THE Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) has welcomed recommendations made by health ministers in the final report of the independent review of complexity in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme, led by independent reviewer Sue Dawson.
The final report features 26 recommended actions, including Ahpra carrying out a review of its organisational capability to ensure the agency has the right skills, roles and tools to be a contemporary regulator of health practitioners.
The industry body has also been advised to collaborate with other agencies to reform the complaints system to ensure it is timely and transparent, and continue to bolster its work on proactive regulation that prevents harm.
Ahpra Chief Executive Officer Justin Untersteiner (pictured) said the agency will continue to build on work already underway and on future reforms, in collaboration with ministers, departments and other stakeholders.
"Australia's health system is facing challenges including workforce shortages, questions around patient access and affordability, and the impact of new technologies and new business models," Untersteiner said.
"Our ongoing reform program will ensure that Ahpra continues to evolve, becoming a regulator that is more proactive and adaptable - and with public safety still our number one priority."
Untersteiner revealed that Ahpra is currently finalising a new National Scheme Strategy and corporate plan in line with the review's findings.
"The National Scheme has been built on solid foundations but there is much more to do.
"We know that what got us here, won't get us there."
Ahpra has already been collaborating with other stakeholders to better protect the public through harm prevention, including the recent release of guidance on medicinal cannabis and cosmetic procedures, as well as the ongoing work of its Rapid Regulatory Response Unit.
Additionally, the agency has begun streamlining its workforce processes, including through a new National Strategy Partnerships Committee that brings together the Ahpra Board, National Board chairs and the Community Advisory Council, as well as launching several projects to help provide better data and insights for governments to support workforce planning. JM
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