In a significant update to Australia’s health practitioner regulations, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and National Boards have been granted new powers to enhance public safety. Effective 1 July 2024, these changes mark the most substantial reforms to the National Law since its 2010 inception. Other changes in the same package of amendments to the National Law started in October 2022 and May 2023.
A key feature of this latest update is the ability to issue interim prohibition orders (IPOs) against unregistered practitioners, including those suspended, when they pose a serious risk to public health. This power, previously limited to some state and territory health complaints bodies, will be used judiciously in exceptional circumstances.
The reforms also introduce a process for renewing registration after suspension and expand the grounds for excluding information from the public register to protect practitioners and their families from potential harm. To improve transparency and facilitate informed decision-making, the public register will now display both legal and alternative names used by practitioners in their practice. This change addresses the practice of professionals using traditional, anglicised, or shortened names.
Ahpra CEO Martin Fletcher emphasised that these updates aim to evolve the regulatory scheme, strengthening public protection while supporting practitioners. The reforms reflect the significant changes in Australia’s health system and access patterns over the past 15 years.
For more detailed information, practitioners can visit the Ahpra website: ahpra.gov.au.