• Key Features of the HCSCC
• The HCSCC and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
• Complaints direct to the provider
• What happens when a complaint is made to the HCSCC?
• Involvement of the Professional Registration Boards
• Helpful hints for handling complaints

Involvement of the Professional Registration Boards

Under the Act, the HCSCC must notify the relevant Registration Board if it receives a complaint about a registered provider.  This can happen in one of two ways:

• Where the complaint is referred to the provider and it is resolved, the HCSCC notifies the relevant Board of the complaint and the fact that it has been successfully resolved. You would receive a copy of this letter; and
• Where the complaint is to be assessed by the HCSCC, the Board is notified on receipt of the complaint (as are you).

Once the complaint is assessed the Board is advised of the HCSCC determination and reasons for the decision. You also receive this information.

If the HCSCC determines that the complaint is to be referred to the relevant registration board, such as the Medical Practitioners Board, it can take no further action on the matter unless it is referred back. Referral to a registration board might happen in a case where it is not suitable for conciliation and professional conduct is likely to be an issue.