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Peer review groups

Qualified privilege – Australian Peer Review Groups

Qualified privilege covering Australian Peer Review Groups has expired.

An application for the renewal of qualified privilege has been made to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Continued privilege is not guaranteed as each application is considered by the Department against criteria that include whether the qualified privilege will increase participation in the designated activity. As around 95% of psychiatrists participate in one or more Peer Review Groups this criterion is increasingly difficult to meet.

There has been a period from 19 May 2025 where Peer Review Groups in Australia are not covered by qualified privilege, while the DOHAC consider the application. 

In practical terms this means members should:

•    continue to treat your discussions in PRGs as confidential discussions that do not identify the patient

•    not disclose the discussions outside of the PRGs.

The College will continue to keep the membership informed as we work with the department to support maintenance of qualified privilege. For any questions on impact on a peer review group please contact cpdhelp@ranzcp.org


RANZCP Peer Review Groups (PRGs) are small, self-selected groups of peers who meet to review their work in a supportive setting. 

Registered Peer Review Groups enjoy qualified privilege under New Zealand legislation. 

Find a peer review group

You can search for a Peer Review Group by state, mode, or area of practice in MyCPD (login required).

You can join more than one Peer Review Group. 

Register a peer review group

You can register a new Peer Review Group in MyCPD. You will need to provide: 

  • group name
  • area/s of practice
  • purpose
  • meeting time
  • format
  • coordinator location details
  • group member details.

Learn how to create a Peer Review Group in MyCPD and how to invite members to your Peer Review Group. 

Group size and composition

Peer Review Groups should have more than two members. 

The majority of group members should be RANZCP Fellows and Affiliates. 

Non-RANZCP members and non-psychiatrists can join if they work closely with psychiatrists or work in the same field. There should be a minimum of 3 RANZCP Fellows or Affiliates in each group. 

Groups of fewer than three members

In exceptional circumstances, groups of two RANZCP members (peer dyads) can be registered with RANZCP approval. 

Peer dyads must only be a short-term arrangement, for a maximum of 3 years. They must be open to new members. 

Meeting frequency

Groups can decide how frequently and for how long they meet. The College recommends meeting frequently enough to provide a sense of group continuity. 

Most PRGs meet monthly, for at least an hour. 

Group roles

Peer Review Group Coordinator

Every PRG must nominate one Group Coordinator. Group coordinators must be a RANZCP Fellow and they act as the main contact point between the PRG and the College. 

Coordinators need to: 

  • maintain a record of member attendance in MyCPD
  • update group details in MyCPD
  • coordinate meetings.

Peer Review Group Record Keeper

Groups can choose to appoint a Record Keeper to maintain the attendance record in MyCPD. 

Attendance records

Attendance must be recorded in MyCPD. 

Only Peer Review Group Coordinators and Record Keepers can add attendance in MyCPD. 

Members’ attendance is automatically recorded under Category 2.1 Formal Peer Review in the  MyCPD activity log. 

Group activities

PRGs are meant to be a supportive place for members to review work and get help with and share issues they may experience as practitioners. 

Groups should set goals that are reviewed regularly. 

PRG participants can develop their Professional Development Plans (Section 1, CPD) together at the start of the CPD year. The following resource has been developed to help members do this as a group: 

Second opinions

Group discussions within a PRG should not be used as a formal second opinion. These should only be done by an independent practitioner who conducts a personal assessment of the patient. 

Confidentiality and managing group records

Patients should not be named in meetings, and any documents must be de-identified. 

Records of decisions or discussions should be kept general and stored privately in the group’s folder in MyCPD. Documents should be destroyed once they are no longer required. 

Conduct

PRG participants are expected to adhere to the RANZCP Code of Conduct and the RANZCP Code of Ethics. In case of any dispute within a group, CPD staff can be consulted for advice as appropriate. If resolution cannot be reached at PRG and /or staff level, then the Committee for CPD can be engaged.

The College has a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination, bullying and harassment. 

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Last updated 10 September 2025