Specialist titles only for specialist registrants
Health Practitioner Regulation National Law s 115, 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 115
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
Registered occupational therapists, physiotherapists and psychologists. Speech pathology is not registered under the National Law.
Health Practitioner Regulation National Law on the standards library
No person knowingly or recklessly takes or uses the title 'dental specialist', 'medical specialist' or a specialist title for a recognised specialty unless registered in that specialty (for dental, in the dentists division), and no person uses those titles about another person who is not so registered. Same maximum penalties as s 113.
- Register extract confirming specialist registration for each clinician marketed with a specialist title
- Marketing approval checklist comparing specialist titles in copy with the recognised specialty on the register
- General practitioner or general dentist described as a 'specialist' in a field of interest
- Specialist title used while specialist registration is pending
| Ref | Held (yes, partly, no, not applicable) | Where it is kept | Owner | Last reviewed | Next review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| s 115 |
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
- s 113Protected titles only for persons registered in the profession
- s 116No claims to be a registered health practitioner by unregistered persons
- ss 107 to 109Renew registration on time with a truthful annual statement
- s 117No claims of registration in a profession or division not held
- ss 83 and 83AComply with conditions and undertakings on registration
- s 118No claims of specialist registration by non-specialists
- ss 77 and 77AApplication for registration with identity proof, criminal history disclosure and consent
- s 119No claims about a type of registration, endorsement or specialty not held
- 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