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 with relevant stakeholder organisations, including the Australian Podiatry Association (APodA), the Podiatry Accreditation Committee (PAC - AHPRA), 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.
The Commonwealth of Australia recognises podiatric surgeons as a distinct group of podiatrists with specialist surgical qualifications. Members 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
Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council Communiqué, 1 April 2010
Podiatry is one of the fourteen health professions regulated by nationally consistent legislation under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme established in July 2010. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is the body responsible for the implementation of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme and the Podiatry Board of Australia (PBA) is one of the 14 National Boards under the Scheme. The ACPS maintains an ongoing dialogue with relevant stakeholder organisations including the APodC, PAC, PBA and government agencies.
The Podiatry Accreditation Committee (PAC) is the authority responsible for accrediting education providers and programs of study for the podiatry profession. The ACPS surgical training program has and remains accredited.
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 Members.
This program consists of several core requirements. These are:
recency and scope of practice requirements;
peer review;
development (CPD Program);
participation in clinical audits;
compliance with clinical standards and ACPS policies; and
the utilisation of established clinical pathways.