The Council’s COVID-19 Response
The Council is currently conducting face to face simulation-based Clinical Assessments at its Simulation Lab.
The Council remains committed to providing a safe environment for all staff and candidates as we conduct simulation-based Clinical Assessments, with special measures in place to ensure the risks of COVID-19 transmission are carefully managed.
What are the current requirements for Clinical Assessment candidates?
All candidates attending their Clinical Assessment at the Council’s Simulation Lab:
– Must be fully COVID-19 vaccinated prior to attending their Clinical Assessment and will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to Simulation Administrator to complete their Clinical Assessments
– Must be healthy, not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms(fever, shortness of breath, cough coughing, and sore throat). If you are, you will not be permitted to enter our premises.
– Must declare that they have not attended any COVID-19 exposure, not currently isolating or considered a close
– Complete a rapid antigen test (RAT) provided by the Council upon arrival at the Simulation
If you have medical contraindications to the COVID-19 vaccine, please email assessment@physiocouncil.com.au. Please note that any information with regards to your vaccination status you provide to us is confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered fully COVID-19 vaccinated in Victoria where the Clinical Assessments are held?
All candidates must be FULLY vaccinated to ensure disease prevention and transmission for those involved in Clinical Assessment. Government and health authorities have urged all healthcare practitioners to contribute to overcoming the pandemic by being vaccinated against COVID-19, unless medically contraindicated. At this time, double vaccinated is considered fully vaccinated, but Government and health authorities are strongly urging eligible people to receive a booster vaccination as well.
More information on Covid-19 Vaccine can be found on Ahpra and the Victorian Government website.
Do I need to wear a mask when I come into the Council office?
Yes, all people involved in Clinical Assessments are required to wear a mask.
What extra precautions is the Council taking to manage the risk of COVID-19?
- Every person who enters our office must check-in via a QR code
- Confirming COVID-19 vaccination status of all people who enter
- All candidates must complete a rapid antigen test (RAT) provided by the Council upon arrival at the Simulation Lab
- Multiple hygiene stations are located throughout the office and Simulation Lab
- Increased cleaning of the Simulation Lab before, during and after Clinical Assessments
What happens if I am unwell or test positive to the Council provided rapid antigen test (RAT) on the day of my clinical assessment?
If you are unwell or test positive on the day, you will not be able to proceed with your clinical assessment, however the Council will reschedule at no additional fee. The new date will be organised in accordance with both the clinical assessment schedule, as well as your personal availability.
What if I have applied for Clinical Assessment, but am currently interstate or overseas?
At this time, there continue to be travel restrictions that may prevent some candidates from attending the Simulation Lab. For interstate candidates, the Council recommends you check the Department of Health websites for both Victoria and your home state, to determine how restrictions might impact you.
The Council will work with candidates to offer advance assessment dates to enable them to undertake their Clinical Assessment when restrictions ease.
Will I lose the payment I paid if I can’t come to my Clinical Assessment or Written Assessment due to COVID restrictions?
As at 27 January 2021, the Council will reschedule assessments (without any penalty) that are impacted by unforeseen changes due to travel restrictions or requirements to quarantine. Please note however that this does not include existing restrictions, and it is the candidate’s responsibility to make their own travel arrangements and take these into consideration when assessments are scheduled.
Am I allowed to come into the Council office?
The Council cannot accept visitors into our office with the exception of scheduled Clinical Assessments.
If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms (fever, shortness of breath, cough coughing, and sore throat) you are not permitted to enter our premises.
Candidates attending scheduled Clinical Assessments must arrive on time, but will not be permitted to enter earlier than the start time specified in their candidate dashboard.
Can I drop into the Council office to hand in documents and paperwork?
No, due to COVIDsafe practices, we no longer accept walk-in visitors to our office. To know how you can submit your documents and paperwork to the Council, please email assessment@physiocouncil.com.au.
Useful Links
