Final days for feedback on the National Code of Conduct for health workers

Health stakeholders are being urged to lodge their comments on the implementation of the National Code of Conduct for health care workers in the Territory as the consultation period comes to a close.

Ms Leonie McGregor, Deputy Director-General of Health Policy and Strategy for the ACT Health Directorate said the National Code was designed to protect the public by setting minimum standards of conduct and practice for all unregistered health care workers.

The National Code covers workers either not registered under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) for health practitioners or for registered practitioners providing services unrelated to their registration.

“While the vast majority of health care workers practice in a safe, competent and ethical manner, it is important there be a robust set of standards and regulations in place to guide practitioners and protect the community,” Ms McGregor said.

“The implementation of the National Code will enable the ACT Health Services Commissioner to investigate complaints and take action in circumstances where the community may be put at risk.”

The National Code will be implemented by making amendments to the Human Rights Commission Act 2005. This will empower the Commissioner to investigate complaints and prevent health care workers from practising, or impose restrictions, where it is found the health care worker has breached the National Code.

The ACT Health Services Commissioner Karen Toohey said it’s important those providing a health service provide their feedback on how the National Code would be best implemented in the ACT.

“Consultations have been held in all other jurisdictions, so it’s important the ACT community has its say. We want to know what implications implementing the National Code will have for our community, both for health care workers and for people they are providing services to,” Ms Toohey said.

“I encourage interested community members to head to the ACT Health website and provide a submission.”

ACT Health held a six-week consultation in August on proposed amendments to the Human Rights Commission Act 2005 and regulations to implement the National in the ACT. Following that consultation, the ACT Health Directorate now invite any final comments on the proposed National Code.

The consultation period will end on 4 February 2019. Feedback received will contribute to the finalisation of legislation and implementation of the National Code, which is anticipated for introduction to the ACT Legislative Assembly in early 2019.

Further information is available on the ACT Health website at: https://www.health.act.gov.au/about-our-health-system/consumer-involvement/community-consultation/national-code-conduct-health

Page last updated on: 24 Dec 2018