AHPRA warns practitioners about financial conflicts of interest
24 Sep 2026
AHPRA said some newer healthcare business models could create situations where financial interests may influence the advice, treatment or services provided by practitioners.
This may include businesses that advertise, prescribe and supply a particular medicine, or arrangements that offer incentives to practitioners to provide more services or promote specific treatments, assessments or medical devices.
The new guidance explains:
- what financial and commercial conflicts of interest are
- situations where conflicts may occur or may be perceived
- the importance of transparency and disclosure
- ways to manage or resolve conflicts
- why patient care must remain the priority.
The guidance also provides case studies, including examples involving referrals and vertically integrated healthcare businesses.
AHPRA Chief Executive Justin Untersteiner said most practitioners put patients first, but healthcare professionals remain responsible for managing conflicts appropriately, regardless of their workplace or business arrangements.
He said AHPRA can take action when practitioners fail to meet professional standards and can also act against people who encourage practitioners to engage in inappropriate conduct.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said clinical decisions should be based on patients' interests rather than financial benefits.
He said the guidance provides greater clarity around newer healthcare models, including some telehealth, medication and online prescribing services.
AHPRA also said conflicts of interest can occur in healthcare and that practitioners can make a profit from their professional work, provided their conduct remains within professional standards.
The regulator is continuing to seek information about new business models and organisational arrangements that could affect patient safety or influence professional judgement.
AHPRA said it is working with other regulators and agencies to identify information and warning signs that may indicate unsafe practice.
AHPRA warns practitioners about financial conflicts of interest
Source: AHPRA / RACGP newsGP