Restrictions on APC

Before you apply to renew your APC you are advised to read the information below on restrictions to the issue of an APC. If you feel that any of the restrictions might apply to you please contact the Registrar for advice.

Restrictions on issuing an APC

The Registrar will not issue an APC if he believes that there are reasonable grounds to refer the application to the Council.  The grounds are set out in the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act) at section 27. 

Grounds for referring an APC application to Council

• Any fine or costs imposed under s.101 of the HPCA Act or any costs or expenses payable under s.92(4) of the HPCA Act remain unpaid.
• The Registrar is satisfied that some or all of the information supplied by the applicant is false or misleading.
• The applicant:

a. has failed to maintain the required standard of competence

b. has failed to fulfil or comply with a condition included in the applicant's scope of practice

c. has not satisfactorily completed the requirements of any competence programme that the applicant has been ordered by Council to complete

d. has not held an APC within the 3 years immediately preceding the date of the application

e. is unable to perform the functions required for the applicant's profession because of some mental or physical condition

f. has not within the 3 years immediately preceding the date of application lawfully practised his or her profession.

What the Council does

When an application is referred to the Council, it must only decide to issue an APC if it is satisfied that the applicant meets the required standard of competence. Council can make any of the following decisions:

• issue an APC without any changes to the applicant's scope of practice
• require the applicant to fulfil one or more conditions before an APC is issued
• decline to issue an APC.  If the APC is declined, an interim practising certificate (IPC) may be issued for a period of up to 12 months, pending fulfilment of conditions specified by the Council. 

What happens if the APC application is declined 

Applicants will be given the opportunity to make written and oral submissions prior to any decision being made to decline an APC application, or to include or vary conditions in the applicant's scope of practice.