Code of Conduct for Unregistered Health Practitioners (NSW)

In accordance with the Public Health Regulation 2022 (NSW), this Code of Conduct applies to all unregistered health practitioners providing health services in New South Wales. It outlines the minimum standards to protect public health and safety.

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1. Health care must be provided in a safe and ethical manner.

A health practitioner must:

• Maintain a reasonable standard of hygiene and cleanliness.

• Provide health services in a safe and ethical manner.

• Not provide services while intoxicated or affected by alcohol or unlawful substances.

• Not financially exploit clients.

• Only provide treatments that are appropriate and not harmful.

• Take appropriate action if another practitioner is placing a client at risk.

• Keep appropriate records of consultations and treatments.

 

2. Clients must be treated with respect, dignity, and consideration at all times.

A health practitioner must:

• Treat clients with courtesy, respect, and dignity.

• Not engage in any form of discrimination or harassment.

 

3. Clients must be informed of the treatment, including any risks.

A health practitioner must:

• Explain the nature of the treatment, including likely outcomes and any risks involved.

• Obtain informed consent before commencing treatment.

• Not misinform or mislead clients about their health or the effectiveness of a treatment.

• Allow clients to make an informed choice about their care.

 

4. Practitioners must not provide treatment or care beyond their qualifications or training.

A health practitioner must:

• Only provide services for which they are properly trained and qualified.

• Refer clients to other practitioners when appropriate, including if a condition is outside their scope.

 

5. Practitioners must not financially exploit clients.

A health practitioner must:

• Charge fair and reasonable fees.

• Inform clients of costs before providing treatment.

• Not pressure clients to purchase products or services they don’t need.

 

6. Sexual misconduct is strictly prohibited.

A health practitioner must:

• Not engage in sexual or intimate relationships with clients.

• Not touch clients in a way that is inappropriate, culturally insensitive, or sexual in nature.

• Ensure appropriate physical boundaries are maintained at all times.

 

7. Confidentiality must be maintained.

A health practitioner must:

• Protect the confidentiality of client health information.

• Not disclose personal information unless:

  • The client consents, or

  • Disclosure is required by law, or

  • There is a serious risk to the client or another person’s health or safety.

 

8. Clients may seek a second opinion or stop treatment at any time.

A health practitioner must:

• Inform clients of their right to seek a second opinion.

• Respect a client’s decision to refuse or withdraw from treatment.

• Not discourage clients from consulting other health practitioners.

 

9. Complaints must be handled appropriately.

A health practitioner must:

• Have a clear process for handling complaints.

• Inform clients of how to make a complaint.

• Respond to complaints respectfully and promptly.

 

10. A practitioner must not discourage clients from seeking other health care.

A health practitioner must:

• Not attempt to dissuade clients from seeking or continuing treatment from registered health practitioners.

• Work collaboratively with other health professionals when appropriate.

 

Making a Complaint

If you are concerned about the conduct of an unregistered health practitioner, you can contact:

NSW Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC)
📞 Phone: 1800 043 159
🌐 Website: www.hccc.nsw.gov.au