{"id":33405,"date":"2026-07-06T14:04:23","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T14:04:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/au\/?page_id=33405"},"modified":"2026-07-12T17:47:26","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T17:47:26","slug":"medical-board-of-australia-investigations-explained","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/au\/medical-board-of-australia-investigations-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Medical Board of Australia Investigations Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"33405\" class=\"elementor elementor-33405\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-15b368a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"15b368a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ac6866 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"7ac6866\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Healthcare Ethics Courses \u2014 Medical Board article \u2014 paste into an Elementor Custom HTML block. 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aria-hidden=\"true\">&rsaquo;<\/li>\r\n      <li><a href=\"\/au\/knowledge-support\/\">Medical Board<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <li class=\"sep\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&rsaquo;<\/li>\r\n      <li aria-current=\"page\">Complaints and Notifications Explained<\/li>\r\n    <\/ol>\r\n  <\/nav>\r\n\r\n  <header class=\"head wrap\">\r\n    <h1>Medical Board of Australia Complaints and Notifications Explained<\/h1>\r\n    <div class=\"meta\">\r\n      <span>9 min read<\/span>\r\n      <span class=\"dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&bull;<\/span>\r\n      <span>Last updated June 2026<\/span>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <p class=\"lead\">Few things unsettle a doctor more than learning that a concern has been raised about them. This guide explains how complaints and notifications about doctors work in Australia \u2014 who can make one, the part the Medical Board of Australia and AHPRA play, how a matter is assessed, and the outcomes that can follow.<\/p>\r\n  <\/header>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"takeaways wrap\">\r\n    <h2>Key takeaways<\/h2>\r\n    <ul>\r\n      <li>A complaint about a doctor usually becomes a \u201cnotification\u201d \u2014 a concern about a doctor\u2019s conduct, performance or health raised with AHPRA and the Medical Board of Australia.<\/li>\r\n      <li>Anyone can raise a concern; in limited circumstances, practitioners and employers must make a mandatory notification.<\/li>\r\n      <li>Concerns are assessed against the standard set out in Good Medical Practice, the Board\u2019s code of conduct.<\/li>\r\n      <li>Most notifications are resolved with no action or a low-level outcome; only a minority lead to conditions or referral to a tribunal.<\/li>\r\n      <li>Engage your medical defence organisation early, respond thoughtfully, and look after your wellbeing.<\/li>\r\n    <\/ul>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\r\n      <h2>Who handles complaints about doctors?<\/h2>\r\n      <p>The Medical Board of Australia and AHPRA (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) work in partnership. AHPRA manages the process, while the Board \u2014 made up of doctors and community members \u2014 makes the regulatory decisions. The benchmark for assessing a doctor\u2019s conduct is <a href='\/au\/knowledge-support\/medical-board\/good-medical-practice-explained\/'>Good Medical Practice: a code of conduct for doctors in Australia<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n      <p>In New South Wales, concerns about doctors are managed under a co-regulatory model involving the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) and the Medical Council of NSW. In Queensland, the Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO) receives complaints and may handle or refer them.<\/p>\r\n      <aside class=\"note\"><span class=\"note-h\">The process is the standard AHPRA pathway<\/span><p>The way a doctor\u2019s matter is handled mirrors the process for every registered health practitioner. For the step-by-step detail, see our guides to <a href='\/au\/knowledge-support\/ahpra\/what-is-an-ahpra-notification\/'>what an AHPRA notification is<\/a> and <a href='\/au\/knowledge-support\/ahpra\/ahpra-investigation-process-explained\/'>the AHPRA investigation process<\/a>.<\/p><\/aside>\r\n      <h2>Complaint or notification \u2014 what\u2019s the difference?<\/h2>\r\n      <p>People usually talk about \u201cmaking a complaint.\u201d In regulatory language, once that concern reaches AHPRA or the Board it is handled as a <strong>notification<\/strong> \u2014 a concern about a doctor\u2019s conduct, clinical performance, or health (an impairment that may affect safe practice). A notification is not a finding of wrongdoing; it is the start of an assessment.<\/p>\r\n      <h2>Who can raise a concern?<\/h2>\r\n      <p>Anyone can make a <strong>voluntary<\/strong> notification \u2014 a patient, a family member, a colleague or a member of the public \u2014 and people who do so in good faith are protected by law.<\/p>\r\n      <p>Doctors, employers and education providers must make a <strong>mandatory<\/strong> notification in defined circumstances. The four grounds of notifiable conduct are practising while intoxicated, sexual misconduct, placing the public at risk because of an impairment, or a significant departure from accepted professional standards. The threshold is high and was eased on 1 March 2020 to support doctors seeking their own health care.<\/p>\r\n      <h2>What commonly leads to complaints about doctors?<\/h2>\r\n      <p>Concerns about doctors most often relate to:<\/p>\r\n      <ul>\r\n        <li>clinical care and decision-making;<\/li>\r\n        <li>communication, attitude and behaviour;<\/li>\r\n        <li>medication and prescribing;<\/li>\r\n        <li>consent and shared decision-making;<\/li>\r\n        <li>confidentiality and privacy;<\/li>\r\n        <li>documentation and record keeping;<\/li>\r\n        <li>professional boundaries;<\/li>\r\n        <li>health or impairment; and<\/li>\r\n        <li>honesty and probity \u2014 for example, reports and certificates.<\/li>\r\n      <\/ul>\r\n      <p>Most of these map directly onto sections of Good Medical Practice, which is why understanding the code is the best protection against a complaint.<\/p>\r\n      <h2>How a notification is assessed<\/h2>\r\n      <p>AHPRA gathers information and assesses the level of risk, usually aiming to finish within about 60 days. The Medical Board then decides the next step \u2014 which can be no further action, a caution, accepting an undertaking, imposing conditions, referring the matter for investigation, or referring the doctor for a health or performance assessment. 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 the doctor has the right to respond.<\/p>\r\n      <h2>Possible outcomes<\/h2>\r\n      <p>Most matters end with no further action or a low-level outcome. More serious matters can lead to conditions, undertakings, or referral to a tribunal, which in the most serious cases (professional misconduct) can suspend or cancel a doctor\u2019s registration.<\/p>\r\n      <h2>What to do if you receive one<\/h2>\r\n      <p>Contact your medical defence organisation or indemnity insurer and your professional association before you respond. Preserve your records and never alter or back-date notes. Then prepare a considered, honest and reflective response \u2014 our guide to <a href='\/au\/knowledge-support\/ahpra\/how-to-respond-to-an-ahpra-notification\/'>responding to an AHPRA notification<\/a> sets out how.<\/p>\r\n      <aside class=\"note wb\"><span class=\"note-h\">A note on your wellbeing<\/span><p>If you are struggling, please speak with your GP or a confidential practitioner support service. In an emergency call 000, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Your indemnity insurer and professional association can also help you find support.<\/p><\/aside>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <section class=\"courses wrap\">\r\n      <h2>Related CPD courses<\/h2>\r\n      <p class=\"intro\">Build the knowledge and reflective skills this article describes with CPD designed for Australian practitioners:<\/p>\r\n        <a class=\"course\" href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/au\/courses\/dealing-with-a-complaint-or-investigation-professionally\/\"><span class=\"course-tag\">CPD course<\/span><span class=\"course-name\">Dealing with a Complaint or Investigation Professionally<\/span><span class=\"course-arr\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a>\r\n        <a class=\"course\" href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/au\/courses\/fitness-to-practise-for-healthcare-professionals\/\"><span class=\"course-tag\">CPD course<\/span><span class=\"course-name\">Fitness to Practise for Healthcare Professionals<\/span><span class=\"course-arr\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a>\r\n        <a class=\"course\" href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/au\/courses\/professionalism-and-professional-standards-for-doctors\/\"><span class=\"course-tag\">CPD course<\/span><span class=\"course-name\">Professionalism and Professional Standards for Doctors<\/span><span class=\"course-arr\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a>\r\n        <a class=\"course\" href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/au\/courses\/insight-for-fitness-to-practise\/\"><span class=\"course-tag\">CPD course<\/span><span class=\"course-name\">Insight for Fitness to Practise<\/span><span class=\"course-arr\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a>\r\n  <\/section>\r\n\r\n  <section class=\"siblings wrap\">\r\n    <h2>Continue the Medical Board series<\/h2>\r\n        <a class=\"sib\" href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/au\/good-medical-practice-explained\/\">Good Medical Practice<svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><\/a>\r\n        <a class=\"sib\" href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/au\/reflective-practice-insight-for-doctors\/\">Reflective Practice and Insight for Doctors<svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><\/a>\r\n  <\/section>\r\n\r\n  <section class=\"faq wrap\">\r\n    <h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\r\n      <div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>Is a complaint the same as a notification?<\/h3><p>In practice, yes. Once a concern about a doctor reaches AHPRA or the Medical Board, it is handled as a notification.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>Will a notification appear on the public register?<\/h3><p>Generally not while it is open. If conditions or undertakings are imposed, those may be published on the register.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>What standard am I judged against?<\/h3><p>Good Medical Practice: a code of conduct for doctors in Australia \u2014 the Medical Board\u2019s code of conduct.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>Can I keep practising during the process?<\/h3><p>Usually yes, unless the Board takes immediate action because of a serious risk to the public.<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"faq-item\"><h3>Should I get help straight away?<\/h3><p>Yes. Contact your medical defence organisation or indemnity insurer as soon as you are aware of a concern; they can advise you and arrange representation.<\/p><\/div>\r\n  <\/section>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\r\n    <p class=\"disclaimer\">This article is general information for education and CPD purposes. It is not legal advice and does not create a practitioner\u2013adviser 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 medical regulation 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.<\/p>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\r\n{\r\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\r\n  \"@graph\": [\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Article\",\r\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/au\/knowledge-support\/medical-board\/medical-board-complaints-notifications-explained\/#article\",\r\n      \"headline\": \"Medical Board of Australia Complaints and Notifications Explained\",\r\n      \"description\": \"How complaints and notifications about doctors work in Australia \\u2014 who can raise a concern, the Medical Board\\u2019s role, how matters are assessed, and the possible outcomes.\",\r\n      \"inLanguage\": \"en-AU\",\r\n      \"datePublished\": \"2026-06-28\",\r\n      \"dateModified\": \"2026-06-28\",\r\n      \"author\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Person\",\r\n        \"name\": \"Dr Shehzad Iqbal\",\r\n        \"jobTitle\": \"Founder, Healthcare Ethics Courses\",\r\n        \"description\": \"MRCS, MRCGP, PG Cert Healthcare Law & Ethics (University of Dundee)\"\r\n      },\r\n      \"publisher\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Organization\",\r\n        \"name\": \"Healthcare Ethics Courses\",\r\n        \"url\": \"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/\"\r\n      },\r\n      \"mainEntityOfPage\": \"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/au\/knowledge-support\/medical-board\/medical-board-complaints-notifications-explained\/\",\r\n      \"about\": [\r\n        {\r\n          \"@type\": \"Thing\",\r\n          \"name\": \"Medical Board of Australia\"\r\n        },\r\n        {\r\n          \"@type\": \"Thing\",\r\n          \"name\": \"Medical regulation in Australia\"\r\n        }\r\n      ]\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\r\n      \"itemListElement\": [\r\n        {\r\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\r\n          \"position\": 1,\r\n          \"name\": \"Home\",\r\n          \"item\": \"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/au\/\"\r\n        },\r\n        {\r\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\r\n          \"position\": 2,\r\n          \"name\": \"Knowledge & Support\",\r\n          \"item\": \"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/au\/knowledge-support\/\"\r\n        },\r\n        {\r\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\r\n          \"position\": 3,\r\n          \"name\": \"Medical Board\",\r\n          \"item\": \"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/au\/knowledge-support\/\"\r\n        },\r\n        {\r\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\r\n          \"position\": 4,\r\n          \"name\": \"Complaints and Notifications Explained\"\r\n        }\r\n      ]\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\r\n      \"mainEntity\": [\r\n        {\r\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n          \"name\": \"Is a complaint the same as a notification?\",\r\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n            \"text\": \"In practice, yes. Once a concern about a doctor reaches AHPRA or the Medical Board, it is handled as a notification.\"\r\n          }\r\n        },\r\n        {\r\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n          \"name\": \"Will a notification appear on the public register?\",\r\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n            \"text\": \"Generally not while it is open. 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