How to Respond to an AHPRA Notification
How you respond to an AHPRA notification can genuinely shape the outcome. This guide sets out practical, sensible steps — what to do first, where to get support, how to prepare a considered written response, and why insight and remediation matter so much.
Key takeaways
- Don’t panic and don’t ignore it — read carefully what is being asked and note any deadlines.
- Contact your indemnity insurer or medical defence organisation and your professional association before you respond.
- Preserve your records, write your own contemporaneous account, and never alter or back-date notes.
- A strong response is honest, accurate and reflective: it addresses the concern directly and shows genuine insight and remediation.
- Look after your wellbeing throughout; this is a stressful process and support is available.
First steps when a notification arrives
- Read it carefully. Identify exactly what, if anything, you are being asked to do and by when. Note all deadlines and acknowledge receipt as required.
- Preserve everything. Keep all records relating to the matter. Never alter, add to, or back-date clinical notes — doing so is itself serious misconduct and far more damaging than the original concern.
- Make your own note. While it is fresh, write a private, dated account of what happened and your reasoning at the time. The process can be lengthy and memories fade, so this is valuable later.
Get the right support early
Contact your indemnity insurer or medical defence organisation (MDO) and your professional association as soon as you can — ideally before you respond. They can advise on whether and how to respond and can arrange legal representation where appropriate.
Understand what you are being asked
Be clear about whether AHPRA requires a response or is inviting a submission. Sometimes you will be asked to attend an interview, provide documents, or answer specific questions in writing. If anything is unclear, ask (or have your adviser ask) for clarification and, if you need it, a reasonable extension of time.
Preparing your written response
A good response is honest, accurate and measured. Address each concern directly and specifically; avoid being defensive, dismissive or speculative. A workable structure is to briefly set the context, respond to each issue in turn, explain your clinical reasoning at the time, acknowledge anything that could have been done better, and set out what you have since changed.
Support your response with documents — records, policies, CPD certificates, references — where they are relevant, and keep the tone professional throughout.
Why insight and remediation matter
Regulators look closely at two things: insight — do you understand what happened and why it mattered? — and remediation — what have you done to reduce the risk of it happening again? Concrete remediation, such as targeted CPD, supervision, audit, or changes to your systems and practice, demonstrates that you have taken the concern seriously. It is often the single most influential part of a response.
Reflective writing that is genuine, rather than formulaic, helps both you and the Board understand the change you have made. Structured CPD on reflection, insight and remediation can help you do this well.
What not to do
- Don’t ignore the notification or miss a deadline.
- Don’t respond hastily, or in anger.
- Don’t contact the notifier or anyone involved to discuss the matter.
- Don’t alter, add to, or destroy any records.
- Don’t go it alone — get advice before you respond.
Looking after your wellbeing
For many practitioners, a notification is one of the most stressful experiences of their career — and feeling shaken is a completely normal reaction. Tell someone you trust, keep your usual routines where you can, and use the support that is available to you.
Related CPD courses
Build the knowledge and reflective skills this article describes with CPD designed for Australian practitioners:
CPD courseDealing with a Complaint or Investigation Professionally CPD courseReflection for Fitness to Practise CPD courseInsight for Fitness to Practise CPD courseEnsuring No Repeat of Misconduct or Mistake in Future Practice CPD courseRebuilding Trust of Patients, Public and Healthcare RegulatorContinue the AHPRA series
What Is an AHPRA Notification? The AHPRA Investigation Process ExplainedFrequently asked questions
Do I have to respond?
Sometimes a response is required and sometimes it is invited. Get advice from your MDO or insurer before deciding how to respond, because what you say can matter a great deal.
How long do I have?
AHPRA will usually set a timeframe. If you need more time, you or your adviser can ask for a reasonable extension.
Should I admit fault?
Be honest and accurate, and take responsibility where it is due — showing insight is important. But get advice before making any admissions, as they can have consequences.
Can I keep practising while I respond?
Usually yes, unless the Board takes immediate action. Continuing to practise safely and reflectively is itself part of demonstrating insight.
Will responding well actually help?
Yes. A considered, honest and reflective response that demonstrates insight and remediation can meaningfully affect the outcome.
This article is general information for education and CPD purposes. It is not legal advice and does not create a practitioner–adviser relationship. If you have received a notification, seek advice from your indemnity insurer or medical defence organisation, your professional association, or an independent lawyer experienced in AHPRA matters. Healthcare Ethics Courses is an independent education provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of AHPRA or any National Board; regulator names are used for reference only.