Below is the reponse from AHPRA to my complaint re unfair initial Registration fees: Basically it states that AHPRA need the money and by ripping off new registrations this is a fair and equitable method to get it. A pro rata system MAY cost too much..... but that is not confirmed/considered.
I have written to the Ombudsman, however, in their website they state that they cannot force agencies such as AHPRA to adopt their recommendation - just simply ask nicely!!!! Exactly what is the point of having an Ombudsman with no teeth?
The only suggestion I can make is to flood AHPRA and the Ombudsmen with complaints and then someone might listen.....
My contact with the Nurses Union was equally unproductive - spoke to a fembot who could only reiterate the "if you put something in writing as to how we can represent you....." speel - all I was asking for was an update on the Union's own request for AHPRA to pro rata fees!
I refer to your email and attached letter dated ......... in response to AHPRA’s letter dated .......... I note that you consider that AHPRA’s response to your complaint did not address the substance of your complaint, namely, that the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (the Board) policy does not pro-rata initial registration fees.
The National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (the National Scheme) is funded solely by registrants’ fees and enables the Board to do its work in protecting the public by regulating the nursing and midwifery professions. A guiding principle of the National Scheme is an undertaking that registration fees are to be reasonable, having regard to the efficient and effective operation of the National Scheme.
I attach a copy of the Board statement regarding fees and it was noted that the fee was fair and reasonable and set at a level to enable the Board to effectively regulate nurses, midwives and students of nursing and midwifery in Australia and meet its legal responsibilities under theHealth Practitioner Regulation NationalLaw, as in force in each state and territory (the National Law).
A pro-rata system may not be cost effective due to the additional administrative time needed to administer such a policy and it is considered the better view that graduation processes are streamlined to enable registration fees to be maintained at a level appropriate to regulating the profession. I would like to take this opportunity to bring to your attention that initial application and registration payments are tax deductable professional costs.
Thank you for taking the time to write and as part of AHPRA’s standards of service AHPRA’s policies are reviewed and the comments you have provided will be considered during these reviews.
As advised previously, if you are not satisfied with this response, you may wish to contact the Office of the National Health Practitioner Ombudsman and Privacy Commissioner (the Ombudsman) for a review.