Tim's story

Tim contacted our office about a notification he had made about a practitioner who treated his relative. He was concerned that the practitioner had breached his relative’s confidentiality when sharing information online.

The relevant National Board decided to take no further action in relation to the notification under s 151(1)(f) of the National Law. This section of the National Law enables the Board to take no further action if the practitioner has taken appropriate steps to address the concerns raised. Tim told us that the practitioner had not taken any steps to address the concerns he raised and that this meant the Board’s decision unfair and unreasonable. 

Our office sought to resolve Tim’s concerns through our early resolution transfer process. With Tim’s consent, we transferred his complaint to Ahpra. In response, Ahpra clarified the steps it had taken in handling the notification. This included inviting the practitioner to respond and provide any supporting information. 

Ahpra confirmed that the practitioner’s response included a letter of apology intended for Tim’s relative. However, after reviewing Tim’s complaint, Ahpra identified that this letter had not been provided to Tim. Ahpra apologised to Tim for this oversight and provided him with a copy of the practitioner’s letter.

Ahpra also acknowledged Tim’s primary concern that the information the practitioner had shared about his relative remained online. Ahpra confirmed that the information was no longer published.

Our office contacted Tim to confirm whether Ahpra’s complaint response had addressed his concerns. Tim confirmed that his concerns had been resolved.