Advance copy of supervised practice framework published

09 Nov 2021

Twelve National Boards, including the Medical Board of Australia, and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) have published an advance copy of the Supervised practice framework (the framework).

The National Boards implementing the framework from 1 February 2022 are:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice
• Chinese Medicine
• Chiropractic
• Dental
• Medical (not for international medical graduates, practitioners completing their intern year, or vocational trainees)
• Nursing and Midwifery
• Occupational Therapy
• Optometry
• Osteopathy
• Paramedicine (not for practitioners with a Board-specific condition employed by and undertaking supervised practice with a body authorised by the National Board)
• Physiotherapy
• Podiatry (not for practitioners seeking their endorsement for scheduled medicines).

The framework can be found on the MBA website  and has been developed to reflect a responsive and risk-based approach to supervised practice across the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (the National Scheme).

What is the Supervised practice framework?

The framework outlines the National Boards’ expectations and supports supervisees, supervisors and employers to understand what is necessary to effectively carry out supervised practice.

Supervised practice reassures the community, National Boards and Ahpra that a registered health practitioner whose practice is being supervised is safe and competent to practise and is not putting the public at risk.

The framework supports consistency in processes and decision-making and is user-friendly. The framework will replace current supervision guidelines in place for the relevant National Boards.

The framework does not apply to the supervision of international medical graduates, interns or vocational trainees. Supervision requirements for these practitioners have not changed.

When does the framework come into effect?

The framework comes into effect on 1 February 2022. An advance copy has been published to allow time for supervisees, supervisors, employers and others to familiarise themselves with the revised framework.

For more information

• Lodge an online enquiry form
• For media enquiries: (03) 8708 9200
• For registration enquiries: 1300 419 495 (within Australia) or +61 8708 9009 (overseas callers)
• Find out more about Ahpra and the National Boards