News
Delays in AHPRA response times
The regulator has implemented a new operating system, which is resulting in delays for both doctors and the wider community.
AHPRA now regulates more than 920,000 practitioners, nearly double the number when the scheme first began.
GPs dealing with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) are reporting facing significant delays, including call wait times stretching up to two hours.
According to AHPRA, the delays are due to a recent systems upgrade, which was implemented in March.
The health watchdog has apologised that its phones are busy and is recommending those wanting to get in touch make an online enquiry as response times are expected to take up to 10 business days.
‘A new system takes time for our staff to learn and use efficiently, and this means there will be some delays to the normal timeframes for our regulatory services,’ an AHPRA spokesperson told newsGP.
AHPRA is now responsible for regulating more than 920,000 practitioners, which is nearly double the number when the scheme first began 15 years ago.
With demands for AHPRA services continuing to grow, the regulator said the new operating system is designed to provide ‘greater capacity to meet the increased workload and better serve practitioners, applicants and students’.
‘The system is designed to make it easier, faster and more secure to apply for registration with a new portal for practitioners and digital smart forms for all new applicants and registration renewals,’ the AHPRA spokesperson said.
‘[It] includes an online biometric identity verification service that replaces the previous intensive, manual process for easier, faster registration for international applicants.
‘Other features include a new two-step verification for enhanced security, improved and easier-to-use “Raise of Concern” forms for notifications, and a new data model that will better identify trends.’
In anticipation of any unforeseen issues, and to help mitigate any potential impact on the health workforce, AHPRA said it has taken several steps in the lead up to the new operating system’s implementation. These include:
- implementing the new system during the time of year that the regulator traditionally receives the fewest new applications for registration
- flagging the new system and its potential impacts to assessment timeframes early, to ensure employers were prepared
- working closely with employers and other stakeholders to ensure urgent applications are assessed within the required timeframes and can be escalated if issues arise.
In the meantime, while delays continue, AHPRA has assured that it will be prioritising ‘high-risk notifications and the processing of registration applications and renewals’.
‘We are also providing ongoing Q&A sessions for employers to keep them up to date about potential impacts and provide an opportunity for them to raise concerns,’ an AHPRA spokesperson said.
Log in below to join the conversation.
AHPRA operating system processing times
newsGP weekly poll
Which of the following areas are you more likely to discuss during a routine consultation?