The Physiotherapy Board of Australia and Ahpra play an essential role in protecting public safety and building public confidence while providing fair, consistent and empathetic regulation of health practitioners. 

When someone raises a complaint or concern about a practitioner with Ahpra, this is called a notification. 

Notifications are an important way for Ahpra and the Board to identify safety and professionalism concerns among registered physiotherapists and students. 

However, the Board recognises that receiving a notification can be stressful for practitioners and those close to them. 

The possible consequences and uncertainty of the outcome of a notification, along with feelings of shame and stigma, can contribute to practitioner distress. 

Board Chair Paula Harding said that learning more about how regulations and notifications work can help physiotherapists reduce their uncertainty and dispel myths and misconceptions about the process. 

‘The regulatory system isn’t designed to punish physiotherapists— it is there to protect public safety and ensure registered practitioners are safe, qualified and fit to practise,’ Paula said. 

‘Most of the time this means taking no further action after investigating the issue or providing support or direction to the practitioner to help them improve their practice. 

‘Only a very small number of the most serious notifications end in a physiotherapist being removed from the register.’ 

More than 80 per cent of notifications for physiotherapists in 2023–24 resulted in no further regulatory action by Ahpra and less than three per cent of notifications resulted in a physiotherapist having their registration cancelled or being disqualified from applying for registration by Ahpra. 

Restrictions on the practice of a health practitioner can only be imposed if they are necessary to ensure that health services are safe and of appropriate quality. 

Physiotherapists who have had a concern raised about them are encouraged to contact their insurer, the APA or a legal adviser for guidance and support. 

These support systems, which can ensure that physiotherapists receive the professional assistance they need, should be accessed early and throughout the notifications procedure. 

The process can be a complex and emotionally demanding experience for healthcare practitioners. 

For physiotherapists navigating this journey, maintaining mental health and wellbeing is essential. 

Physiotherapists are encouraged to access their personal and professional support systems. 

Family, friends, colleagues and employers can all help by offering emotional support and reducing the sense of isolation that can accompany regulatory proceedings. 

These networks can make a significant difference in helping physiotherapists manage stress during challenging times. 

In addition to these informal supports, physiotherapists can also seek professional help if the regulatory process affects their mental health. 

Consulting with GPs, psychologists or other allied health professionals can be an important step in managing anxiety, burnout and related issues. 

A number of other support services and resources are also available. 

General support services address a variety of concerns, including mental health conditions and substance use disorders. 

Practitioner-specific resources like TEN—The Essential Network for Health Professionals offer tailored information relevant to health professionals as well as tools for organisations to support their staff effectively. 

Peer support programs such as that offered by Hand-n-Hand are another valuable option. 

These programs connect practitioners with others who have experienced similar situations, offering a safe and confidential space to share experiences, reduce stigma and foster a sense of community. 

By accessing support and maintaining their mental health, physiotherapists are better equipped to navigate the regulatory process with resilience and confidence. 

>> Click here for more information on support services available for people involved in Ahpra’s processes. 

This article has been written in collaboration with the Physiotherapy Council of NSW.