Codes of conduct and complaints
Codes of conduct
Australia
In Australia, sonographers must adhere to the National Code of Conduct for health care workers. This national framework is administered by the local Health Complaints Commissioner, or equivalent, in each state and territory.
The National Code already applies in NSW, VIC, QLD and SA. Other states and territories are in the process of changing legislation to bring it to effect.
As part of this work, Australia’s Governments will also establish an online National Register of Prohibition Orders. In the interim, the prohibition orders are published online locally in those states that have already implemented the National Code.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, the Medical Radiation Technologists Board is responsible for setting the conduct and clinical standards for sonographers. Sonographers in New Zealand’s must adhere to the Code of Ethical Conduct which relies on the competency standards to set the minimum expectations of a sonographer.
The ASA Code of Conduct
In addition to the National Code of Conduct for health care workers in Australia, and / or the MRTB Code of Ethical Conduct in New Zealand, all ASA Accredited Medical Sonographer and Accredited Student members must also agree to abide by the values, principles and standards set out in the ASA Sonographer Code of Conduct, and the ASA Member Code of Conduct.
Complaints
The ASA does not handle complaints as it is not a regulatory body and does not have the power to take regulatory action against sonographers.
Australia
In Australia, where a complaint can't be resolved through the service provider complaints should be referred to the Health Complaints Commissioner:
ACT | Health Services Commissioner (within the ACT Human Rights Commission)
NSW | NSW Health Care Complaints Commission
NT | Health and Community Services Complaints Commission
QLD | Office of the Health Ombudsman
SA | Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner
TAS | Health Complaints Commissioner Tasmania
VIC | Health Complaints Commissioner
WA | Health and Disability Services Complaints Office
Incorrect Medicare claiming Complaints
Incorrect Medicare claiming and other concerns can be raised with the Government via the Health Provider Benefits Integrity Hotline by phone on 1800 314 808, or through the Online Form
New Zealand
If a patient has a complaint about a sonographer that cannot be resolved through the employer, they should be referred to the Health and Disability Commissioner of New Zealand can be contacted to record and investigate the complaint.
If another health professional has a concern about a sonographers conduct or practice, they should raise this directly with the Medical Radiation Technologists Board.
