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By Rhiannon Riches
Assistant Editor

 

A revised registration standard for professional indemnity insurance arrangements will come into effect on 1 July and replace the current standard.

This standard will apply to all optometrists who will need to meet the obligations of the revised standard either:

  • by the time they next renew their professional indemnity insurance arrangements policy, or
  • by their next renewal of registration after 1 October 2016, whichever is sooner.

The Optometry Board of Australia (OBA) released the revised standard in December 2015 after it was approved by the Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council.

Optometry Board – Registration standard – professional indemnity insurance arrangements

Optometry Australia’s professional indemnity insurance policy is provided by Avant. Optometry Australia CEO Genevieve Quilty says the organisation and Avant have shared a 15-year partnership.

‘Our policy is fully compliant with the OBA’s revised standards, so our members can be assured that they are meeting their professional registration responsibilities,’ Ms Quilty said.

‘Avant has the most experienced medico-legal support team in Australia and is available 24/7 to provide confidential advice. It provides an unparalleled understanding of our profession when you most need it. Along with Avant being the largest medical indemnity insurer in Australia, the Avant policy offers nil excess on claims, and covers practice entity and staff working under your direction.

‘This is important to keep in mind as each state division in our federated organisation is commencing the registration renewal period with their respective members,’ Ms Quilty said.

Information about the revised professional indemnity insurance arrangements standard, including a brief consultation report and frequently asked questions, can be found on the Professional indemnity insurance arrangements page of the AHPRA website.

Prescription of Optical Appliances revised guideline now in effect

A revised guideline on the prescription of optical appliances came into effect on 1 June.

The OBA said it had not experienced any major issues in relation to compliance with the guidelines and had not made any significant changes. The guidelines were revised because they were scheduled for review. They have been published on the OBA’s website.

Impending audit

The OBA will be conducting an audit commencing in early June. The OBA randomly selects optometrists to audit their compliance with mandatory registration standards.

One or more of four mandatory registration standards may be audited, including criminal history, CPD, recency of practice and professional indemnity insurance.

Optometry Australia offers assistance to members who have been selected for audit.

Phone Optometry Australia on 03 9668 8500 or email national@optometry.org.au.

Filed in category: Uncategorised

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.