The McGowan Government has today introduced a Bill to State Parliament to provide for a National Code of Conduct for unregistered healthcare workers (National Code) in Western Australia.
Occupations that will be captured by the National Code include massage therapists, dietitians, speech pathologists, counsellors and other types of allied, alternative and community health services.
It will also apply to all healthcare workers who are not registered under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme, or who provide services unrelated to their registration, or who are students or volunteer healthcare workers.
The purpose of the National Code is to better protect the public by setting minimum standards of conduct and practice for all unregistered healthcare workers who provide a health service.
The National Code will allow action to be taken against a healthcare worker who fails to comply with the minimum standards as provided for under the National Code.
Under the Bill, the Health and Disability Services Complaints Office will implement the National Code through receiving complaints and undertaking investigations of an alleged breach of the National Code and penalties of $30,000 can apply.
This action includes the issuing of a prohibition order to cease practice or placing conditions on a healthcare worker's practice where their conduct presents a serious risk to public health and safety.
This Bill will amend the Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"The National Code of Conduct provides minimum practice standards for healthcare workers.
"The National Code will require all healthcare workers to provide services in a safe and ethical manner.
"It will also bring Western Australia into line with other States including South Australia, Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales in providing a consistent set of healthcare worker standards across the country.
"The overwhelming majority of healthcare workers practice in a safe, competent and ethical manner, however there is a small number who undermine the good reputation of those doing the right thing.
"This legislation will ensure the Western Australian community is better protected against providers who make false claims to cure illnesses, financially exploit clients and engage in sexual misconduct or improper personal relationships with their clients."
