Abstract:
Health professionals sometimes claim that the delivery of health care needs more trust and less regulation. Many practitioners see models of self-regulation and professionalism as the best way to ensure safe practice; and excessive accountability and external regulation as likely to diminish the relationship of trust that is essential for effective patient care. Why do we regulate some health professions? How does regulation protect patients and the community? In whose interests do current systems of health professional regulation operate? Currently, there is no registration board for Audiology in either Australia or New Zealand for Audiology. Audiologists who seek either government recognition for funding purposes or who wish to align themselves with a professional association may voluntarily join one of the recognised professional associations that self-regulate their members. Does a pathway exist for Audiology and emerging health professions to gain the recognition currently given to established professions via registration? Can the public be adequately protected, and professionalism enhanced, without registration?