AMA submission — consultation on the review of the criminal history registration standard
The AMA’s submission calls for a firm but fair standard.
The AMA provided feedback in late 2023 during the first consultation round on the review of the Ahpra’s criminal history registration standards, with some of the AMA’s feedback implemented by Ahpra.
The AMA’s second submission to Ahpra is calling for a firm but fair standard to be implemented. It is essential Ahpra balances the protection of the public with the rights and expectations of practitioners.
Overall, the information in the standard adequately explains how and when the criminal history standard applies and what the requirements of the standard are. It also appropriately and fairly balances the rights of the public to access safe healthcare against the rights of practitioners who have been subject to regulatory action.
The AMA recognises there is no black-and-white way to apply a standard procedure to assess criminal history of each practitioner. Decisions about registration however must be proportionate to the seriousness and nature of the offence, length of time since the offence, and age at time of committing the offence.
We advocate for a fair standard and for practitioners to not be punished in perpetuity for minor or historical offences. This works towards a key AMA advocacy point in minimising practitioner distress from the regulatory process.
