RACGP support for proposed mandatory reporting change

The Senate Community Affairs Reference Committee has called for changes to current mandatory reporting laws that the RACGP has long maintained discourage GPs from seeking mental health care.
 
The recommendations, contained in a report into the administration of registration and notifications by AHPRA and related entities, call for the Ministerial Council to remove current mandatory reporting requirements and instead align the approach with the Western Australian model.
 
RACGP President Adjunct Clinical Professor Karen Price responded to the committee’s recommendations, saying change to mandatory reporting requirements is long overdue.
 
‘It’s very welcome news that the committee recognises the need for this change,’ she said.
 
‘The RACGP has been a strong advocate against the laws requiring mandatory reporting by treating practitioners because they discourage doctors from seeking the healthcare they need for fear of being reported. These laws need to change urgently.
 
‘GPs, like other medical professionals, are not immune from mental health concerns.
 
‘And now more than ever it’s vital that we take care of our mental health, because the pandemic has placed extra stress on GPs, who are experiencing burnout, anxiety and depression as a result.’
 
A number of newsGP weekly polls appear to support Professor Price’s assertions.
 
In February of this year, 31% of respondents indicated that their mental health had deteriorated as result of the pandemic, while a July 2021 poll found that mandatory reporting laws have dissuaded 52% of respondents from seeking mental health support.
 
And while minor amendments to mandatory reporting laws were introduced in 2019, along with updated guidelines aiming to reduce confusion surrounding requirements, Professor Price said these changes did not go far enough.
 
Aside from the proposed mandatory reporting changes, Professor Price welcomed recommendations that address RACGP concerns surrounding the need for better education and awareness of regulatory processes.
 
‘It’s also pleasing to see the committee recommends that AHPRA and the national boards undertake education and awareness activities, explaining notifications and other complaints pathways, with health practices,’ she said.
 
‘There are systemic issues that arise with AHPRA regulatory processes that need to be addressed.
 
‘It is good to see [the regulator] recognising the issues within the system, and it is increasingly willing to appropriately address them following several years of inquiries.’
 
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AHPRA Mandatory reporting mental health