Advance copy of the revised Supervised Practice Framework now available

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the Optometry Board of Australia have released an advance copy of the revised Supervised practice framework (‘the Framework’), designed to make it simpler, quicker, and cheaper for internationally qualified health practitioners to work in Australia. This follows extensive public consultations and focus groups, and is now available for review here.

Key changes to the Framework

The revised framework introduces several pivotal updates to support both supervisors and supervisees:

• Refined supervision levels: Clearer descriptions of supervision levels, including the expanded use of virtual supervision in Level 2.
• Interprofessional support: Enhanced guidance on utilising multi-supervisor or interprofessional supervised practice arrangements.
• Focus on wellbeing: The inclusion of a dedicated section addressing personal wellbeing and psychological safety.
• Clearer safety standards: Improved clarity surrounding public safety risks and the overall structure of the framework.

New supervised practice hub

To assist practitioners with these changes, Ahpra has developed a Supervised Practice Hub. This online resource centre hosts tailored FAQs, documents, and tools designed to support both supervisors and supervisees within the National Scheme.

Next steps and contact information

The revised framework and the Hub are scheduled for implementation in mid-August 2026. While the official effective date and transition period are still being finalised, optometrists are encouraged to review the advance copy now to familiarise themselves with the new guidelines.

For more information, please visit Ahpra’s webpage here or contact:

• Ahpra Optometry: Email eo.optometry@ahpra.gov.au
• Optometry Australia Help Desk: Email OAhelpdesk@optometry.org.au