Determining the risk of recidivism in previously de-registered health practitioners.
Health practitioners who have been de-registered in the past due to serious professional misconduct pose significant challenges to registration boards and tribunals when applying for re-registration. These practitioners need to demonstrate to their professional regulatory body that they possess the necessary attributes expected of a member of a caring profession. Boards are obliged by legislation to decline to grant registration to any applicant if that person is deemed not fit and proper to be a member of the profession or who poses a risk to public safety. Studies have shown a significant incidence of repeated misconduct among previously de-registered practitioners and the exercise of re-registration requires an accurate assessment of this risk of recidivism. This article examines the incidence and risk of recidivism in previously de-registered health practitioners. It also discusses how boards may more accurately perform an assessment of the risk and thereby assist them to meet their statutory obligation of public protection.
Victorian Board of the Medical Board of Australia. Iwarfe@medicalone.com.au
Laurie
L
Warfe
D001315:Australia; D002605:Character; D006801:Humans; D008004:Licensure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D028743:Professional Misconduct / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*