New professional capabilities take effect on 1 January 2022

31 Dec 2021

The Podiatry Board of Australia’s (the Board) new professional capabilities for podiatrists and podiatric surgeons come into effect on 1 January 2022.

Board Chair A/Prof Cylie Williams said the Board is pleased we now have new professional capabilities for podiatrists, and for the first time we have national professional capabilities for podiatric surgeons.

‘Podiatrists and podiatric surgeons make a significant contribution to health outcomes for many Australians, and it is important that our professional capabilities clearly articulate what is expected of contemporary podiatry and podiatric surgery practice in Australia, in all areas of podiatry practice. These professional capabilities are relevant to all clinical and non-clinical roles.

'The Board is especially pleased that the new capabilities recognise cultural safety as a key component of safe healthcare, particularly with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

'The Board, like all National Boards, wants to see the vision of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy Statement of Intent realised, that “patient safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is the norm” and we consider this an important step in that direction for the profession', said Cylie.

The Board is grateful to the Podiatry Accreditation Committee who developed the professional capabilities on behalf of the Board, and to the stakeholders who provided input during consultation.

The Board published the professional capabilities on 1 September 2021. This gave time for podiatrists and podiatric surgeons to understand what they mean, and how they can apply them to their practice before they come into effect.

The professional capabilities identify the knowledge, skills and professional attributes needed to safely and competently practise as a podiatrist or podiatric surgeon in Australia. They describe the threshold or minimum level of professional capability needed for registration as a podiatrist or podiatric surgeon.

The Board asks podiatrists and podiatric surgeons to use the professional capabilities when planning their professional development activities. Podiatrists and podiatric surgeons can use the professional capabilities to reflect on their practice; identify any areas where their knowledge and skills may not meet the minimum level of capability and develop and implement their continuing professional development learning plan to address any gaps in knowledge and skills.

The professional capabilities are published on the Professional capabilities page.

The Board has published FAQs to support practitioners and stakeholders to understand the new professional capabilities.

For more information

• For online enquiries visit www.ahpra.gov.au/enquiry.
• For registration enquiries: 1300 419 495 (within Australia) +61 3 9285 3010 (overseas callers).
• For media enquiries: (03) 8708 9200