Cook Government protects unregulated health practitioners

• Cook Government implements Code of Conduct to protect those using unregulated health practitioner services
• Allied, alternative and community health services captured
• New Code of Conduct to be regulated by the Health and Disability Service Complaints Office (HaDSCO)
• New regulations to better protect Western Australians

The Cook Government has introduced a Code of Conduct for healthcare workers who are not required to be registered through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Examples of healthcare workers covered by the new Code of Conduct include dieticians, doulas, speech pathologists, social workers, counsellors, naturopaths, massage therapists and other types of allied, alternative and community health services.

The Health and Disability Service Complaints Office (HaDSCO) will be responsible for investigating breaches of the Code of Conduct.

Similar to AHPRA, HaDSCO will issue public statements and prohibition orders to make people aware of non-compliant practitioners.

Conditions can be placed on a healthcare worker's practice where their conduct presents a serious risk to public health and safety and penalties of $30,000 can apply.

Comments attributed to Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"While we know the vast majority of healthcare workers practice in a safe and responsible manner, the Cook Government wants a Code of Conduct in place that helps protect patients from providers that make false claims.

"The new Code of Conduct sets the minimum standard of conduct and practice for healthcare workers who are not required to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

"The implementation of the Code of Conduct delivers on the Cook Government's commitment to protect those using unregulated health practitioner services."