Protected titles only for persons registered in the profession
Health Practitioner Regulation National Law s 113, stated plainly and cited to the edition held, with the evidence an auditor or the regulator asks for, the common gaps, and a free worksheet to fill in.
National Law s 113
Ahpra and the National Boards
The National Law as the Schedule to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009 (Qld), Act No 45 of 2009, Queensland in-force version current as at 10 April 2026 (the host jurisdiction's text, which the other states and territories apply by their own Acts; New South Wales applies its own version with its own complaints scheme)
6 October 2026, our build record of the held copy: no later reprint listed on 30 September 2026
Anyone, registered or not, including a practice owner who is not a practitioner; for registered occupational therapists, physiotherapists and psychologists and the practices that employ them.
Health Practitioner Regulation National Law on the standards library
No person knowingly or recklessly takes or uses a title in the Law's table of protected titles (for example medical practitioner, nurse, registered nurse, midwife, dentist, pharmacist, physiotherapist, psychologist, paramedic, occupational therapist, optometrist, podiatrist, osteopath, chiropractor, radiographer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner, Chinese medicine practitioner, acupuncturist) or a prescribed title in a way that could reasonably make someone believe they are registered in that profession, unless they are; nor uses such a title about another person who is not registered in the profession. This applies with or without other words and in any language. Offence: up to $60,000 or three years' imprisonment for an individual, $120,000 for a body corporate.
- Pre-employment and periodic Ahpra register verification for every person given a protected title in a job title, badge or directory
- Approval check of position titles, email signatures and website staff profiles against registration status
- Record of action taken when a registration lapsed (title removed from badge, roster and website)
- Unregistered overseas-qualified staff described as 'nurse' or 'doctor' on rosters or badges
- Clinic website keeps a departed or lapsed practitioner listed with a protected title
- Translated marketing uses the equivalent title in another language for an unregistered person
| Ref | Held (yes, partly, no, not applicable) | Where it is kept | Owner | Last reviewed | Next review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| s 113 |
Completing this worksheet records what your practice holds and where. It does not make a practice compliant or ready for audit, and it is not legal advice.
Related requirements
Health Practitioner Regulation National Law
- ss 107 to 109Renew registration on time with a truthful annual statement
- s 115Specialist titles only for specialist registrants
- ss 83 and 83AComply with conditions and undertakings on registration
- s 116No claims to be a registered health practitioner by unregistered persons
- ss 77 and 77AApplication for registration with identity proof, criminal history disclosure and consent
- s 117No claims of registration in a profession or division not held
- s 75Non-practising registrants do not practise
- s 118No claims of specialist registration by non-specialists
- Every page of this instrument
The same topic in other instruments (advertising)
- Ahpra shared Code of conduct 8.5Advertising
- Psychology Board Code of conduct 8.7Advertising
- Advertising guidelines Who advertisesIdentify who controls the advertising and take responsibility for it
- Advertising guidelines ComparisonsKeep comparative claims clear, accurate and supported
See every requirement for your practiceSee the specimen practice