AHPRA says it is beefing up its investigatory capabilities as part of a crackdown on fake doctors, which will include the potential for jail time in serious cases.

From Monday, imposters who masquerade as qualified health practitioners will face penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment and increased fines of up to $60,000.

Under changes coming into effect to the health practitioner national law, AHPRA’s statutory offences division is being replaced with a new “criminal offences unit” tasked with investigating complaints.

“We’ve brought together existing resources, plus additional training, support and tools, and liaison arrangements with the state directors of public prosecutions,” AHPRA CEO Martin Fletcher says.