A "podiatric service provider" means a person (not being a podiatrist) who provides podiatric treatment via a podiatrist or podiatry student (ie. a company or employer). This does not include exempt providers which are defined as "a recognised hospital, incorporated health centre or private hospital within the meaning of the SA Health Commission Act 1976, or any other person declared by the Regulations" (ie. University of South Australia).
Pursuant to Section 33 of the Podiatry Practice Act 2005, the Board must keep a list of Service Providers which will be available to the public for inspection, and Service Providers will be subject to the Board's Code of Professional Conduct & Practice and disciplinary powers.
The Act stipulates that Service Providers must provide the Board with written notice of their name, address, and the name and contact details of the registrants via whom they provide podiatric treatment (whether employed or not) as follows:
- within 60 days of the commencement of the Act for those who were Providers immediately before commencement of the Act;
- in any other case, within 60 days of becoming a Provider.
If there is a change to any of the details held by the Board (ie. change of employees, change of address etc.) this must be advised to the Board in writing within 30 days of the change.
The Act also provides for "corporate or trustee service providers" and these Providers must also provide information to the Board regarding all persons in a position of authority. Existing podiatry companies will most likely fall under these definitions and if you are unsure you should seek advice from your solicitor, accountant or the Board.
Failure to comply with any of these requirements is an offence under the Act, liable to a maximum penalty of $10,000.
A list of current service providers can be found under the Search - Search the Register section of the Board's website by clicking in the boxes to select "Podiatric Service Providers" and "Active" and then clicking on "Search".
The Board has prepared an Information Form which must be completed by Service Providers and submitted to the Board. This Form is available from the website under Registration - How to Apply - Service Providers or can be requested from the Board's office.
Further details regarding Service Providers are available from the website, in the Guidelines on Registration booklet, or by referring directly to the Podiatry Practice Act 2005.