What happens if you get audited by AHPRA?
May 21, 2024
[2min read]
As a registered nurse in Australia, staying compliant with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is crucial for maintaining our professional status and delivering the highest standard of care.
When I received notification of an upcoming audit from AHPRA a few years ago, I panicked. Thoughts were swirling around my head. Have I done the minimum requirement? Have I kept all my documentation? How on earth did I get selected out of 300,000+ Nurses in Australia? While I had always strived to keep my records and practices up-to-date, an AHPRA audit can still be a daunting process.
Here’s how I navigated this nerve-racking experience and emerged more confident in my professional practice.
The first step was to thoroughly read the audit notification and guidelines provided by AHPRA. They specified the documents I needed to submit, including evidence of CPD activities, professional indemnity insurance, and proof of practice hours.
Here’s a breakdown of what I prepared:
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Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Records: I reviewed my CPD log meticulously. This log included certificates from workshops, seminars, online courses, and peer reviews. AHPRA required detailed evidence, so I ensured every activity was supported by attendance certificates, reflective notes, and CPD hours accurately documented.
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Professional Indemnity Insurance: I contacted my insurance provider to obtain a current certificate of currency, this was my current nursing union at the time. This document needed to show that I was insured at all times during my practice period.
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Recency of Practice: To demonstrate my recency of practice, I compiled employment records and references from my current and previous employers. This included payslips and signed letters confirming my hours and roles over the past five years.
A platform such as Periop Concepts allows you to easily and efficiently have access to over 35 hours of peri-anaesthesia specific online nursing education. All CPD and relevant certificates are in one place and can be easily be retrieved for record keeping in a matter of clicks.
My hot tips for fellow nurses:
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Stay Organised: Maintain an up-to-date and detailed log of all CPD activities. Regularly update your professional portfolio with certificates, reflective notes, and any other relevant documents.
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Keep Current Insurance: Ensure your professional indemnity insurance is always current. It’s easier to renew on time than scramble for proof during an audit.
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Document Practice Hours: Keep accurate records of your practice hours and roles. This might include payslips, rosters, and confirmation letters from employers.
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Read AHPRA Guidelines: Familiarise yourself with AHPRA’s audit guidelines and requirements. Understanding what they expect can significantly reduce stress and confusion during the process.
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Reflect on Your Practice: If you are audited, use it as an opportunity to reflect on your professional growth. This can turn a stressful situation into a valuable learning experience.
Start your journey to a organised and stress-free CPD collection today by visiting periopconcepts.com
Andy Goyen, RN.
Please note: this article is based on personal experience of an AHPRA audit in 2020. Conditions and regulations may have changed. Always seek advice through channels applicable to your situation.
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