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15 Feb 2024
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) has successfully prosecuted a Victorian woman for holding herself out as an enrolled nurse in contravention of section 116 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law 2009 (National Law).
The woman had graduated from nursing studies and undertaken the initial steps to become registered, but had never followed through to obtain her registration when she secured employment as an enrolled nurse at a dermatology clinic in Melbourne.
In the course of her work the woman’s duties included assisting doctors with surgical procedures, wound care and other nursing tasks. She worked for the clinic for over two years, until she was stood down in April 2023 when her employer could not find her name on the public register.
There is no suggestion the woman caused any harm to members of the public during this period. The practitioner has since followed through with her registration applications and obtained registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and is currently entitled to practice as an enrolled nurse under supervision.
On 8 December 2023 she pleaded guilty to one count of holding herself out as a registered health practitioner between 20 February 2021 and 6 April 2023. She was sentenced without conviction to an adjourned undertaking, requiring a $3000 payment to the Court. She was also ordered to pay Ahpra’s legal costs in the sum of $9,373. Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Chair, Adjunct Professor Veronica Casey AM, explained why nurses and midwives need to be registered to practice.
‘People place their trust in nurses and midwives and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia exists to make sure that this trust is met. Being registered shows the public and your employer that you are a competent practitioner that meets all the requirements necessary to keep the public safe.’
Anyone with concerns about whether an individual is registered can check the online Register of practitioners maintained by Ahpra or call 1300 419 495.