AHPRA works to avoid ‘potential weaponisation’ of notifications

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has embarked on a review of its notifications system to ensure it protects against ‘potential manipulation or weaponisation’ and remains ‘human-centric’. 

In a speech this week, AHPRA CEO Justin Untersteiner reflected on his first year in the top job, outlining a future for the regulator mapped in a recently announced five-year strategy. 

The strategy sets out plans to improve AHPRA systems, with harm prevention being a key focus, along with workforce sustainability and a culturally safe health system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Mr Untersteiner said harm prevention means ensuring responsive regulation, identifying emerging risks and intervening early, and ‘making sure our own processes don’t cultivate harm’. 

‘This goes right to our core purpose – making sure peoples’ experiences of the health and regulatory systems are safe and free from preventable harm’, he said. 

‘We’ve started an end-to-end review of our notifications system, to ensure we are taking a human-centric approach, protecting it from potential manipulation or weaponisation, and meeting the expectations of those involved, around transparency, timeliness and fairness.’ 

Mr Untersteiner also promised that AHPRA will move forward as a ‘listening and learning organisation’. 

‘It’s paramount to our success that we remain relevant and responsive and never lose sight of the people we’re here to protect,’ he said. 

Associate Professor Rashmi Sharma, Chair of RACGP Expert Committee – Funding and Health System Reform, expressed support for the reforms but said ‘the real test will be in how these commitments translate into consistent, measurable and practical improvements for GPs on the ground’. 

‘The RACGP considers the direction outlined … to be a constructive step, particularly the emphasis on becoming a more responsive and learning-oriented regulator,’ she told newsGP.  

‘Trust in AHPRA relies on complaints processes that are timely, transparent, consistent and grounded in natural justice, particularly when information is made public. 

‘We have long been saying that there must be a common-sense approach to regulatory compliance. 

‘GPs shouldn’t be punished and stressed unnecessarily when they’re just doing their best to care for their patients, rather there should be more education and awareness raising activities to ensure practitioners fully understand the rules.’ 

Associate Professor Sharma also emphasised that GP wellbeing is a core part of patient safety.  

‘Notifications can have a significant and often underestimated impact on GPs,’ she said. 

‘Even when concerns are ultimately not substantiated, the process itself can be prolonged, stressful and professionally isolating.  

‘It can affect a GP’s mental health, confidence, and willingness to continue practising – particularly in a workforce already under pressure.  

‘It can also result in unintended consequences such as giving up teaching, being unable to carry out other roles while investigations are being carried out.’ 

Mr Untersteiner said measuring the effectiveness of AHPRA was key to building trust and confidence. 

‘We want to measure our impact at the highest level – to ensure the work we’re doing is affecting the health system in the way we intend to,’ he said.  

‘We’ll be looking at the big things: like trust and confidence, public safety, and the experience of those who work in, and interact with, the regulatory system.’ 

The RACGP provides members a range of mental health resources with strategies for self-care, and a free support program with telephone counselling. 

The college is running a webinar with Avant on mandatory reporting on 21 April. Full details are available on the RACGP website.  

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AHPRA Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency