According to the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards,
accreditation is the public recognition by a health care
accreditation body, demonstrated through an independent external
peer assessment, of the organisations performance in relation to
set standards. There are various levels of accreditation and
regulation which are provided at a national registration,
speciality specific and practice level.
When setting up a practice, it is important to be familiar with
the requirements for accreditation for the particular services that
you wish to provide.
Accreditation Bodies
There are various levels of accreditation and
regulation, which are provided at a national registration,
speciality specific and practice level.
AHPRA and the Medical Board of Australia
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency is the body
that supports the Medical Board of Australia. The Medical Board of
Australia is responsible for protecting the public by regulating
the profession of medicine through the setting of standards and
policies that all medical practitioners must meet.
In addition to developing codes, guidelines and policies, the
Medical Board sets registration and accreditation standard for
medical practitioners. The Medical Board of Australia is supported
by state-based boards.
Medical colleges
The medical colleges are responsible for the training of medical
specialists and maintaining standards across each specialty.
The Medical Council of New South Wales takes a role in ensuring
that medical practitioners in NSW are fit to practice medicine
through ensuring that registered doctors adhere to standards of
conduct and competence.
Accrediting bodies
Various bodies, such as the Australian Council on Healthcare
Standards provide accreditation of practices.
Whilst not an accrediting body, the Australian Commission on
Safety and Quality in Health Care provides leadership and
coordination of improvement in safety and quality in health care
across Australia.
When setting up a practice, it is important to be familiar with
the requirements for accreditation for the particular services that
you wish to provide.