AMA warning over AHPRA’s ‘unnecessary’ new powers
But the watchdog will have to wait to flex its new regulatory muscle, as governments are yet to announce a start date for National Law reforms
AHPRA has been given the green light to publicly name doctors under investigation after MPs voted in favour of controversial legal reforms.
The laws were passed by Queensland Parliament on Thursday but are expected to be adopted across Australia.
The Medical Board of Australia says it will only publicly identify doctors during investigations in extreme circumstances, and that it will not be making use of its new powers until state governments decide on official start dates — a process that could take up to 12 months.
But the AMA remains concerned the changes will impact doctors’ mental health, reputations and careers, without protecting patients.
