National Code of Conduct for health care workers
On 25 November 2021 the Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Amendment Bill 2021 to implement a National Code of Conduct for health care workers (National Code) was introduced to the Western Australian Parliament. This Bill will amend the Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995.
The purpose of the National Code is to protect the public by setting minimum standards of conduct and practice for all unregistered health care workers who provide a health service.
It will set national standards for disciplinary action to be taken and if necessary, a prohibition order can be issued in circumstances where a health care worker’s continued practice presents a serious risk to public health and safety.
The National Code will be applicable to all health care workers in Western Australia who are not registered under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS), or who provide services unrelated to their registration.
The National Code will not restrict entry into practice; however, it will allow effective action to be taken against a health care worker who fails to comply with the standards as provided for under the National Code. This action includes the issuing of a prohibition order to cease practice or placing conditions on a healthcare worker’s practice where their conduct presents a serious risk to public health and safety.
The Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Amendment Bill 2021 has a strong focus on protecting the public against unregulated health practitioners. It will address an existing regulatory gap in relation to health care workers who are not registered under the 15 professions registered under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme, or who provide services unrelated to their registration, or who are student or volunteer health care workers. These health care workers are currently not subject to the same regulatory controls as registered practitioners.
Under the amendment Bill, the Health and Disability Services Complaints Office (HaDSCO) will implement the National Code through receiving complaints and undertaking investigations.
Timing for the implementation will be dependent on the Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Amendment Bill 2021 being passed in Parliament in the future.
For enquiries relating to the National Code please contact Mr Kieran Handmer, Project Officer from the Health and Disabilities Services Complaints Office on (08) 6551 7600.