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20 Oct 2023
Patients, health practitioners, professional organisations and agencies are encouraged to share their views and experiences in a consultation that commenced today, as part of an independent review of the regulation of podiatric surgeons.
The Independent review of the regulation of podiatric surgeons, commissioned by the Podiatry Board of Australia and Ahpra (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) in early October, is looking at the current regulatory framework and risks to patient safety in podiatric surgery, to identify any areas that need improving.
The work is being led by independent reviewer Professor Ron Paterson, Emeritus Professor of Law at the University of Auckland and Senior Fellow at Melbourne Law School. Professor Paterson is a recognised international expert on patients’ rights, complaints, safety and quality and the regulation of health professions. He previously held the positions of New Zealand Health and Disability Commissioner and New Zealand Parliamentary Ombudsman.
‘I’m examining the current regulatory framework for podiatric surgeons. I’m keen to hear from a broad range of stakeholders, especially from anyone with personal experience of podiatry surgery,’ Professor Paterson said.
‘For the review to identify any changes needed to better protect patients, it needs to be well informed. I encourage anyone with experience or views on podiatric surgery and how it is regulated to make a submission.’
The public consultation paper released today provides further detail on the focus of the review. This is supported by the Terms of Reference.
Consumers, practitioners, professional organisations and agencies are encouraged to email their responses to the questions in the consultation paper via email to [email protected]. A template is available on the website to help you respond to the questions in the consultation paper.
The consultation period is open for four weeks. The reviewer expects to deliver a final report and recommendations early next year.