Revised PII standard for all optometrists takes effect from today

01 Jul 2016

In December 2015, the Board published a revised registration standard for professional indemnity insurance (PII) arrangements that takes effect from today.

The revised standard now applies to all registered optometrists except those with non-practising registration.

What do you need to do?

It is your responsibility as an optometrist to ensure that you comply with the new standard by the time you renew your registration, which is due by 30 November 2016.

What has changed?

The new PII arrangements registration standard has not changed significantly. There have been some minor changes to the requirements relating to run-off and retroactive cover to avoid duplication and provide more clarity for optometrists. Some changes have been made to improve the clarity and workability of the standard, and understanding of the requirements and obligations of registrants.

Transition period to meet the new standard

The Board published the standard well in advance of its commencement to provide optometrists adequate time to ensure that their arrangements for PII will meet the new registration standard. To ensure a smooth transition to the new standard, the Board has allowed for a transition period to meet the standard.

All optometrists must meet the new standard by the time they renew their registration which is due by 30 November 2016.

Until that time, it is acceptable that your PII arrangements meet the Board’s registration standard for PII arrangements dated 1 July 2010. However, if your PII policy is due for renewal in the meantime you should ensure that your new policy meets the new standard.

What if your PII policy is not due for renewal until after your registration is due for renewal?

If your PII arrangements policy is not due for renewal before you renew your registration, you will need to contact your insurer, and if necessary, have your policy adjusted so that it meets the new standard by the time you renew your registration.

The Board encourages all optometrists to review the new registration standard to check whether their current PII arrangements will need to be adjusted to meet the requirements of the new standard.

What if your registration is not due for renewal by 30 November 2016?

Optometrists whose registration is not due for renewal by 30 November 2016 must still meet the requirements of the new standard by 30 November 2016. You should ensure that your PII policy meets the new standard by 30 November 2016.

Additional resources

More information about the new PII arrangements standard, including the brief consultation report, FAQ and a fact sheet, is available on the Professional indemnity insurance arrangements page of the AHPRA website.