REGULATION OF MEDICAL SERVICE PROVIDERS IN AUSTRALIA

Background: Australia, a federation of States and Territories, is governed by a constitution which defines legislative powers without, necessarily, providing requisite funds to properly underwrite such services. Introduction: The system is complex with shared responsibilities. Registration and accreditation of health care providers in Australia: The National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) transcended medical professionals and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) provides oversight: facilitating cross borders care; ensures qualifications and standards; language proficiency; recency; professional development; indemnity insurance; and criminal reviews. Comparison of regulatory systems: USA has predominantly state regulation decision-making autonomy and questions self-regulation. Canada has national registration although state issues impede across province border services. Despite greater self-regulation, regulatory authorities supervise: entry-to-practice credentials; public register; practice standards; and disciplinary proceedings. Canada is moving towards an umbrella regulatory system. UK has 10 separate statutory organizations/councils supervising: standards; quality assurance; register; and dealing with complaints. There is a Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care with regular reviews and can intercede if disagreeing with outcomes.