AGY-7253 | Physiotherapy Council of New South Wales

Full description

The Physiotherapy Council of NSW was established on 1 July 2010 (1) under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW) 2009 (Act No.86a, 2009). (2)

From 1 July 2010 responsibility for registering health practitioners and accrediting educational programs was transferred to National Boards. Health professionals no longer needed to hold multiple registrations in the same profession and uniform registration standards applied across all jurisdictions. National Boards were supported by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) which had an office in each State and Territory, including New South Wales (NSW). In NSW the Health Care Complaints Act 1993 was retained as was the role of the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC), which was a separate statutory body. The Council and the HCCC consulted on and responded to complaints received about a health practitioner's performance, conduct or health where a complaint related to a registered professional's practice in NSW. This was different to other States and Territories where the National Boards and Committees established by those Boards were responsible for regulation. (3)

The purpose of the Council was to act in the interests of the public by ensuring that registered physiotherapists are fit to practise and physiotherapy students are fit to have contact with members of the public whilst they undertake approved programs of study. The Council managed a range of programs, services and procedures to achieve this purpose. (4)

Endnotes
1. Physiotherapy Council of New South Wales, Annual Report, 2011, p.3.
2. Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW) 2009 (Act No.86a, 2009), NSW Legislation website, 1 July 2010.
3. Physiotherapy Council of New South Wales, Annual Report, 2011, p.3.
4. Ibid.