AACMA Newsletter - 19 April 2024

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eNews | AACMA eNews

19 April 2024

19 April 2024

This Issue:

Ahpra: Information Regarding Health Practitioner’s Views on Social Media
Support After the Bondi Junction Event
From the Office of the CAHO
Join Seminar 2 ‘Practice Essentials’ Webinar Series with Stephen Janz - Keeping out of Trouble: Complying with Policies
SAVE UP TO $70 with AACMAC 2024 Early Bird Offer!
Limited Time 30% Discount for AACMA Members on TCM Academy Courses
Moving or Adding a New Clinic?

Ahpra: Information Regarding Health Practitioner’s Views on Social Media

Israel/Gaza conflict – complaints about health practitioners’ views on social media

Between October 2023 and 23 February 2024, Ahpra received 63 notifications involving 43 health practitioners alleging inappropriate use of social media related to the Gaza conflict. The data includes 33 medical practitioners and 10 other registered health practitioners.

Practitioners have expressed a range of views on social media about this conflict, which broadly reflect the sensitivities and positions expressed in the wider community. Complaints received are split between those supporting Israel and criticising Palestine, and those supporting Palestine and criticising Israel. Of the 63 notifications received, 38 relate to claims of antisemitism or similar, and 25 relate to claims of Islamophobia, or similar.

Ahpra has made or will make standard enquiries into each notification. This includes speaking with a person who raises a concern to understand their perspective (wherever possible) to help us consider whether we need to make further enquires. We can also contact the practitioner to understand the context in which a post has been made if this is unclear.

Significant progress had been made on resolving the notifications we have received. More than 70% of the matters have been closed. Each case closed has had no action taken. Two practitioners in the cohort are subject to an investigation. In both these cases, the concerns extend beyond online behaviour.

Following media inquiries, we provided information about notifications received to date and how they are managed. This resulted in media reporting.

We have published case examples to support understanding of how current Codes of Conduct and social media guidance are likely to apply when concerns are raised about public comment by practitioners. These case studies can be accessed here.

https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Social-media-guidance.aspx

Support After the Bondi Junction Event

The devastating attacks at Bondi Junction on last weekend has shocked and saddened people across the country. AACMA would like to send our deepest condolences to the victims and all those who have been affected.

Experiencing strong emotional responses after a tragic event is normal and natural and can last a few days or more. However, if these feelings linger, it’s important to speak to someone.

Beyondblue has provided some information below which we invite you to share with your colleagues, friends and patients to help them recognise signs that show they may need some mental health support.

Signs to look out for

It’s natural to feel shocked, scared, deeply upset and angry after a tragic event like what unfolded at Bondi Junction. However, it’s important to be mindful if the impact is having a lingering effect.

What to look out for:

feeling overwhelmed, numb or detached
unable to focus or plan ahead
constantly tearful
intrusive memories or bad dreams, trouble sleeping
replaying the event over and over, or
have a ‘short fuse’, are feeling more agitated or your mood drops for a long period

These signs are common and expected after a critical incident but keep an eye out if they persist and worsen over time. If so, we encourage you to reach out for mental health support.

Over exposure to the details of tragic events through social media and online content can be distressing and harmful. It can make us feel powerless and emotionally overwhelmed. If you are feeling overwhelmed and distressed, it’s a good idea to limit the amount of time you spend online and scrolling through negative content.

Please be aware that support is available through Beyond Blue 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Beyond Blue support service is available online and over the phone and is free.

Beyond Blue Support Service: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au/getsupport

GET SUPPORT

From the Office of the CAHO

NATIONAL ALLIED HEALTH VIRTUAL RESEARCH FORUM 2024

30 APRIL 2024
1:00pm - 4:30pm AEST

The Department of Health and Aged Care is hosting a National Allied Health Virtual Research Forum to draw links between allied health research and policy priorities.
The forum will be held virtually on Tuesday 30 April 2024.

A key objective of the forum is to facilitate a shared understanding between allied health researchers and government on the type of research that can be readily adopted by policymakers to inform changes to the Australian healthcare system.

The Australian Government (the Government) draws on research to fill urgent policy needs or drive long-term change in funding models and practices. Allied health researchers will be able to hear from the Government about what it looks for in research and how to draw policymakers’ interest by aligning research findings with national and jurisdictional policy priorities.

The forum will provide an opportunity to hear from allied health researchers about research evidence that is ready to be adopted by policymakers to inform changes to the Australian healthcare system.

Join us for a half-day virtual event on 30 April 2024, as we discuss and explore how allied health researchers can work with policymakers.

Join Seminar 2 ‘Practice Essentials’ Webinar Series with Stephen Janz - Keeping out of Trouble: Complying with Policies

Seminar 1 of the AACMA ‘Practice Essentials’ webinar series with Stephen Janz earlier in the month was a great success with many saying the webinar was clear and easy to follow, not only helpful for beginning practitioners, but also useful for established practices to review everything they currently do.

Seminar 2 of the series will happen next Wednesday 24^th April. In this seminar, Stephen will highlight a range of policies and legal requirements to help practitioners stay up to date and keep out of trouble in their practice.

Don’t miss out again, especially the valuable opportunity to get direct answers for your questions during the live webinar, book your seat at Seminar 2 now!

What a bargain to upgrade to the whole series - Bundle deal for 4x1-hour webinars

Bundle price: AACMA Member $85, Student Member FREE, Non Member $170
CPD: 4 professional issues points in total, 1 point per webinar

SAVE UP TO $70 with AACMAC 2024 Early Bird Offer!

Don’t miss out on the highly anticipated AACMAC 2024 taking place 2-4 August - three days of immersive learning, networking, and celebration!

To be held at Pullman Brisbane King George Square on 2-4 August 2024 and livestreamed to a world-wide audience, AACMAC 2024 is the highlight of our calendar, featuring an exceptional lineup of internationally and nationally renowned speakers, a trade exhibition showcasing the latest books, equipment, and professional tools, and ample networking opportunities.

The 3-day ticket with unbeatable value
Best value 3-day ticket: A full access to the whole conference with over 20 CPD hours to tick off your annual professional development requirement and take your practice to new heights!

Take advantage of the Early Bird tickets before it’s gone
AACMAC 2024 tickets are heavily subsidised for AACMA members and student members, seize the chance to book today and get extra saving from the early bird rates ending on May 12!

BOOK NOW & SAVE!

Join us in-person or online, plus a bonus of 3-month post conference recording access.

We are proud to provide flexible attendance options – you are welcomed to join the annual gathering in person in the cozy Brisbane winter weather or sit back on the couch to attend via the livestream.

For those who have a tight budget on travel and accommodation, or simply wish to join from home, the online livestream tickets will be your best fit!

All AACMAC 2024 tickets come with a bonus of 3-month post conference recording access, which means you can learn at your own pace on a later date! You can rest assured nothing will be missed even you cannot make the time for the live event.
Choose your ticket now!

VIEW SPEAKER LINE-UP

VIEW FULL PROGRAM

Exclusive discounted accommodation only for AACMAC 2024 guests

For our valued AACMAC conference delegates, we have an incredible offer you won’t want to miss. Click here to the accommodation options and make online booking for your stay.

To make your accommodation booking over the phone with the conference venue Pullman & Mercure King George Square, please ring +61 (07) 3222 1177 and quote “Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine”.

For further information, please visit www.aacmac.org.au or email events@acupuncture.org.au

Limited Time 30% Discount for AACMA Members on TCM Academy Courses

This April, we're pleased to partner with TCM Academy to offer you a significant 30% saving on all pre-recorded classes. It’s a great opportunity to advance your knowledge at a pace that suits you. Simply enter code AACMAGROWTH30 during checkout. Just a heads up, this special offer is exclusive and won’t combine with other deals. Elevate your practice with any of our expert-led courses.

TCM ACADEMY WEBSITE

Moving or Adding a New Clinic?

Please contact our membership team with your new clinic details by email at aacma@acupuncture.org.au so they can apply to the health funds for new provider numbers.

Medi Bank only update: deadline Sunday 12 May 2024
April monthly updates: deadline Thursday 23 May 2024

Ceased practicing at a clinic, please provide the address and the ceased date so we can advise the health funds to remove your details.

To check your workplace details or membership go to our website https://www.acupuncture.org.au/ then

Go to ‘Login’ at the top right-hand corner then
Click ‘Member Login’ to log into the website your Username is your email address on AACMA’s record and the password you created.
For the first time login, please click the ‘Forgotten Password’ button to set up a password.

If you have issues logging in or setting up a password, please don’t hesitate to contact the membership team 07 3457 1800 we are happy to assist you.