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The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and National Boards (except Medical, Nursing and Midwifery and Psychology) have published an advance copy of the revised shared Code of conduct (the code). The updated code will take effect from 29 June 2022, allowing practitioners and other stakeholders to become familiar with the revised document before it is implemented.

Ahpra has also published supporting resources including the code of conduct principles and FAQs. Optometry Australia encourages members to read the updated code and supporting material as these important documents outline the professional standards that are expected of optometrists.

The code applies to registered practitioners in 12 professions including optometry and sets out National Boards’ expectations of professional behaviour and conduct for practitioners registered in these professions.

Originally developed in 2010 for the start of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme, the code has been revised so that it continues to be relevant and useful for practitioners, more accessible for health consumers and an effective and up-to-date regulatory tool.

Importantly, a new section on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and cultural safety has been added, including the National Scheme’s definition of cultural safety. This is a welcome addition and Optometry Australia is also committed to supporting members in this space.

Other updates include overarching principles to guide behaviour including when an issue is not specifically addressed in the code, information about practitioners’ responsibilities in relation to bullying and harassment and more information about vexatious complaints.

Read more on Ahpra’s website.

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Acknowledgement of Country

In the spirit of reconciliation Optometry Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.