Mandatory Reporting
Webinar 21 Apr, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (AEST)
This webinar provides an overview of mandatory reporting laws, the role of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) in enforcing these laws and the obligations of treating and non-treating doctors. Medico-legal lawyers from Avant explain the thresholds for making a notification, clarify what does not need to be reported, and outline the different arrangements that apply in Western Australia where doctors are exempt from mandatory reporting obligations.
The session aims to dispel myths and common misconceptions about mandatory reporting, an area that often generates anxiety and confusion for GPs, to ensure GPs feel safe to seek advice when required. It also directs attendees to information, resources and support services available to assist GP health and wellbeing.
*The information in this presentation is provided for general information and continuing professional development purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory or other professional advice. This presentation is intended as general guidance only and may not reflect specific facts, risks or obligations of a particular situation. Laws, regulations and policies may change over time and differ between jurisdictions. While reasonable care has been taken in preparing this presentation, no warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness, reliability or currency. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the presenter(s) and the RACGP accept no liability for any loss, damage, cost or expense arising directly or indirectly from reliance on this presentation or from any errors or omissions in it. Attendees should exercise their own independent skill, care and judgment when considering the information contained in this presentation and should obtain their own independent legal or other professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances before acting or relying on any information provided. Any reference to third-party materials, organisations, products or services are for convenience only and do not constitute endorsement, approval or recommendation unless expressly stated otherwise. Views expressed by presenters are provided for educational purposes and do not necessarily represent the formal position of the RACGP. This disclaimer should be read together with any applicable terms of use, policies, licences or conditions associated with the presentation or related materials.
Learning outcomes
- Describe the circumstances in which a mandatory notification must be made to Ahpra about another health practitioner.
- Compare mandatory notification obligations for treating and non-treating doctors, including key differences in thresholds and responsibilities.
- Identify information, resources and support services available to GPs in relation to mandatory reporting, including when a GP is the subject of a notification to Ahpra.
Educational Activities
1.0
hours
Facilitator
Dr Tony Bayliss
Chair, RACGP Regulation and Compliance Working Group
Dr Tony Bayliss is a GP practice owner in the outer suburbs of Brisbane who is also a member of the RACGP Queensland Faculty and the RACGP Expert Committee – Funding and Health System Reform. In both of these roles, he has exposure to the medicolegal aspects of General Practice and understands the sensitivities involved in interactions with our various regulators. As a practice owner, he is acutely aware of the regulatory challenges faced by grassroots GPs and welcomes the opportunity to minimise the burdens that GPs experience.
Presenters
Georgie Haysom
General Manager, Advocacy Education and Research, Avant
Georgie has worked in health law for over 30 years, assisting, advising and educating doctors on a wide range of medico-legal issues, including several years representing doctors in medical negligence litigation. She has worked in advocacy and public policy for the past 12 years, including advocating for changes to mandatory reporting laws. She has a long-standing interest in the interaction between the law, medicine and ethics, and the way in which the law impacts on medical practice.
Tracy Pickett
Legal and Policy Adviser, Avant
Tracy has more than 26 years’ experience in medico-legal complaint management and litigation. As a senior lawyer and member of Avant’s Advocacy, Education and Research team, she focuses on emerging medico-legal issues, including the risks associated with artificial intelligence in healthcare. A former director of the Queensland Doctors’ Health Programme, Tracy is a long-standing advocate for doctors’ health and wellbeing.
Dr Shaun Prentice
Research Officer – GP Training, RACGP
Dr Prentice is a researcher with the RACGP in GP training and a psychologist. His PhD focused on GP registrar burnout and wellbeing, and he continues to conduct research in this area. Clinically, Dr Prentice works with doctors as they respond to burnout and stress. He is a strong advocate for the need for intersectoral reform and cultural change to support doctors’ health and wellbeing.