To improve its handling of sexual boundary matters, Ahpra and National Boards conducted a public review in late 2023 of the Criminal history registration standard which applies to all registered health practitioners. 

After consideration of all feedback, Ahpra developed a draft Criminal history registration standard and new supporting materials.  Ahpra conducted a targeted consultation on the draft standard. RACS was among the organisations that made a submission to this targeted consultation in August 2024 (PDF 174.6KB). Overall, RACS found the draft standard clear, relevant and workable. 

RACS had a number of specific recommendations in its submission, including that:
Any publication of the registered health practitioners’ criminal history should be clearly explained in the registration standard
It would be beneficial to have a central agency that certifies good standing for a health practitioner, making it easier for individual hospitals to ensure good governance is maintained in their credentialling of staff
It is important to have a reporting system that automatically shares relevant criminal history information which is inclusive of police jurisdictions and state-based health complaint statutory bodies

RACS looks forward to further engaging on this important initiative with Ahpra in the interest of improving patient safety.

Read the submission (PDF 174.6KB)