Is ethics CPD required for Australian doctors?
No National Board requires a standalone ethics course. What is required is CPD relevant to your context or scope of practice, based on identified learning needs. Ethics and professionalism learning can sit within that, and it addresses the areas that generate the most regulatory concern.
Can an ethics course count toward my CPD?
Generally yes, as an educational activity, provided it is relevant to your scope of practice and you record it correctly. The Medical Board of Australia does not pre-approve activities, so the classification and record are yours to make.
Do I need an AMC-accredited CPD home?
Yes. Under the Medical Board's CPD registration standard, registered medical practitioners must participate in a CPD program offered by a CPD home accredited by the Australian Medical Council, unless an exemption applies. Ahpra Courses is not a CPD home and does not replace one.
How many CPD hours do doctors need each year?
At least 50 hours: a minimum of 12.5 hours of educational activities, 25 hours across reviewing performance and measuring outcomes with at least five hours of each, and 12.5 hours of your choosing. You also need a written annual professional development plan.
Is this course suitable for specialists?
The content is written for medical practitioners generally rather than a single specialty. Specialists should note that their college or CPD home may set specialist high-level requirements that these courses do not address.
Is this course Ahpra accredited?
No. Ahpra does not accredit CPD courses, and neither does any National Board accredit individual commercial activities. Treat any provider claiming an Ahpra-accredited or Ahpra-approved course with caution.
Is this course approved by the Medical Board of Australia?
No. The Medical Board of Australia sets registration standards and publishes codes and guidelines. It does not approve or endorse individual commercial courses. Our content is written with reference to its published standards, which is a different thing from approval.
How long does each course take?
Each course is designed as approximately two hours of self-paced learning, including the assessment and reflection activity. Record the time you actually spend, according to your own Board's rules.
Can this course support learning related to a complaint or notification?
It can support your own structured reflection and learning, and the certificate documents what you completed and when. It does not satisfy, discharge or resolve any regulatory requirement, condition or undertaking. If a notification has been made about you, contact your medical indemnity insurer before taking any step, including enrolling in education.
What evidence do I receive after completion?
A dated certificate showing your name, course title, course version, completion date, nominal duration and assessment outcome, plus a permanent course record in your account and a downloadable reflection document.
Who wrote and reviewed the course?
The courses are written and reviewed by Dr Richard, a practising clinician with postgraduate training in healthcare law and ethics. His qualifications, profile and the review date are published on this page.
How often is the course updated?
Every course carries a version number and a last-reviewed date. Regulatory content is reviewed at least annually, and sooner when the Medical Board of Australia publishes a new or amended standard, code or guideline affecting the material.