MELBOURNE:  Reprimanded doctors and alternative therapy practitioners in Victoria would face jail time under new legislation.

The Health Complaints Bill proposes tough measures to close loopholes and crack down on transgressors, says Minister for Health Jill Hennessy.

It suggests replacing the existing Health Services Commissioner with a complaints commissioner with “beefed up powers” to take action.

It will allow anyone to make a complaint, rather than only the person who received the health service.

The commissioner will have the power to instigate an investigation even when no complaint is lodged.

Individuals who breach the law could face up to two years in prison.