APA (NSW) Newsletter Issue 13
CURRENT ISSUE
Registration and Paramedicine Council consider suspending or imposing restrictions on your registration if there is an immediate risk or if it is otherwise in the public interest.
Practitioner Regulation Agency of our decisions so it can update the national register of health practitioners
They describe their role as “not to punish or discipline practitioners. When we take action, the protection of the health and safety of the public is our primary consideration.”
• Monitor the practitioner’s compliance with any conditions (conditions on their registration or restricting their practice)
They also ensure that practitioners and students comply with any conditions on their registration that restrict their practice.
We have had incidences of supporting members through the process of Paramedicine Council of NSW referrals from their employer. Overall, we give credit to the panels we have worked with that have aligned well with the core values of our industry, with a transparent process and understanding of the associated stress these processes cause for Paramedics who wake up every day wanting to do the best for their community. The Council’s role is to manage complaints about the conduct, performance and health of registered health practitioners and students in NSW. They describe their focus as ensuring safe professional practice, maintaining public safety and minimising risk. Their role is to assess the seriousness of the alleged conduct or behaviour and any information received, along with the risk of recurrence. They may hold an urgent hearing and can act to protect the public and
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As part of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme, they manage complaints together with the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC). This involves the sharing of information and making joint decisions on the most effective and efficient ways of handling complaints. Actions that may be taken by the Paramedicine Council may include: • Make further inquiries with the practitioner • Require the practitioner to attend a health and/or performance assessment • Hold a panel or committee meeting to decide whether or not they need to restrict the practitioner’s practice • Direct the practitioner to attend counselling
• Determine that no further action is required In the unfortunate circumstance where a referral is made involving our members, we will work with you in preparing and navigating this process including the provision of a support person should a tribunal hearing be required. For more information, visit: • https://www. paramedicinecouncil.nsw.gov.au/ • https://www. paramedicinecouncil.nsw.gov.au/ what-we-do-0 • https://www. paramedicinecouncil.nsw.gov.au/ list-fact-sheets • https://www.hccc.nsw.gov. au/Complaints/Complaint-Process
Thanks to APA (NSW) Delegate Jeff Andrews for putting together this information.
• Refer a complaint for investigation to the HCCC or another person or body, such as a hospital or agency •
Advise the Australian Health
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