The new Code of Conduct for unregistered health practitioners has come into effect in South Australia, which the government says will ensure consistency of standards and the safe provision of services.

The Code forms part of a suite of reforms under the Health and Community Services Complaints Act.

State Minister for Health Jack Snelling said the key reason for the change is to ensure that people receive safe and high quality care whenever they visit an unregistered health practitioner.

“Unregistered health practitioners are those who are not covered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and can include social workers, dieticians, naturopaths, homeopaths and masseurs,” he said.

“While we recognise that the majority of unregistered health practitioners already provide safe and quality services, this new Code will ensure that everyone is achieving the same minimum standards.

From 14 March, unregistered health practitioners will be required to display the following documents at their premises:

  • A plain English version of the Code of Conduct, which includes information about how a complaint may be made to the HCSCC
  • A document that is evidence of a relevant qualification held by the health practitioner