04 January 2008

Unregistered health practitioners to abide by new regulations

NSW Health Minister, Reba Meagher, released a draft code of conduct today that will give the Health Care Complaints Commission greater power to take disciplinary action against unregistered health practitioners.

'Unregistered health practitioner' is a term that covers health care providers such as counsellors and psychotherapists, massage therapists, naturopaths and herbalists, as well as Reiki therapists and homeopaths.

As part of the code, unregistered health practitioners must not:

• make claims to their ability to cure cancer or other terminal illnesses
• attempt to dissuade clients from seeking or continuing treatment by a registered medical practitioner
• financially exploit their clients
• diagnose or treat an illness or condition without an adequate clinical basis

"The overwhelming majority of unregistered health practitioners are honest, competent and caring," Ms Meagher said.

"However, as with all professions, there are a small number of practitioners who fall short of the standards of practice expected by their peers and the community.

"The code of conduct will provide the HCCC with a set of standards against which to objectively assess the conduct of practitioners. It will enable them to investigate complaints and take disciplinary action against practitioners found to be exploiting or taking advantage of vulnerable people.

"The code of conduct will also provide unregistered practitioners with a clear statement of the standards of conduct the community expects them to meet."

Fundamental to the code of conduct is the requirement that all unregistered health practitioners practise in a safe and ethical manner.

Ms Meagher said the NSW Government welcomes submissions on the draft code of conduct and related impact assessment statement over the next six weeks.

Advertisements will also be placed in major daily newspapers inviting submissions. The documents are also available on the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au