Oversight of the Health Ombudsman and the health service complaints management system

Overview

The committee is responsible for monitoring and review of the operation of the health service complaints management system, which includes:

  • the Health Ombudsman
  • the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra, the National Agency) and 15 health practitioner registration boards (National Boards) – regarding the conduct, performance and health of registered health practitioners who provide health services in Queensland.

The Health Ombudsman commenced operations on 1 July 2014, and replaced the former Health Quality and Complaints Commission.

In accordance with section 179 of the Health Ombudsman Act 2013, the committee’s functions are:

  • monitor and review the operation of the health service complaints management system;
  • identify and report on particular ways in which the health service complaints management system might be improved;
  • monitor and review the performance by the Health Ombudsman of the health ombudsman’s functions
  • monitor and review the National Boards’ and National Agency’s performance of their functions relating to the health, conduct and performance of registered health practitioners who provide health services in Queensland
  • examine reports of the Health Ombudsman, the National Agency and National Boards
  • advise the Minister in relation to the appointment of the Health Ombudsman
  • report to the Legislative Assembly on matters referred by the Legislative Assembly, and any matter the committee considers should be brought to the Assembly’s attention.

The committee’s does not have the power to re-investigate complaints or reconsider a decision or finding of the Health Ombudsman, Ahpra or the national boards. The committee does not act as an appeal body in respect of decisions made by the Health Ombudsman, Ahpra or the national boards.

Timeline

Public briefing:Monday 22 February 2021 at 10:00am - program - broadcast - transcript
Public briefing:Monday 15 November 2021 at 10:00am - program - broadcast - transcript
Public briefing:Friday 27 May 2022 at 10:45am - program - broadcast - transcript

Further information

Information about the Health Ombudsman, Ahpra and the national boards can be found on these websites:

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Related Publications

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