Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Restriction: Not to practice except to complete Board-directed program of education
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Restriction: Not to practice except to complete Board-directed program of education

National Restrictions Library 2.0: This restriction applies to restictions imposed or accepted from 16 September 2024. For restrictions imposed or accepted before this date please see the National Restrictions Library 1.0.

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Restriction description

A practitioner with this restriction must complete some education we direct them to complete. The practitioner must not practise other than to do this. 

The restriction outlines the course the practitioner must complete. This type of restriction usually applies to practitioners who have not practised recently or whose qualifications do not meet all the registration requirements. The type of education depends on what the shortfall was.

The practitioner can nominate a similar education program as an alternative. We must approve any program nominated by the practitioner.

The practitioner must show evidence that they have completed the education.

We monitor compliance by checking that the practitioner:

  • is not practising other than to complete the education 
  • meets all required timeframes
  • proposes education that is equivalent to the program we tell you to take 
  • completes the education and satisfactorily completes any required assessment.

Full text of restriction

  1. From #start date#, the practitioner must not practise other than to complete the education program directed by the National Board. 
  2. The practitioner must complete the education program, #name of program# provided by #name of provider# (or an approved alternative and equivalent education program).
  3. <include if required> The education program must contain a formal assessment component.  
  4. The practitioner must: 
    1. comply with the Ahpra Protocol: Not to practice except to complete Board-directed program of education (254 KB,PDF) in force at the date these conditions are imposed and then as updated from time to time
    2. complete the requirements of this condition within #timeframe# of the start date of this condition. The start date #date#.

You will receive a monitoring plan that details contact information, due dates, and the information you will need to provide to show that you are complying with your restrictions.

  • Acknowledging the requirements:
    Read and acknowledge:
  • Completing the requirement
    • Complete the education within the timeframe required by your restrictions
    • You must not practise other than to complete the program of education  
  • Nominating an alternate education program
    • You can only nominate an equivalent alternative program for approval if it’s not possible for you to complete the Board directed education
    • The nomination must be approved before you start, and you must not practise other than to complete the program of education 
  • Submitting evidence of compliance
    • Submit evidence of completion of the education within the timeframe provided
    • Submit any formal assessment results if required
  • Applying to remove the restrictions.
    • We will assess the evidence and consider removal of the restrictions once all associated requirements (including formal assessment if required) have been met.
    • You will be advised of the outcome.
  • Removing the restriction 
    • The restriction is removed from your registration.

Forms

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Where can you seek further information about your restrictions?

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Please contact your case officer for more information. 

For general information see our Frequently asked questions about Monitoring and compliance page

If you have not yet received contact details for your case officer, please email your enquiry.

Where can you go to for support?

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We are here to support and guide you through your compliance. 

The contact details for your case officer are included on all our correspondence with you.

We also encourage you to use independent support services, including those provided on our Practitioner support services page.

You can also contact your legal representative or professional union to support you.

What if the Board nominated education program is no longer available?

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You can still nominate an alternate education program. You should provide evidence of the discontinuation of the course, or evidence that supports why you are unable to attend the Board-directed program to us.

You may want to consider seeking an extension of time to nominate an alternate education program. Circumstances are considered on a case-by-case basis.

What if your nomination of an alternate education program is not approved?

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Generally, we will provide a further opportunity to nominate a different education program, or to address any shortfalls in the nomination. 

Repeated failures to make an appropriate nomination and/or delays in providing the required nominations may be considered non-compliance and may result in further regulatory action.

What if your nominated alternate education program is no longer available?

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You should provide evidence of discontinuation to Ahpra as soon as possible. 

You will be required to nominate a new alternate education program, to complete any outstanding topics or requirements if you have not completed the requirements of your restrictions and monitoring plan.

Can you start your alternate education program before your nomination is considered?

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You must not start the education before your nomination has been considered and approved.

Can you practise before you have finished your education?

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Your practice is limited to clinical placement or assessment as part of your approved education program or Board-directed program. 

You must not practise other than to complete the Board-directed education. 

You must not practise otherwise until the restriction has been removed from your registration. 

Can you include the education as part of my CPD requirements for the year?

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You must not include the program of education as part of your CPD requirements for the renewal period. During a CPD audit, Ahpra will assess whether education required to satisfy restrictions has been included in CPD submissions.

If you do include it at part of your CPD requirements, you may be required to complete the shortfall in your CPD requirements for the renewal period and/or the Board may decide to take other regulatory action.

Your circumstances have changed, what should you do?

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You must contact your Ahpra case officer or team as soon as possible if you have had a change in your circumstances or are unable to comply with the requirements for any reason. See your monitoring plan for contact information. 

In some cases, you may be able to apply for a change in your restrictions, or an extension of time to complete your program of education. Circumstances are considered on a case-by-case basis.

 
View the
National Restrictions Library 2.0 View all
Ahpra Protocols
 
 
Page reviewed 23/08/2024
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