Recency of Practice
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Reviewed October 2008
Recency of Practice Policy
Any physiotherapist who has not practised physiotherapy in the preceding five (5) years must satisfy the Board they have maintained sufficient skills and knowledge to practise competently in order to maintain registration.
According to the Physiotherapists Act 2005 section: 41(1)(a) and (b), any physiotherapist who has not practised physiotherapy in the preceding five (5) years and is unable to demonstrate sufficient current knowledge and skills to practise competently must be removed from the Register.
For the purpose of this policy ‘practise’ includes work in clinical, teaching, research, medical or health management in hospitals, clinics, general practices and community and institutional contexts whether paid or voluntary.[1]
The Board will monitor recency of practice with the inclusion of a recency of practice question on the annual renewal form and random audit.
The intent of the Board is to support the return to safe practise of a physiotherapist who has not practised for five (5) years or more and, if appropriate, the Board may grant conditional registration. Conditions imposed may include, but are not limited to, duration of registration, location of practice, clinical area of practice, and supervision.
Recency of Practice Process
Recency of Practice
- Each registrant must complete questions related to recency of practice on the annual renewal form.
- A positive response that can be supported by proof of practice upon request will meet the recency of practice requirements for registration.
- Each year 5 per cent of registrants will be randomly audited, and requested to provide documented evidence of practice within the five-year period (e.g. employer statement or contract of employment).
- A negative response will initiate follow-up from the Board (Registrar) requesting evidence of maintenance of skills and knowledge to practise competently during the five-year period.
- Where such evidence cannot be produced, the physiotherapist must be removed from the register.
Return to Practise
- Where the physiotherapist is removed from the Register they will be advised to develop a Return to Practise Plan to obtain sufficient knowledge and skills for the Board to be satisfied they can practise competently. This plan may involve a number of activities, including practical training, supervision, courses and examinations. The Board will encourage the physiotherapist to seek a mentor. A potential employer or other registered physiotherapist would be appropriate.
- Considerations for the Return to Practise Plan will include:
- length of time out of the workforce;
- depth and duration of experience prior to practise gap;
- area of intended practice;
- education support required and accessible;
- supervised practice option.
Completion of such a plan will be supported by a recommendation to the Board of conditional registration for a defined period. Conditions imposed for that period may include, but are not limited to, duration of registration, location of practice, clinical area of practice and supervision.
- Following implementation of the plan, registration will be reviewed with consideration of restoration of full registration on the basis of sufficient skills and knowledge to practise competently having been attained. This will be assessed by an appropriate process agreed at the commencement of the Return to Practise Plan and may involve, but not be limited to, self-evaluation report, documentation review, supervisor report, case presentation or clinical reasoning panel.
Note: If the physiotherapist fails to complete the process or does not wish to maintain their registration the physiotherapist will no longer be registered, and their name will be removed from the Register.
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