No claims of specialist registration by non-specialists
Health Practitioner Regulation National Law s 118, 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 118
Ahpra and the National Boards
Schedule to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009 (Qld), reprint current as at 10 April 2026
30 September 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
A person who is not a specialist health practitioner does not knowingly or recklessly use the title 'specialist health practitioner', any title or description indicating they are a specialist or qualified to practise in a recognised specialty, or claim specialist registration or qualification; and no person makes those claims about another who is not a specialist. Same maximum penalties as s 113.
- Marketing and referral material review against the specialist register
- Correction record where a directory or referral template overstated specialist status
- Referral letters or directories list a registrar or general registrant as 'specialist'
- Fellowship of a college presented as specialist registration before the Board has granted it
| Ref | Held (yes, partly, no, not applicable) | Where it is kept | Owner | Last reviewed | Next review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| s 118 |
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 117No claims of registration in a profession or division not held
- s 119No claims about a type of registration, endorsement or specialty not held
- s 116No claims to be a registered health practitioner by unregistered persons
- s 120No holding out as registered without the conditions that apply
- s 115Specialist titles only for specialist registrants
- s 123Cervical spine manipulation only by authorised professions
- s 113Protected titles only for persons registered in the profession
- s 128Undertake the CPD the registration standard requires
- 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