Dear [FirstName],
In addition to the recently released capabilities for podiatrists and podiatric surgeons, this week’s CEO Report features the administration and some aspects of COVID-19 vaccinations that impact on health podiatrists and other health professionals. As always we will keep podiatrists up to date on COVID activities your state via our regular emails, our social media posts, and via the COVID-19 tabs under the Member Resources section of podiatry.org.au.
Vaccination administration – Vic and NSW
Members would likely be aware that following recent regulatory changes podiatrists will be able to administer vaccinations in NSW and Victoria. Circumstances in both states are varied and the APodA is in the process of informing the major insurers of practitioner requirements in the Victorian situation. We will also inform members if other states make similar provisions for the administration of vaccination.
In the meantime, below are some useful links for both states:
NSW
VIC
Health professional vaccination requirements NSW
Please note that the NSW mandatory vaccination requirements have changed slightly. The latest Public Health Order is here but because different rules are made under different mechanisms, it is a bit confusing. The best way to stay up to date is to refer to the website here.
As previously, regardless of where in NSW you live and work, unless you work in a small private practice, from 30 September 2021, you must have received at least one dose of a COVID 19 vaccine in order to work.
From 30 November 2021, you must have had at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, unless you produce a medical contraindication certificate (in a form approved by NSW Health).
The obligation applies to public health including paramedics, private hospitals and affiliated third party entities, and covers employees, contractors, visiting practitioners, volunteers, students, and temporary and permanent work
Health professional vaccination requirements WA
The WA Government recently announced the requirement for all health practitioners and other relevant individuals in public health facilities to be vaccinated. Whilst this does not apply to private practices, podiatrists in all facilities are encouraged to be vaccinated. Additional information is available here.
New professional capabilities for podiatrists and podiatric surgeons
The Podiatry Board of Australia (the Board) last week published new professional capabilities for podiatrists and podiatric surgeons. These will come into effect 1 January 2022.
The new professional capabilities identify the professional behaviours all podiatrists and podiatric surgeons should demonstrate to practise safely and ethically. They apply to all podiatrists and podiatric surgeons across all areas of podiatry practice, including clinical and non-clinical roles.
The Podiatry Accreditation Committee has also released new accreditation standards for podiatry education programs following approval by the Podiatry Board of Australia under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law. These will also come into effect on January 1 2022 and further details can be found here.
Kind regards,
Nello Marino
CEO, Australian Podiatry Association
ceo@podiatry.org.au
www.podiatry.org.au
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