New Protections for People Using Health Services in Tasmania

Many people know that doctors, nurses and psychologists must be registered to practise. But not everyone who provides a health service is registered.

Tasmania’s Code of Conduct for Unregistered Health Care Workers commenced on 24 June 2026. It sets minimum standards of conduct, behaviour and practice for unregistered health care workers when they provide health services in or into Tasmania. The Code does not apply retrospectively.

The Code generally applies to someone who provides a health service but is not required to be registered under the National Law. It may also apply to other workers who are not providing clinical treatment but whose work forms part of providing a health service. Whether it applies depends on the person’s role and the service they are providing, not only their job title or where they work.

You can read more about the Code on the Office of the Health Complaints Commissioners website: National Code of Conduct | Health Complaints Commissioner Tasmania

Registered and unregistered health workers

The important difference is whether a person must be registered through Ahpra. The table below explains the two groups.

You can check about whether a practitioner from a registered profession is registered, and whether there are any conditions on their registration, by searching Ahpra’s online Register of Practitioners. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency – Home

What does this mean for me?

If someone is providing a health service, you have the right to expect that they will:

The new Code helps make these expectations clear for those that are unregistered health workers and gives the community another way to raise concerns when standards are not met.

What if something goes wrong?

If you believe an unregistered health worker has behaved unsafely or unprofessionally and have been unable to resolve it with the worker or the service, you can make a complaint to the Health Complaints Commissioner.

The Commissioner can:

• Look into complaints
• Investigate serious concerns
• Take action to protect the public
• Issue public warnings in some situations
• Restrict or prohibit a person from providing health services in serious cases

Not sure whether the Code applies?

You do not need to work out whether someone is a registered or unregistered health worker before seeking help. You can use our online tool to help know where you need to go to for your complaint. Something Feel Off with Your Healthcare? – Health Consumers Tasmania

Or if you are concerned about the care you have received, the Health Complaints Commissioner can advise whether the Code applies and what options are available to you too. Complaints | Health Complaints Commissioner Tasmania

The Office of the Health Complaints Commission is interested in hearing from consumers on promoting and understanding the Code. If you would like to provide any feedback or get involved, please see the letter below or get in touch with us or them on the details below.

If you are a health care worker and would like more information about what the Code means for you please get in touch with the Office of the Health Complaints Commissioner on the details below.

Health Complaints Commissioner –
Email: health.complaints@healthcomplaints.tas.gov.au
Phone: (03) 6166 4566