Revised PII standard for all physiotherapists takes effect from today

01 Jul 2016

In December 2015, the Board published a revised registration standard for professional indemnity insurance (PII) arrangements that takes effect from today.

The revised standard now applies to all registered physiotherapists except those with non-practising registration.

Registration standard

What do you need to do?

It is your responsibility as a physiotherapist to ensure that you comply with the new standard by the time you renew your registration, which is due by 30 November 2016.

What has changed?

The new PII arrangements registration standard has not changed significantly. Some changes have been made to improve the clarity and workability of the standard, and understanding of the requirements and obligations of registrants. There have been some minor changes to the requirements relating to run-off and retroactive cover to avoid duplication and provide more clarity.

Transition period to meet the new standard

The Board published the standard well in advance of its commencement to provide physiotherapists adequate time to ensure that their arrangements for PII will meet the new registration standard. To ensure a smooth transition to this new standard, the Board has allowed for a transition period to meet the standard

All physiotherapists must meet the new standard by the time they renew their registration which is due by 30 November 2016.

Until that time, it is acceptable that your PII arrangements meet the Board’s registration standard for PII arrangements dated 1 July 2010. However, if your PII policy is due for renewal in the meantime you should ensure that your new policy meets the new standard.

What if your PII policy is not due for renewal until after your registration is due for renewal?

If your PII arrangements policy is not due for renewal before you renew your registration, you will need to contact your insurer, and if necessary, have your policy adjusted so that it meets the new standard by the time you renew your registration.

The Board encourages all physiotherapists to review the new registration standard to check whether their current PII arrangements will need to be adjusted to meet the requirements of the new standard.

What if your registration is not due for renewal by 30 November 2016?

Physiotherapists whose registration is not due for renewal by 30 November 2016 must meet the requirements of the new standard by 30 November 2016.

Additional resources

More information about the new PII arrangements standard, including the brief consultation report, FAQs and a fact sheet, is available on the Professional indemnity insurance arrangements page of the AHPRA website.