Following discussion amongst COAG (Australian and State and Territory Governments) the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) has now issued proposed new registration standards for specialist overseas doctors seeking registration in Australia.
Consultation documents had been issued, with feedback required in early July 2024.
The registration standard is the tool to be used by the MBA to approve the entry of overseas trained medical specialists seeking to undertake practice in Australia.
Traditionally these processes have been undertaken by the medical colleges in Australia on behalf of the MBA. This more direct proposed pathway is a “fast track” to specialist registration which circumvents much of the processes undertaken by the medical colleges. Whilst the existing medical college pathways will continue to apply, this “fast track” pathway will apply to specific overseas specialist medical qualifications, and provide an expedited pathway for those countries or national qualifications which are listed by the MBA.
The MBA has indicated that GPs, anaesthetists, obstetricians and gynaecologists and psychiatrists are priority specialities for the fast tracked pathway.
This proposal would implement recommendations from the Kruk Review, conducted by Robyn Kruck recently on behalf of COAG.
It is expected that there will be further consultation with medical colleges on the specific international qualifications which are to be recognised. Once a specialist international qualification is recognised for this pathway, any overseas trained specialist may apply for registration in Australia, without necessarily having to undertake the usual pathway assessing qualifications and undertaking supervised work, before qualifying. The expedited pathway will not require a college assessment of the overseas trained specialist.
The new standard recognises that some overseas specialist registration bodies, such as in New Zealand, Canada and Ireland, automatically recognise Australian and New Zealand qualifications. This new proposal will permit automatic recognition of some overseas specialist qualifications as applicable for automatic entry to Australia.
The draft standard issued by the MBA has a number of issues and options which are open for consultation, before the MBA makes a final decision on the proposed amendments.
Matters that may require further consideration include:
- Registration history in the country of origin regarding any termination or suspension or conditions imposed.
- Relevant criminal history or other regulatory sanction.
- Unresolved complaints or regulatory action in the country of origin.
It would be hoped that the MBA considers these issues as part of its processes for registration in Australia.
Full details are at the MBA website.
No doubt there will be some discussion and consideration particularly by medical colleges to whether this “fast track” pathway adequately provides for assessment of qualifications, and protection for Australian patients.
How we can help
If you have questions or require further assistance in relation to the proposed new registration standards for specialist overseas doctors seeking registration in Australia, please contact Michael Gorton AM, or a member of our Health team.
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