The principal object of the College as defined in the Articles of Association is:
"To promote the study of the science and practice of Pathology in relation to medicine; to encourage research in pathology and ancillary sciences, to bring together pathologists for their common benefit and for scientific discussions and demonstrations; and to disseminate knowledge of the principles and practice of pathology in relation to medicine by such means as may be thought fit."
The College fulfils a range of roles for its Fellows and Trainees, which can be broadly defined in the following areas:
1. Training and Examinations
The College conducts training and examinations for the following sub-disciplines of Pathology:
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2. Continuing Professional Development
The College has, since its inception, played a major role in assisting Fellows to continually develop their knowledge and skills in relation to the professional practice of pathology through participation in continuing education and in addressing the related issues of medical currency and competency. The College established a formal Continuing Professional Development Program (CPDP) in 1996. The Program is based on self-directed learning and practice improvement through participation in a wide range of educational and quality improvement activities. It is compulsory for Fellows to participate in this program.
3. Professional Practice Standards
The College has been actively involved in assisting with the setting of standards for laboratory practice and providing Fellows with a means to test the quality of their practice. Within Australia, the College was an active participant in working with the Commonwealth Government to establish the National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council (NPAAC) in 1979. NPAAC advises the Commonwealth, State and Territory Health Ministers on matters relating to the accreditation of pathology laboratories, plays a key role in ensuring the quality of Australian pathology services and is responsible for the development and maintenance of standards and guidelines for pathology practices.
While NPAAC provides the standards for laboratory practice, the actual accreditation process is carried out by NATA/RCPA, a joint initiative between the College and the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA).
In Australia, to obtain a Medicare Benefit for pathology the laboratory must be accredited under the NATA/RCPA scheme. In accordance with the NPAAC Standards mentioned above, laboratories must be enrolled, participate and remain in external quality assurance programs (QAP) such as those of the RCPA Quality Assurance Programs Pty Ltd. A similar system of accreditation operates in New Zealand by International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ).
4. Government Relations
The College plays a role in relation to liaising with government, both Federal and State, on issues relating to professional practice, medical, economic and other medico-political issues.
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