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RACGP calls for criminal history check changes
Nationwide consistency and removing the need to declare ‘trivial offences’ are among the changes listed in a submission to the regulator.
According to AHPRA, in 2021–22 just six of the 75,000 criminal history check applications it received were refused.
The RACGP is calling on AHPRA to cut the ‘unnecessary red tape’ for GPs, as it reviews criminal history checks for health practitioners.
Last month, AHPRA announced it was reviewing the standard to ensure it was still up to date and relevant to today’s workforce.
Currently, what must be declared varies across Australia, and can include the need to state any unpaid parking fines or speeding tickets.
In its submission into the review, the RACGP is calling for ‘common sense to prevail’.
RACGP Expert Committee – Funding and Health System Reform member Dr Emil Djakic said while the checks are important, it is also crucial to remove unnecessary stress for GPs.
‘It must be front of mind for AHPRA that GPs are time poor and want to maximise time spent helping patients rather than wading through complex paperwork,’ he said.
‘To take one example, the college opposes the requirement for practitioners to declare certain minor offences to the regulatory body when applying for or renewing registration.
‘Trivial offences, such as parking fines, are not relevant to whether someone is fit to engage in clinical practice. So, these should not have to be declared, particularly if years and years have passed.’
According to AHPRA, in 2021–22 it received more than 75,000 criminal history checks.
Of those, 15 applicants were granted registrations with some restrictions, and just six had their application refused.
Dr Djakic said this ‘relatively miniscule’ number of applicants whose registration was impacted underscores the need to review the onerous declaration requirements currently in place.
‘Why not remove one extra headache that GPs have to navigate and have AHPRA enforce a standardised approach to declarations so that there is nationwide consistency?’ he said.
‘GPs are working harder than ever before and already have a lot on their plate when it comes to regulation and compliance work.
‘Let’s cut unnecessary red tape and give GPs a break.’
AHPRA’s review is part of its blueprint for reform to strengthen public safety in health regulation, focusing on sexual misconduct in healthcare.
Submissions will remain open until 29 September.
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AHPRA criminal history registration standard
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