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