The Tasmanian Government is seeking feedback on the Health Complaints (Code of Conduct) Regulations 2024 to apply the National Code of Conduct for health care workers (the Code) in Tasmania.
This legislation, which strengthens the regulatory framework on unregistered health practitioners operating in Tasmania, commenced on 31 December 2024.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Guy Barnett, said the Code sets minimum standards of conduct and practice, in turn providing greater protections for the public.
"This is an important step forward to ensuring when Tasmanians are engaging with an unregistered healthcare practitioner, they can be assured they're doing so safely," the Attorney-General said.
"The Code sets national standards against which disciplinary action can be taken and, if necessary, allows a prohibition order to be issued in circumstances where a health care worker's continued practice presents a serious risk to public health and safety.
"Because health care workers are not registered as health practitioners, the Code does not restrict entry to practice, but allows effective action to be taken against an unregistered health care worker who fails to comply with proper standards of conduct or practice.
"The sorts of occupations which will be covered by the Code include but are not limited to counsellors, massage therapists, dietitians, speech pathologists and naturopaths.
"Responsibility for the Code of Conduct functions will be undertaken by the Health Complaints Commissioner.
"Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future we're always looking for ways we can improve and refine Tasmania's legislation."
The introduction of the Code in Tasmania partially satisfies recommendation 15.21(b) of the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government's Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings.
The public consultation period will be open to 6 April 2025.
