Health practitioners have been put on official notice about the need to identify and manage any conflicts of interest, to ensure they always act in the best interests of patients.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the National Boards have released new guidance emphasising how practitioners should deal with financial or commercial conflicts of interest.
Ahpra said it is concerned emerging business models are “creating situations that have the potential to unduly influence the advice and treatment provided by practitioners”.
As a result, Ahpra is reviewing codes of conduct. It has released the new guidance as an interim step until those reviews are complete. The interim guidance is accompanied by case studies flagging various scenarios that may create a real or perceived conflict of interest.
Ahpra is also calling for information on individuals or companies inciting practitioners to do anything amounting to unprofessional conduct – a crime punishable by fines of up to AU$120,000.
Ahpra is concerned others, including business owners, may put that relationship in jeopardy.
Patient Safety the Priority
“The relationship between a patient and their practitioner is based on trust,” said Ahpra CEO Justin Untersteiner.
“The vast majority of practitioners put their patients first and do not allow their clinical judgement to be corrupted by outside influences.” Ahpra is concerned others, including business owners, may put that relationship in jeopardy.
He said the onus is on practitioners to do the right thing, regardless of business model or employment arrangements.
“We take action when practitioners depart from the acceptable standards and also have the power to prosecute those who incite practitioners to do the wrong thing. Patient safety is our priority.”
Ahpra said while practitioners are entitled to profit from their profession, they should always be able to demonstrate that financial or commercial interests did not influence clinical decision making or patient care. They should ensure that any assessment, treatment, medicine or device they recommend is based on their clinical assessment that it is suitable for that individual patient.
“We want anyone with concerns about a practitioner to contact us immediately. And we also want to hear about any individuals or businesses that may be pressuring practitioners to do the wrong thing.”
Ahpra is also seeking information on emerging risks, business practices, systems or organisational arrangements that may affect public safety, or influence registered health practitioners’ professional judgement or decision making.
Further information is available on the Ahpra website.
