THE Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Health Council has issued a new consultation paper canvassing a range of possible changes to the National Law governing regulation of health professionals in Australia.
Feedback is sought on a host of issues with the aim of "keeping the National Law up to date and fit for purpose," as a second tranche of amendments following recent changes including the introduction of the national regulation of paramedics and stronger complaints management procedures (PD 08 Sep 2017).
The consultation has been welcomed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), with ceo Martin Fletcher saying "the National law is the cornerstone of how we regulate registered health practitioners in Australia, and we welcome the opportunity for the public and practitioners to have their say".
Possible changes would see the law amended to allow registration to be withdrawn where it has been improperly obtained, without having to commence disciplinary proceedings.
There are also proposed modifications to advertising offences, increasing penalties and modifying the existing prohibition on testimonials in the context of the "internet age and social media".
The paper canvasses giving AHPRA the power to publish more information on the public register, including disciplinary information, and empowering a National Board to also remove certain details of a practitioner in cases of domestic and family violence.
Written submissions are due by midnight AEST on Wed 31 Oct 2018, and can be sent via email to nras.consultation@dhhs.vic.gov.au.
More information can be found at coaghealthcouncil.gov.au.
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