2011 Renewals Fact Sheet
What you need to do
Know your registration expiry date
The AMA will be communicating messages based on registration expiry dates. Doctors with general and/or specialist registration should now either have an expiry date of 30 September 2011 or 30 September 2012. This fact sheet applies to doctors whose registration expires on 30 September 2011.
You should go online to check your registration expiry date.
Read the form carefully and be aware of the information you need to provide
The AMA has had input on the wording of the renewal form about reporting of previous incidents and criminal convictions. As a result, we believe the form is less confusing about your obligations. Basically, if you have already notified AHPRA about a complaint or incident, you do not need to advise them again, even if the matter is ongoing.
Some doctors were unaware that drink-driving convictions must be reported. This obligation is not a new obligation; you were obligated to make this notification under the previous state system. If you have not disclosed a criminal matter or complaint, you should ensure you do so, however, if you are not sure, contact the AMA or your MDO for clarification.
Making a disclosure means you cannot complete your renewal online and your renewal will take longer to finalise. As such, it is worth taking advice about whether you need to make a disclosure.
Make sure you keep your documentation for professional indemnity and CPD
The national registration scheme requires you to indicate that you have professional indemnity insurance and have undertaken CPD but does not require you to attach any associated documentation. However, doctors will be subject to random audit in future and may be required to demonstrate compliance. We think this is a reasonable system and far better from the old arrangement of photocopying large insurance policies. However, it does mean you need to keep relevant paperwork in the event that you are audited.
Renew on time
The AMA advocated successfully to waive late fees during the first renewal. However, this was only for the first 12 months and late fees will now be payable for registrants who do not renew on time. Therefore, payment requirements for 2011 renewals are as follows:
- Prior to registration expiry date: renew and pay annual registration fee.
- For one month after expiry date (grace period): renew and pay annual registration fee plus late fee.
- After grace period: registration has lapsed and you cannot practise. You will need to submit a new application and pay the application fee plus annual registration fee.
If your registration lapses, your patients will not be able to claim Medicare benefits. There is generally a short delay between registration lapsing and a registrant being notified. Any patients claiming billing during such a period will not receive payment. The AMA was successful in ensuring most patients were able to receive payments during this period during the last renewal, however, such arrangements are unlikely to be offered for this renewal period.
Important Dates:
- After 30 September 2011, the renewal date for all doctors in Australia with general and/or specialist registration will be 30 September of every year, regardless of birth dates. The AMA (NSW) strongly advises you to keep record of this date as the yearly renewal date.
- All registered practitioners are eligible for a one-month grace period, commencing from their 2011 renewal date.
Example: if a doctor’s renewal date is 5 August 2011, their one-month grace period will end on 4 September 2011. Therefore, their absolute final deadline for renewal in 2011 would be 4 September 2011. - After 2011, all registered practitioners will be eligible for a one-month grace period to renew, commencing from 1 October and concluding on 30 October each year. Therefore, as of 2012 the absolute final deadline for renewal will be 30 October each year.
- For doctors completing their intern year, you need to apply for general registration by 2 January 2012. For more information, read our fact sheet for interns.
Key Points to Remember:
- You should provide AHPRA with your email address. The majority of doctors who lapsed during the first renewal in 2010 had not provided email and mobile contact information. Providing your email address will ensure that you receive relevant notifications from AHPRA early and regularly.
- You should get in early and renew your registration online as soon as you receive an email or hard copy renewal notice from AHPRA. Using AHPRA’s online services to renew is quick and efficient and therefore strongly encouraged.
- If your only option is to send in your renewal application via post, you must allow enough time so that AHPRA receives your application before the deadline.
- It is essential to complete everything on the renewal application form. If you are unsure about any of the questions, email our Medico-Legal division or call on (02) 9439 8822 for assistance.
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