What action can the Health Ombudsman take against a health practitioner?

The Health Ombudsman has the authority to prohibit or restrict a health practitioner's practice as part of their regulatory responsibilities. This action is essential to ensure patient safety and uphold public confidence in the health care system. If a practitioner poses a risk to public health or is found to have engaged in unethical or unsafe practices, the Ombudsman can intervene to limit the practitioner's ability to provide services. This may include suspending their license, placing conditions on their practice, or restricting certain types of treatments or procedures they are allowed to undertake. This regulatory power is crucial because it helps maintain standards within the health profession and ensures that practitioners are held accountable for their conduct.

In contrast, other options are not aligned with the Ombudsman's role. Increasing license duration indefinitely or authorizing unlimited practice areas would not serve to regulate or maintain the standards of practice. Offering financial relief to practitioners is outside the scope of the Ombudsman's functions, which are focused on public safety and the regulation of health care quality rather than financial matters.