Update: What you need to know on National Registration
As you would be aware, Australia’s new National Registration and Accreditation Scheme commenced 1 July 2010. While we have been talking about National Registration for a decade, many doctors are still unaware of how National Registration will work in practice.
While the AMA continues to have concerns about the National Registration scheme (click here for full details of submissions and articles) we also achieved some significant wins for the profession, including the maintenance of our State Medical Council. NSW is now the only state in Australia to still have nominees from colleges and the AMA on a State Medical Council. AMA (NSW) also ensured the state government’s funding of the HCCC was not retained by AHPRA or the National Board, meaning NSW registrants pay less registration than registrants in other states.
While lobbying will continue on some issues, we are also focused on providing our members with information and support during the operation of the new registration arrangements.
Here's what you need to know:
We were previously advised that all doctors in NSW would be renewing registration on 30 September 2010. Good sense has prevailed and instead, renewals will be staggered, transitioning into a common renewal date over the next 12 months. If your registration expired between July and September, you will be receiving notices now to renew by 30 September.
If your registration expires after 30 September, you will receive a renewal notice from the expiry date of your registration until 30 September 2011.
You should find out when your registration will expire by checking your entry on the National Medical Board Website.
Once you get your renewal notice, you should act on it immediately. If a doctor fails to renew registration within 1 month of the expiry of their registration, they will be removed from the register.
You do not have to renew online, however, AHPRA is encouraging you to do so.
You do not need to attach supporting documentation regarding CPD or indemnity arrangements – as you did previously for NSW registration. However, don’t throw your documents out, instead of being required to submit the material, doctors may be subject to random audits in future.
If you are renewing online and experience problems with your login or lose your log in, please call the AHPRA call centre on 1300 419 495. They will reissue your log in or assist you with the login process. If you continue to have problems logging in, contact us.
AHPRA will be using email and SMS to send reminders so it is worth checking that your contact information is up to date. If you do not have a login and need to update your contact details, click here to fill in the change of address form and either post or return it to your nearest AHPRA office.
AMA (NSW) is here to help our members with any issues or concerns with national registration with dedicated staff to assist with inquiries Therefore, if you need assistance with any matter, email industrial@amansw.com.au or call (02) 9439 8822.
To facilitate the resolution of concerns and the exchange of information, we will be meeting regularly with AHPRA and the Medical Board and State Medical Council and will continue to update members through NSW Doctor, our website and email.
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