Making the healthcare complaints system more accessible and effective

The NSW Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Healthcare Complaints Commission released its report into False and Misleading Healthcare-Related Information and Practices in November 2014.

The Inquiry noted current practices of concern, including the existence of organisations or companies advertising misleading health information or engaging in practices that are potentially unsafe.

Amongst the recommendations contained in the report are two key proposals. The first is to amend the definition of a healthcare service, bringing more organisations purporting to work in the area of health and wellbeing within the scope of the Act. The other major proposal is to ensure concerned people have standing to bring complaints.

NCOSS supports the recommendations of the report and looks forward to working constructively to ensure that relevant amendments are introduced in the near future.

For further information on this issue, please contact Jed Horner, Policy and Research Officer, at: jed@ncoss.org.au