Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Mandatory notifications: What you need to know
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Mandatory notifications: What you need to know

What mandatory notification means for you

What is a mandatory notification?

Notifying us about a concern that a health practitioner may be putting public safety at risk is called a ‘notification’.

Anyone can make a voluntary notification about a health practitioner, but by law, registered health practitioners, employers and education providers must make a mandatory notification in some limited circumstances. Mandatory notifications help to protect the public by ensuring that Ahpra and the National Boards are alerted to any potential risks to the public.

What’s changed?

On 1 March 2020, the requirements to make a mandatory notification changed. The changes aim to support health practitioners to seek help about their health without fearing a mandatory notification.

To help practitioners understand the changes, we have updated our mandatory notifications guidelines.

Helpful resources for health practitioners

Understanding when to make a mandatory notification and when not to is an important way you can help to protect the public and support your colleagues.

Here you will find resources to help you understand mandatory notifications.

View resources »

Find out more

Guidelines for mandatory notifications

New guidelines on mandatory notifications have now been released. These are in effect from 1 March 2020.

Find out more »

Seek the help you need: a health issue rarely needs a mandatory notification

Find out where to seek professional health advice if you need it, because looking after yourself is part of being a health professional.

Find out more »

Treating a patient or client who is a health practitioner?

Treat your practitioner-patient or refer, and notify only if necessary.

Find out more »
 
 
Page reviewed 14/12/2023