Blue cards for registered health practitioners
A registered health practitioner is any person -other than a student -registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law,
If you are a health practitioner registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) you dont need a blue card when:
- employed or carrying on a business as part of your professional duties as a registered health practitioner, or
- studying a degree that relates to their current AHPRA registration.
When health practitioners need a blue card
You may need a blue card when working with children or young people outside your professional duties as a registered health practitioner. For example:
- a registered physiotherapist who coaches a children's sports team will need a blue card under the Churches, clubs and associations involving children category
- an occupational therapist who charges money for children's piano lessons would need a blue card under the Private teaching, coaching or tutoring category
- a school nurse who also supervises children during lunchtime or before/after school play would need a blue card under the Schools—Employees other than teachers category
- a doctor hosting an international homestay student under 18 years of age would need a blue card under the Child accommodation services category
- a midwife who volunteers for a children’s helpline will need a blue card under the Health, counselling and support services category.
You will also need a blue card if you are undertaking a child-related practicum placement or other regulated activities as a part of studying a degree outside the scope of your AHPRA registration. For example, a registered physiotherapist studying childcare will need a blue card to undertake activities within a childcare centre.
When applying for a blue card for an unrelated health degree your university, TAFE or private college must be nominated as the employer.
More information
- Executive officers and board or committee members of a regulated child-related organisation require a blue card.
- Understand linking requirements for organisations.
- Check when you don’t need a blue card
- Who cannot apply for or hold a blue card
- Learn how to apply for a blue or exemption card