Who is AHPRA and what do they do?

By Julie-Anne Peake - Clinical Psychologist, myMHC

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is the national organisation responsible for regulating health practitioners across Australia. AHPRA works in partnership with 15 National Boards (such as the Psychology Board of Australia, Nursing and Midwifery Board, and Medical Board) to ensure that only qualified, competent, and ethical professionals are registered to practise.

At its core, AHPRA’s primary role is to protect the public. This means ensuring that anyone who provides health services in Australia meets strict professional standards. Practitioners are required to demonstrate the necessary education, ongoing competence, and adherence to a rigorous code of conduct that upholds safety, professionalism, and integrity.

If concerns or complaints arise (such as allegations of unsafe, unethical, or unprofessional behaviour), AHPRA investigates and can impose conditions, suspend, or even revoke a practitioner’s registration when necessary.

Through registration, monitoring, and clear professional guidelines, AHPRA helps maintain public trust in Australia’s health system by ensuring that every registered practitioner delivers care that is safe, respectful, and accountable.

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