ATMS WHITE PAPER
WHITE PAPER
The National Code of Conduct for Health Care Workers
1. Introduction
The Australian healthcare system has two categories of regulation:
• Registered practitioners: Those regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency( AHPRA) under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law( e. g. acupuncturists).
• Non-registered practitioners: Those practising in self-regulated professions( e. g. naturopaths, massage therapists, nutritionists, homoeopaths).
Non-registered practitioners are regulated through the National Code of Conduct for Health Care Workers. The Code sets out the minimum standards of professional and ethical behaviour expected of practitioners and provides a framework for complaints, investigations, and prohibition orders where public safety is at risk.
All ATMS members, whether practising in regulated or unregulated professions, must also comply with the ATMS Members’ Code of Conduct, which aligns with these standards and ensures consistency across our diverse membership.
2. Historical Background
In 2011, the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council( AHMAC) recommended a single national code to address risks posed by non-registered practitioners.
In 2015, the Council of Australian Governments( COAG) Health Council endorsed a nationally consistent model law to regulate non-registered health practitioners. This became the National Code of Conduct for Health Care Workers( the National Code).
Each state and territory is responsible for implementing the Code through local health complaints bodies.
3. Key Features of the Code
3.1 Standards of Practice The Code requires non-registered practitioners to:
• Provide services safely, competently, and ethically. Obtain informed consent before treatment.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Keep accurate clinical records.
• Hold suitable professional indemnity insurance.
3.2 Prohibited Conduct The Code prohibits non-registered practitioners from:
• Engaging in sexual or exploitative relationships with clients.
• Making false, misleading, or deceptive claims about treatment or outcomes.
• Financially exploiting clients.
• Breaching client confidentiality.
• Practising while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
3.3 Display Requirements Non-registered practitioners must display a copy of the National Code in their clinic and provide clients with information about how to lodge a complaint.
4. Regulated Practitioners
If you are an AHPRA-registered practitioner( e. g. acupuncturist):
• Your legal obligations come from the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law.
• You must comply with your Board’ s codes and guidelines, such as the Code of Conduct for Chinese Medicine Practitioners.
• The National Code of Conduct does not apply, but ATMS holds you accountable to its Members’ Code of Conduct, which mirrors the same ethical principles.
This ensures consistent expectations across all ATMS members, regardless of registration status.
234 | vol31 | no4 | AJNM