AHPRA to act on privacy

THE Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has announced a review of its policies and procedures in relation to safeguarding the confidentiality of people who make notifications about health professionals.

The move follows the conviction of a South Australian GP this month (PD 19 Nov) after he attempted to murder a pharmacist who reported his misconduct to AHPRA.

The case has “shocked and appalled” the Medical and Pharmacy Boards of Australia, with AHPRA saying while the tragic event is exceptionally rare, “it is clearly very serious”.

The Agency noted it is legislated to receive and investigate notifications, and has a legal obligation to ensure processes are fair and transparent to both the person making the complaint and the registered health practitioner about whom concerns are raised.

AHPRA said it preferred that complainants be identified so the affected person could respond, supporting an open and fair process.

However in light of this incident AHPRA has asked the National Health Practitioner Ombudsman and Privacy Commissioner Richelle McCausland to advise on further steps required to protect notifiers.

The findings of the review will be published, with AHPRA saying “we want it to be safe for people to report their concerns”.