The AMA is warning that proposed new powers to publicly name doctors under investigation by AHPRA will “permanently damage” their reputations even if they are later cleared of misconduct. 

The powers, contained in draft laws introduced last month, are designed to give the watchdog the ability to warn patients their safety could be at risk.  

They give the example of an investigation that reveals a health practitioner routinely failed to follow sterilisation procedures and potentially exposed patients to an infectious disease. 

The bill, which will be adopted across Australia if passed by the Queensland Parliament, says AHPRA should publicly “revoke” a warning if the situation changes.