By Mardi O’Keefe
An Ahpra notification is a concern raised about a registered health practitioner that may be investigated by Ahpra.
Most junior doctors understandably think, ‘It won’t happen to me.’ We hope it doesn’t – however, junior doctors do receive notifications, and the process can be stressful, lengthy and have a significant professional impact.
The good news is that there are practical things you can do to reduce your risk. Most come back to good professional habits, knowing your boundaries, asking for help and seeking advice early. Here’s a handy ‘cheat sheet’ with everything you need to know.
Who regulates you?
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) – Registers health practitioners and students, investigates notifications and supports national boards.
Medical Board of Australia – Registers doctors and students, develops codes and standards and decides outcomes of complaints.
The Medical Board makes decisions and Ahpra carries them out.
How Ahpra notifications arise
There are two types of notifications:
Voluntary – Can relate to conduct, clinical performance, impairment, contravening the law or suitability for registration.
Mandatory – Can be made by colleagues, employers and educators. Notifiable conduct includes drug and alcohol misuse, sexual misconduct, impairment and poor standards.
What the process can involve
Notification received and doctor alerted.
Response required and possible suspension while investigated.
Investigation including interviews and evidence gathering.
Board decision and in some cases progression to a Tribunal and public hearing.
This process can take years to resolve and is (obviously) best avoided altogether.
Common risks for doctors in training
There are some notification triggers that doctors in training need to be particularly aware of:
Self-prescribing – Never acceptable.
Substance misuse – Access to drugs increases risk.
Breaches of professional boundaries – Including with peers and patients and through telehealth.
Performance issues – Including unsafe practice, lack of insight, bullying and patient complaints.
Professional behaviours to safeguard yourself with
Wellbeing and self-care – Stress can contribute to poor decisions. Build strategies that help you self-regulate under pressure. As your career develops, think carefully about rotations and career pathways that align with your strengths and seek work that energises and sustains you.
Feedback and growth mindset – Actively seek feedback from different sources. Listen and respond positively. Say thank you. Treat feedback as useful information that can help you improve your performance and support a culture where feedback is normal.
Boundary management – Keep relationships with colleagues and patients professional. Never have a sexual relationship with a patient, and never treat family and friends. Respect confidentiality and manage your own privacy. Be cautious on social media and always work within the scope of your role. If you are unsure, escalate.
Professionalism first –Professionalism is ultimately about how you behave and conduct yourself. It impacts your reputation, shapes your career progression and helps protect your registration.
You don't need to spend your internship worrying about receiving an AHPRA notification. You do need to understand that it can happen and take your professional responsibilities seriously from day one.
Workplace practices to reduce your risk
Some of the simplest, most effective and self-protective things you can do are:
Ask for help early. Get advice from experts, not social media.
Keep a work diary. Contemporaneous notes (notes made at the time) can protect you.
Stay within your scope of practice.
Listen actively and seek clarity before acting.
Be punctual and communicate if you are delayed.
Know the difference between clinical and non-clinical issues.
Be cautious about informal advice.
Call AMA Victoria as soon as you suspect there may be a problem.
Further resources
Mardi O’Keefe is the Director of Engagement & Professional Growth at AMA Victoria.