Health Ombudsman Act 2013 (Qld)

Health Ombudsman Act 2013

An Act to establish a health ombudsman and to provide for a system for dealing with complaints and other matters relating to the health, conduct or performance of health practitioners and the services provided by health service organisations

Part 1 Preliminary

Division 1 Introductory

1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Health Ombudsman Act 2013.

2 Commencement This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.

3 Main objects (1) The main objects of this Act are— (a) to protect the health and safety of the public; and (b) to promote— (i) professional, safe and competent practice by health practitioners; and (ii) high standards of service delivery by health service organisations; and (c) to maintain public confidence in the management of complaints and other matters relating to the provision of health services. (2) The objects are to be achieved mainly by establishing a transparent, accountable and fair system for effectively and expeditiously dealing with complaints and other matters relating to the provision of health services, including by— (a) establishing the health ombudsman with the functions set out in section 25; and (b) providing for the effective and efficient interaction of this Act and the National Law; and (c) providing for the system to be effectively monitored by the Minister and the parliamentary committee.

4 Paramount guiding principle (1) The main principle for administering this Act is that the health and safety of the public are paramount. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), the health and safety of the public is the main consideration for— (a) the health ombudsman, when deciding what relevant action to take to deal with a complaint or other matter; and (b) the director of proceedings, when deciding whether to refer a matter to QCAT; and (c) QCAT, when deciding a matter referred to it under this Act.