The independent Accreditation Committee publishes two new guidance documents

24 Apr 2025

To support consistent and contemporary accreditation of registered health practitioners, the independently-chaired Accreditation Committee (the committee) has published the:

• Guidance on developing professional capabilities, and
• Guidance on embedding good practice in health practitioner education: clinical placements, simulation-based learning and virtual care.

The Guidance on developing professional capabilities aims to foster good practice and improve efficiency and consistency in the development of new or revised professional capabilities.

Accreditation Committee Chair, Professor Andrew Wilson AO, said ‘Professional capabilities outline the knowledge, skills and attributes required for safe and competent practice as a registered health practitioner in Australia. This guidance aims to improve the consistency of their development, supporting safer care for the public.’

The guidance provides a recommended process for ensuring professional capabilities developed:

• reflect contemporary practice
• undergo broad consultation, and
• consider regulatory impact.

The Guidance on embedding good practice in health practitioner education: clinical placements, simulation-based learning and virtual care provides an overview of evidence-based strategies for the continuous improvement of student learning in these settings and activities.

‘Clinical placements, simulation-based learning and virtual care are important and necessary components of modern health practitioner education and help to equip graduates with the capabilities required for safe and contemporary practice.’ Professor Wilson said.

The committee would like to thank stakeholders who participated in the consultation processes for the development of the guidance.

About the committee:

The committee was established in 2021, consistent with Ministerial Council Policy Direction 2020-1 – Independent Accreditation Committee. The committee gives independent and expert advice on accreditation reform and other National Scheme accreditation matters to National Boards, accreditation authorities and Ahpra.

More information about accreditation in the National Scheme is published on the Ahpra website.