By Tom Wark

Patients can check a public register and see whether their doctor, nurse or psychologist has ever been found to have committed sexual misconduct.

The federal health regulator has begun adding sexual misdemeanour findings to the public registers of both current and cancelled practitioners.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) says 107 practitioners have had additional information added to their profiles this week, of which 21 are still practising.

“Sexual misconduct by registered health practitioners is an unacceptable breach of trust that undermines public health and safety,” AHPRA chief executive Justin Untersteiner said.

“Publishing sexual misconduct findings on the public register empowers patients to make informed choices about their care.”

Misconduct that can be found on profiles includes violating professional boundaries, sexual harassment and criminal offences.

AHPRA says these acts can have occurred both within and outside clinical settings, and covers all decisions dating back to 2010.

The regulator’s register includes all doctors, nurses, dentists, optometrists, psychologists, pharmacists and physios, among others.

While most tribunal decisions are already published online, the register will now clearly indicate when the decision involved sexual misconduct.

“AHPRA has dedicated staff and resources available to support anyone wishing to raise a concern about a practitioner, and I would encourage them to do so,” Mr Untersteiner said.

Individuals who were subject to a sexual misconduct finding but wish to regain registration will now be subject to new requirements.

The change stems from a decision of Australia’s health ministers in 2024 to amend the law to improve public safety.

Other changes included in the law were strengthening protection for whistleblowers, including ensuring non-disclosure agreements do not stop people notifying AHPRA of complaints.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737732)

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211028