Protect safety

People have the right to feel and be safe when they are receiving health, disability or aged care services. The Commissioner has two ways of protecting safety:

• If a complaint involves an individual service provider who is registered with a National Board, the Commissioner consults with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) to decide which agency is best suited to manage the complaint. The question of how any risk to the public is best managed is a key consideration in the decision as to which agency, the HCSCC or Ahpra, should handle the complaint.
• The complaint may involve an individual service provider who is not registered with a National Board or a service provider which is an organisation (for example a GP clinic, the Department of Health or a disability service provider). If the Commissioner decides that the complaint raises an issue or question which may be a significant issue of public health or safety or public interest, he may refer the complaint to investigation.