PD breaking news - AHPRA confirms flexible approach to COVID-19

Fast-tracking of registration possible to address workforce shortages.Â

The Australia Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has released an update indicating how it may respond to changes in the way that individuals are registered, in the context of managing the health sector impacts of COVID-19.

"As an overriding principle, the National Boards and AHPRA are prepared to be flexible in their approach, although safety remains our first priority," a spokesperson told Pharmacy Daily.

AHPRA has confirmed the potential to fast-track registrations of recently retired practitioners, or those with non-practising registration, particularly if the person meets recency of practice requirements.

However in terms of pharmacy interns, safety remains the priority, with preceptors and their interns urged to consider exploring other options "if challenges have emerged that impact the capacity of preceptors and employers to continue to supervise interns at their workplace".

"In the COVID-19 emergency, the Pharmacy Board will consider how best to balance the public safety interest in interns meeting the supervised practice requirements and the health service delivery needs, and will explore whether there are some standard modifications to the supervised practice arrangements that the Board could agree," AHPRA said.

The full update, covering a range of frequently asked questions, is now available online at www.ahpra.gov.au/News/COVID-19/COVID-19-queries.aspx

More information in Pharmacy Daily as it comes to hand.

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