Introduction to accreditation and continuing education

In addition to its role in the surgical education of podiatrists, the ACPS has developed continuing education requirements. To inform this initiative, the ACPS maintains a cooperative approach and an ongoing dialogue relevant stakeholder organisations, including the Australian Podiatry Council (APodC), the Australian and New Zealand Podiatry Accreditation Council (ANZPAC), state and territory registration boards, and government agencies. Internationally, the ACPS has a cooperative relationship with the Faculty of Podiatric Surgery in the United Kingdom and The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

Relevant Australian Legislation

The Commonwealth of Australia recognises podiatric surgeons as a distinct group of podiatrists with specialist surgical qualifications. Fellows of the ACPS are recognised by the following instruments of Commonwealth Legislation:

• National Health Act 1953;
• Podiatric Surgery and other matters act 2004;
• Health Insurance (Accreditation of Podiatric Surgeons) Guidelines PHB23/2004;
• National Health Amendment (Prostheses) Act 2005;
• Private Health Insurance Act 2007; and
• Private Health Insurance (Complying Product) Rules 2009 (No. 1).
• Health Insurance Act 1973

Accreditation of ACPS Fellowship Training

The APodC was the accrediting body for podiatric education up until the formation of the Australian and New Zealand Podiatry Accreditation Council (ANZPAC) in 2008. In 2008, ANZPAC was established and incorporated. The Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council recognised and endorsed ANZPAC in this role during 2009.

The ACPS is an affiliated body of the APodC. This affiliation requires ongoing endorsement/accreditation of the ACPS training program.

Accreditation of the registered health professions in Australia is expected to evolve significantly in response to the new scheme of National Registration and Accreditation due for implementation from July 2010.

The ACPS has been actively involved in the process of reform and supports the reform agenda.

Post Fellowship accreditation of podiatric surgeons

The ACPS recognises and supports the requirement for podiatric surgeons to maintain their education, keep up with best practice techniques and stay in touch with their profession. The ACPS also supports the principles of efficacy and accountability in practice.

An ongoing accreditation program has been designed to ensure that podiatric surgeons in Australia develop and maintain both theoretical and practical skills over the entire duration of their careers, and not just during the period of training that is required in order to become Fellows.

This program consists of several core requirements. These are:

• recency and scope of practice requirements;
• peer review;
• continuing professional development (CPD Program; 177KB; PDF);
• participation in clinical audit;
• compliance with clinical standards and ACPS policies; and
• utilisation of established clinical pathways.