News COAG has emphasised public protection is the paramount consideration for any potential action against a health practitioner. The directions reinforce that consultation with patient safety and healthcare consumer bodies is required for any new or revised registration standards, codes or guidelines, while emphasising that public protection is the paramount consideration for any potential regulatory action against a health practitioner. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Chief Executive Martin Fletcher welcomed the directions. He said the new guidelines clearly articulate what National Boards and AHPRA need to take into account when administering the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme . ‘As the national regulators, it is AHPRA and the National Boards’ responsibility to protect the public and prevent harm,’ Mr Fletcher said. ‘We are pleased that most health practitioners practise safely and well. In 2018–19, around 98% of all registered practitioners did not have any concerns reported about their conduct, […]