What Is an AHPRA Notification? A Plain-English Guide for Health Practitioners
If you have received a letter or a phone call from AHPRA, the word “notification” can be alarming. This guide explains, in plain English, what an AHPRA notification actually is, who can make one, the difference between voluntary and mandatory notifications, and what generally happens next — so you can understand the process and respond calmly and well.
Key takeaways
- A notification is a concern raised with AHPRA and the relevant National Board about a registered practitioner’s conduct, performance or health.
- Anyone can make a voluntary notification; practitioners, employers and education providers must make a mandatory notification in limited, defined circumstances.
- Receiving a notification does not automatically affect your registration, and most notifications do not lead to serious action.
- AHPRA gathers information and the National Board decides what happens — from no further action through to conditions or referral for investigation.
- Engage your indemnity insurer or medical defence organisation and your professional association early, and look after your wellbeing.
What is an AHPRA notification?
AHPRA — the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency — works in partnership with 15 National Boards across 16 registered health professions. A notification is simply the formal term for a concern or complaint raised about a registered health practitioner or student. Concerns usually fall into one of three broad areas: conduct (behaviour), performance (clinical care), and health (an impairment that may affect safe practice).
The purpose of the process is to protect the public, not to punish practitioners. The test AHPRA and the Boards apply is risk to the public — not retribution. AHPRA carries out the operational work of gathering information, while the relevant National Board is the decision-maker.
Who can make a notification?
There are two kinds of notification, and the difference matters.
Voluntary notifications
Anyone can make a voluntary notification — a patient, a family member, a colleague, an employer or a member of the public. People who notify in good faith are protected by law from civil, criminal and administrative liability, including defamation.
Mandatory notifications
Registered practitioners, employers and education providers are required by law to make a mandatory notification in defined, limited circumstances. The threshold is deliberately high, and the requirements were changed on 1 March 2020 to make it easier for practitioners to seek their own health care without fear of being reported.
The four types of notifiable conduct that can trigger a mandatory notification are where a practitioner has:
- practised while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs;
- engaged in sexual misconduct in connection with their practice;
- placed the public at risk of substantial harm because of an impairment; or
- placed the public at risk because of a significant departure from accepted professional standards.
What a notification is — and isn’t
A notification is not a criminal charge, and it is not a finding that you have done anything wrong. It is the start of a process in which information is gathered and assessed.
The fact that a notification has been made does not automatically restrict your registration. Every notification is managed individually, and most are resolved with no further regulatory action. Matters are handled confidentially and according to the principles of natural justice (procedural fairness) — you will generally be told the substance of the concern and given an opportunity to respond.
What happens after a notification is made?
In outline, the process usually runs as follows:
- You are informed. AHPRA usually contacts you — often by phone and then in writing — to tell you a concern has been raised. Occasionally it cannot tell you straight away if doing so would prejudice the matter or public safety.
- Assessment. AHPRA assesses the concern and the level of risk, generally aiming to complete this within about 60 days. You may be asked to provide information.
- Decision. The National Board decides the next step — which can be taking no further action, issuing a caution, accepting an undertaking, imposing conditions, referring the matter for investigation, or referring you for a health or performance assessment.
- Immediate action. If there is a serious risk to the public, the Board can take immediate action (such as conditions or suspension) while the matter proceeds, and you have the right to respond to anything proposed.
For a full walk-through of what happens if your matter is investigated, see our guide to the AHPRA investigation process. For practical guidance on replying, see how to respond to an AHPRA notification.
Looking after yourself
Receiving a notification is genuinely stressful, and that is a normal reaction. Research has shown the experience can take a real toll on practitioners, and AHPRA has committed to a more supportive and timelier process. Practical steps that help: contact your indemnity insurer or medical defence organisation and your professional association early, keep your records, lean on trusted colleagues, and look after your health.
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 courseFitness to Practise for Healthcare Professionals CPD courseProfessionalism for Healthcare ProfessionalsContinue the AHPRA series
The AHPRA Investigation Process Explained How to Respond to an AHPRA NotificationFrequently asked questions
Will a notification appear on the public register?
Generally no. The public register shows your registration status and any current conditions or undertakings; an open notification by itself is not published. If conditions are later imposed, they may be visible.
Will I be told who made the notification?
Not necessarily. AHPRA will usually tell you the substance of the concern so you can respond, but it protects people who notify in good faith and may not disclose their identity.
Does a notification mean I’ve done something wrong?
No. It is a concern to be assessed, not a finding. Many notifications are closed with no further action.
How long does the process take?
Assessment usually aims for around 60 days. If a matter proceeds to investigation it can take longer. AHPRA has been working to reduce timeframes and keep practitioners updated.
Should I get legal advice?
It is wise to contact your indemnity insurer or medical defence organisation and your professional association as soon as you are aware of a notification. They can advise you and, where appropriate, arrange legal representation.
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.