AHPRA takes steps toward more compassionate regulation for doctors
11 Nov 2025
The regulator says it is working towards a more “compassionate regulation” model, with reforms shaped by practitioners who have lived experience of going through the notification process.
This follows recommendations from an Expert Advisory Group (EAG) established in 2021 to examine the impact of complaints on practitioners. Of the 33 actions proposed in the group’s 2023 report, 13 have already been implemented, according to AHPRA’s new interim progress report.
AHPRA Chief Executive Justin Untersteiner said the changes are aimed at reducing stress for health professionals.
“We want to minimise the distress that someone feels when they’re going through the notification process. We know that safe practice starts with practitioner wellbeing,” he said.
One major reform includes prioritising communication with a practitioner’s existing treating doctor over mandatory independent health assessments, which often extended investigations by several months. As a result, the average time for health-related notifications has dropped by more than 74%, from 332 days to 87 days. Immediate actions in health-only cases have also fallen by 94% since 2021–22.
Associate Professor Rashmi Sharma, Chair of the RACGP Expert Committee – Funding and Health System Reform, described the reforms as “eminently sensible,” adding that efforts to improve practitioner support and education around the complaints process are welcome.
“We strongly support more education for health practitioners to help them understand the complex regulatory landscape and what they are obligated to report,” she said.
AHPRA’s interim report notes that integrating compassion into regulatory processes not only supports practitioners but also enhances patient safety.
“We can protect public safety and treat everyone involved with respect and compassion. A healthy practitioner provides safer healthcare,” the report stated.
Practitioners involved in shaping these changes, including EAG member Amanda Haimes, say the goal is to ensure future doctors don’t experience the same fear or distress that others have faced.
“If our work with the EAG makes that a reality, then it’s all been worth it,” she said.
The final stage of reforms — developed in consultation with professional associations, indemnity providers, and education bodies — is expected to be completed by 2026.
Source: Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA); newsGP.
