APodA advocacy update: February 2025
17 Feb 2025
Ahpra & National Boards update – changes to the practitioner portal and application system
Ahpra has announced upcoming changes to its core regulatory operating system, introducing a new practitioner portal and digital smart forms. These updates aim to enhance security, improve application efficiency, and simplify processes for practitioners.
What’s changing?
- A new Ahpra portal for practitioners with digital smart forms for applications, renewals, and notifications.
- Enhanced security measures, including two-step verification.
- A new and improved "Raise a Concern" online system.
What you need to know
- Access to the Registers of Practitioners and the Practitioner Information Exchange (PIE) will not be affected.
- Ahpra is implementing a staged transition to ensure minimal disruption.
- Practitioners and stakeholders will receive ongoing updates to support a smooth transition.
Stay informed
The launch date of the new system is yet to be confirmed. Once we receive confirmation of the launch, we will share with our community.
In the meantime, podiatrists are encouraged to stay up to date and review communications by visiting the Ahpra website or contact their support team.
Aged Care Act reform update: Support at Home program
From 1 July 2025, the Support at Home program will replace Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC). With these changes, a Single Assessment System is already in place, with the Integrated Assessment Tool introduced on 1 July 2024, seeking to simplify access to aged care services.
To learn more, please take a look at the 'Support at Home – Guidance Document'.
If you’re a member of the APod Podiatrists in Aged Care (PAC) Special Interest Group (SIG) and want to be involved in future discussions, reach out to your committee members or the APodA advocacy team via email. To learn more about the PAC SIG, please click here >>
TGA update – new Procedure for Recalls, Product Alerts, and Product Corrections (PRAC) resource for sponsors
A new PRAC will take effect from early March 2025. Sponsors should continue to follow the Uniform Recall Procedure for Therapeutic Goods (URPTG) until early March 2025, at which time the URPTG will be replaced by the PRAC. The APodA will advise the finalised implementation date closer to this time.
While the overall process remains the same, key updates include:
- Simplified recall terminology – replacing 'recall' and 'non-recall' with ‘market actions’
- Streamlined process – reducing steps from ten to five
- Clearer guidance – improved readability with tables and visuals
- New reporting expectations – ensuring accurate customer lists to prevent delays
While the PRAC is a complete re-write of the URPTG to improve its content and readability, the process for sponsors performing a market action largely remains the same. Sponsors of therapeutic products are advised to review the PRAC to ensure compliance before March 2025.
For more information, please visit the TGA website >>
Support the 7 million Australians living with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions
Almost one in three Australians, or more than 7 million people of all ages, are living with arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.
The next federal election could be called at any time, and we need our arthritis and MSK clinical and research community to come off the bench and make your voices heard if we want to see positive change.
From now until the Federal election, Arthritis Australia needs your help to lobby federal parliamentarians to take action on arthritis and MSK conditions. We have developed an election platform with three key requests based on consultation with people living with arthritis and MSK, along with clinicians and researchers.
To learn more and get involved, please click here >>
If you’re a podiatrist with an interest in musculoskeletal conditions affecting the foot and ankle, please click here to learn more about joining our MSK SIG.
Attention ACT podiatrists: EOI now open for multidisciplinary approach to diabetes care pilot
Capital Health Network (CHN), the ACT’s PHN is seeking EOIs to participate in the Multidisciplinary Approach to Diabetes Care (MADC) pilot program from:
- ACT small/solo general practices
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS)
- ACT allied health providers.
This initiative aims to support early intervention for individuals at-risk of developing complications associated with diabetes. The MADC pilot will provide patients at-risk of poor health outcomes free access to a MDT, through their local general practice or ACCHS in the ACT.
CHN is inviting applications from an Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Podiatrist, Exercise Physiologist/Physiotherapist who wish to receive funding to participate in this pilot.
CHN will commission an allied health MDT from Canberra to service up to 3 selected practices – ACCHS, small or solo general practice from North Canberra and South Canberra for a geographical spread of services.
For the details regarding this EOI for allied health, please click here >>
ACT and SNSW HealthPathways provides information on the assessment, management and referral options available in ACT and SNSW for diabetes and diabetes referrals.