What if my medical practice is already accredited with QIP/AGPAL or GPA plus?
It has been determined that some rigorous accreditation or credentialing processes that require a documented plan to prevent or minimise the risk of infection in a practice may exempt some participating health services. Therefore if your practice has already been awarded QIP/AGPAL or GPA plus accreditation you are considered to be already compliant with the obligation for an ICMP and exempt from this process.
When do I have to have my ICMP completed?
If you are currently in practice then you are obligated under the Act to have an ICMP within 6 months of the 15 December 2006 commencement date. If you are establishing a new practice then you must have an ICMP prior to providing any declared health services.
What is the definition of the term `invasive procedures'?
The definition is listed under Part 1, s147 and states:
"invasive procedure means a procedure involving the insertion of an instrument, appliance or other object into human tissue, organs, body cavities or body orifices. For example: Subcutaneous and intramuscular injections, blood collection, dentistry, suturing or superficial wounds and examinations of he mouth"
Why are tatooists excluded from the scope of the Public Health Act 2005?
Beauty Therapy, Body Piercing, Hairdressing, Skin Penetration and Tattooing are covered by the Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Act, 2003. These services do not require an ICMP because they do not meet the definition of a "declared health service".
How will the Public Health Act's infection control obligations be enforced?
Due to the obligations placed on health services through various forms of legislation, common law and professional regulation there is no offence for non-compliance with the duties under the Act. However, any breaches of duty that are brought to the attention of Queensland Health, through complaints or investigations, may be forwarded to an appropriate body for further investigation and, if necessary, disciplinary action. Appropriate bodies may include:
Patients of health care facilities may also be able to initiate a civil action if they believe that the service was conducted in a manner that breached the statutory duties within the Act. In their defence, the onus will be on the owner/provider to ensure that appropriate measures were in place to meet their obligations.
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