Latest information and National Registration and reminder to renew
AMA (NSW) has been advised by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) that a significant number of doctors who are due to renew by 30 September, 2010 have not yet done so. As noted in our recent e-newsletters on National Registration, while the AMA maintains ongoing concerns about the registration scheme, we also recognise it has been implemented and we do not want to see any member deregistered.
For members whose registration expires after 30 SEPTEMBER, 2010, you should receive your renewal notice approximately three weeks before your registration expires. If you have not already done so, make sure you check your expiry date on the AHPRA website. Remember, the site works best if you simply enter your name and select medical practitioner. Do not include your state or NSW registration number. If you have not received your renewal notice within two weeks of your registration expiring, please email us at industrial@amansw.com.au so that we can follow up for you.
It is essential for all members to be aware that if you do not renew your registration when it falls due, you will only have a one month grace period to renew before being deregistered. The legislation provides that, if a renewal application is lodged before the end of the grace period, the practitioner remains registered until the application is approved or refused. This means that if your renewal is due on 30 September and you have not renewed by COB 1 November (the next working day), you will be deregistered on 2 November 2010.
If you become deregistered, you will have to apply to be put back on the register. Unfortunately, under the legislation, there are no exceptions to this. If you become deregistered, you are also not entitled to provide any medical treatment to patients. This also means your patients cannot claim rebates from Medicare and your medical indemnity insurance may become invalid for the period. The process of being re-registered is likely to take some weeks.
AHPRA is encouraging doctors to renew online. We have many doctors who have tried it and found it an acceptable process. While there are processes to deal with receipt of posted renewals, renewing online provides you with the certainty of an immediate response so you know your renewal has been lodged. We therefore strongly encourage you to renew online if you are renewing at this stage.
AMA (NSW) has staff available to assist our members with registration concerns. We have addressed many previous inquiries from members with problems concerning the register and other issues. If you have not renewed because you are trying to resolve a concern with your registration, please contact our Industrial team on (02) 9439 8822 for assistance. If you have other concerns about your renewal or registration, we would also appreciate hearing from you.
View previous advice on national registration here.
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