to the National Law started in October 2022 and May 2023.

Ahpra CEO Martin Fletcher said powers to issue interim prohibition orders (IPOs) about unregistered practitioners were an important safeguard for the wider health system. Some state and territory health complaints bodies already have this power.

‘These powers will only be used in exceptional circumstances, when it is deemed there is a very real risk to the health and safety of individual patients or the wider community,’ Mr Fletcher said.

‘Whether people are consulting a registered practitioner or seeking help from a non-registered health worker, safe care relies on having trust and confidence in everyone involved.’

Key changes beginning on 1 July 2024 include:

• allowing National Boards and Ahpra to issue interim prohibition orders about unregistered persons in certain circumstances where the person poses a serious risk to others
• establishing the process to renew a practitioner’s registration after a period of suspension has ended
• extending powers for National Boards to exclude information about a practitioner from the public register if including it would pose a serious risk to their health or safety, to also include risks to the practitioner’s family members or associates. This includes risks such as those stemming from family, domestic or other violence.

Safety will also be strengthened by making it easier for members of the public to verify a practitioner’s registration, with both a practitioner’s legal name and alternative name (if being used in practice) able to appear on the register.

Some practitioners prefer to practise under an alternative name, such as adopting a traditional name or an anglicised or shortened name. Having both names appear on public register will make it easier for the public to make informed decisions about their care.

Mr Fletcher said the completion of the program of reforms to the National Law will improve health regulation and public safety nationwide.

‘Australia’s health system, as well as the reasons and ways people access it, has changed dramatically over the past 15 years.

‘These reforms allow the regulation scheme to evolve, strengthening Ahpra and National Boards’ ability to protect the public and support practitioners.’

The new updates complete the most significant reforms to the National Law since it came into effect in 2010. More information about the changes, as well as future areas of focus and ways to provide feedback can be found at Ahpra website.

Contact us

• Media inquiries: (03) 8708 9200 or media@ahpra.gov.au
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