The Optometry Board of Australia (OBA) has set a 30 November deadline for optometrists to renew their registration and provided further clarity around its advertising audit and CPD requirements for those who have struggled to meet the standard due to COVID-19.
The authority is urging optometrists to renew their registration early to avoid delays. This year, it has shifted to online only payments and will also ask optometrists whether they identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to help develop culturally safe working practices.
Other changes this year require optometrists to declare their advertising complies with Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (National Law) advertising requirements. This comes after the OBA began proactive advertising audits in February.
“This is part of a risk-based approach to enforcing the National Law’s advertising requirements and compliance by registered health practitioners who advertise their services. This approach includes auditing health practitioners to check advertising compliance,” the OBA stated.
Meeting CPD requirements
The OBA said it was continuing to support health practitioners during COVID-19 and would not take action if the pandemic had hampered efforts to fulfil their continuing professional development (CPD) requirements.
But it expected optometrists “to make reasonable efforts to complete your required CPD”.
“However, we understand that some practitioners may have had trouble fully meeting CPD requirements due to the impacts of COVID-19, particularly the interactive and CPR requirements. Continuing professional development is important as it helps maintain competence and supports safe and effective care,” the OBA stated.
“The board will not take action if you have not been able to complete CPD for the 2020–21 registration period due to the exceptional circumstances of COVID-19 and you declare on your renewal application that you have not met the CPD registration standard.
“It’s important that you answer all questions honestly and accurately when completing your registration renewal and declare that you have not met the CPD requirements if that is the case. If you declare that you did not meet the CPD registration standard the board may request evidence in the future of what you have done to address any identified gaps in your CPD learning needs such as any interactive or face-to-face CPD requirements.”
Further, the OBA stated that given the importance of CPD and the increasing availability of flexible and COVID-safe CPD options, optometrists will be expected to fully meet CPD requirements in future and when renewing in 2022.
“If you have not met the CPD requirements due to the impacts of COVID-19 you should update your CPD portfolio to explain how you will address any resulting learning needs, such as your face-to-face or interactive requirements, in the next registration period. The board expects you to access any specific training requirements as soon as you are able e.g. by scheduling face-to-face or interactive requirements when available.”
Recency of practice requirements
The OBA has also provided advice for optometrists who can’t meet their ‘recency of practice’ requirements due to their personal circumstances in combination with the impact of COVID-19.
“The board would like to remind optometrists that practice is not limited to direct face-to-face patient contact but can also include any role where you use your skills and knowledge as a registered health practitioner,” the authority said.
“All practitioners are reminded of the importance of honest declarations when renewing their registration. If you declare you have not met recency requirements for the profession you should provide details to the board of why you have not met the standard. Declarations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.”
More information can be found here.
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