AHPRA’s general counsel has warned that defining sexual misconduct is rarely clear-cut as the watchdog prepares to publish historical findings on the medical register next month.

From 10 April, the public register on AHPRA’s website will identify health practitioners from any of the 16 regulated professions who have been found guilty of professional misconduct where sexual misconduct was “a basis” for the findings.

The change was demanded by health ministers after a 2023 ABC report said more than 160 doctors found guilty of sexual misconduct were still practising.

However, the new rules do not define sexual misconduct, meaning the boards are reviewing 16 years of professional misconduct findings — some 5000 judgements — to decide which to publish.