If you’re a Medical Practitioner in Australia, particularly a non-vocationally registered Australian Permanent Resident or Citizen, understanding 19AA is essential. Let’s dive into what this regulation entails and how it affects your ability to practice in certain locations across Australia.
What is 19AA?
In simple terms, 19AA mandates that non-vocationally registered Australian citizens or permanent residents must be registered on an approved 3GA program before commencing work to access Medicare benefits.
Decoding “Vocationally Registered”:
When discussing General Practitioners, being “vocationally registered” signifies that they have completed fellowship exams through either the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) or the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), earning the title of “VR,” “FRACGP,” or “FACRRM.”
Who is Affected by 19AA?
All non-vocationally registered Australian citizens or permanent residents fall under the purview of 19AA. This includes individuals born in Australia and those who have acquired Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
What Does It Mean to Be Restricted by 19AA?
Being restricted by 19AA necessitates joining a 3GA program to access Medicare benefits. Failure to comply with this regulation can result in restrictions on Medicare billing privileges.
Understanding Your 3GA Program Options:
Several 3GA programs cater to different eligibility criteria and practice locations. Here’s a brief overview:
- Independent Pathway (IP):
- Eligibility: Australian citizen, permanent resident, or temporary resident with specific AHPRA registration.
- Placement: MM 2-7 location.
- Application: Available at specified times with expressions of interest accepted.
- Fees: Includes a substantial program fee.
- Rural Generalist Training Scheme (RGTS):
- Eligibility: Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or general AHPRA registration.
- Placement: MM 2-7 location.
- Application: Intakes twice a year.
- Fees: Application fee, membership fee, and fellowship assessments.
- Australian General Practice Training Programs (AGPT):
- Eligibility: Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or general AHPRA registration.
- Placement: Rural or metropolitan areas based on 19AB status.
- Application: Open annually in April and August.
- Fees: Government-funded training with application and assessment fees.
- Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS):
- Eligibility: Australian citizen, permanent resident, or temporary resident with specific AHPRA registration.
- Placement: Remote or Aboriginal community-controlled health services.
- Application: Practice-based application.
- Fees: Commonwealth-funded training.
- Fellowship Support Program (FSP):
- Eligibility: General, limited, or provisional AHPRA registration.
- Placement: MM 2-7 location.
- Application: Annually in January.
- Fees: Membership and term fees.
Transitioning from MDRAP to PFP:
The More Doctors for Rural Australia Program (MDRAP) will soon be replaced by the Pre-Fellowship Program (PFP). While MDRAP fulfills 19AA requirements, transitioning to AGPT, ACRRM Independent Pathway, RVTS, or FSP is necessary to sit fellowship exams.
Adding After Hours Medical Deputising Services (AMDS) to Your Medical Career Toolkit
In addition to the various 3GA programs available for medical practitioners in Australia, it’s essential to explore options like After Hours Medical Deputising Services (AMDS) to enhance your clinical experience, especially during after-hours periods. Let’s delve into what AMDS entails and how it can complement your career journey.
Understanding AMDS:
AMDS offers opportunities for clinical practice during after-hours, either in clinic-based settings or by visiting patients’ homes, catering to both metropolitan and regional areas. Eligible working hours typically span from 6 pm to 8 am on weekdays, before 8 am and from noon onwards on Saturdays, all-day Sundays, and public holidays.
Assessment Criteria and Experience Cap:
While AMDS fulfills 19AA requirements, it’s important to note that it’s not a fellowship training program. Clinical experience gained through AMDS is assessed differently depending on the setting. Managing patients within the clinic is typically assessed at 75% of the time worked, while visiting patients outside the clinic is assessed at 50%. Additionally, experience gained through AMDS is capped at 2.5 years for fellowship assessment purposes.
Eligibility Criteria for AMDS:
To participate in AMDS, you must meet specific eligibility criteria, including holding Limited, Provisional, or General AHPRA registration, possessing a current Level 1 Advanced Life Support (ALS) Course Certificate, and having at least two years of post-graduate experience, encompassing paediatrics, accident and emergency, medicine, and surgery.
Application Process and Accreditation:
You can apply for AMDS through an accredited practice after receiving a job offer. It’s crucial to ensure that the practice is accredited with AMDS, as non-accredited practices may not be accepted. All AMDS clinics operate during after-hours, but not all after-hours clinics are accredited with AMDS.
No Associated Costs:
One of the benefits of AMDS is that there are no associated costs, making it an accessible option for medical practitioners looking to gain valuable after-hours clinical experience.
Important Considerations:
It’s essential to understand that becoming an Australian permanent resident or citizen does not negate the 19AB/DPA requirement, which applies to doctors who completed their degrees outside of Australia or were not residents when completing their Australian degrees. Additionally, some 3GA programs may have specific 19AB requirements linked to them.
Transitioning to Fellowship Programs:
To sit fellowship exams, transitioning from AMDS to recognised fellowship programs like AGPT, ACRRM Independent Pathway, RVTS, or FSP is necessary. These programs provide comprehensive training and support for aspiring General Practitioners.
In Conclusion:
Understanding 19AA is crucial for navigating your medical career in Australia as a Medical Practitioner. Whether you’re seeking fellowship or considering a career transition, being well-informed about 19AA and available 3GA programs is key to your professional success.
At Medical Centre Jobs, we’re committed to providing comprehensive support and guidance tailored to your unique career path. Reach out to us today for personalised assistance in achieving your career goals.
Information from this blog has been taken directly from:
- 2024.2 Applicant Guide Remote Stream
- 2024.2 Applicant Guide AMS Stream
- ACRRM Independent Pathway
- ACRRM Fellowship – Eligibility and Application Guide
- ACRRM Rural Generalist Training Scheme (RGTS)
- Approved Medical Deputising Services (AMDS) program – For doctors
- Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program
- Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS)
- RACGP Fellowship Support Program (FSP)
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