Under landmark changes to the National Law, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) has begun amending entries for a small number of registered health practitioners listed on the public register of practitioners and the register of cancelled practitioners. The amendment being made to their register entry clarifies that a formal finding of professional misconduct made against that practitioner had a basis in sexual misconduct. This change is designed to help protect the public and support informed health care decisions.

Register entries are being amended by Ahpra for registered practitioners who, going back to 2010, have had a finding of professional misconduct made against them where the basis of the finding was sexual misconduct. This is now being clearly identified on the register, and linked to published decisions, including any conditions or penalties.

This change in the public record reinforces that sexual misconduct, which includes inappropriate relationships, breaches of professional boundaries, harassment, and criminal offences, is a serious breach of professional standards. While the overall number of practitioners impacted by this change is relatively small, the availability of this additional information about specific practitioners will help the public make safer, more informed decisions about their health care, and will improve transparency and accountability across the health care system.

We understand that information about sexual misconduct can be distressing. Confidential support services are available for anyone affected. If you need help or wish to report concerns about sexual misconduct, let us know via our contact us page.

For more information, visit Ahpra website.