ACT Health has reminded stakeholders intending to comment on a proposed national code of conduct for health workers that the deadline for submissions is fast approaching.
Deputy Director-General of Health Policy and Strategy at the ACT Health Directorate, Leonie McGregor said the code was designed to protect the public by setting minimum standards of conduct and practice for all unregistered health care workers.
“The national code covers workers either not registered under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme for health practitioners, or for registered practitioners providing services unrelated to their registration,” Ms McGregor said.
“While the vast majority of health care workers practice in a safe, competent and ethical manner, it is important there be a robust set of standards and regulations in place to guide practitioners and protect the community.”
She said the implementation of the code would enable the ACT Health Services Commissioner to investigate complaints and take action in circumstances where the community might be at risk.
Commissioner for ACT Health Services, Karen Toohey said it was important those providing a health service give feedback on how the code would be best implemented in the ACT.
“Consultations have been held in all other jurisdictions, so it’s important the ACT community has its say,” Ms Toohey said.
“We want to know what implications implementing the National Code will have for our community, both for health care workers and for people they are providing services to,” she said.
The consultation period will end on 21 December and the five-page consultation paper can be accessed on the ACT Health website at this PS New link.
