Application processing times
An unprecedented number of applications received by the Board in May and June will result in longer processing times for some applications. The Medical Board and Queensland Health Area Health Services have an escalation process in place which ensures applications for critical positions are processed with priority. General practitioner applications are still being processed within normal timelines.
An 'area of need' is a location in Queensland where there are insufficient medical practitioners with general, specialist, or special purpose (practice in general practice) registration to provide medical service at a level which meets the needs of the community. It allows employers who have been unable to fill vacant medical practitioner positions with suitably qualified Australian doctors, to counter the shortage by using International Medical Graduates (IMGs).
'Area of need' certification can apply to both public and private sector positions. Unlike Districts of Workforce Shortage, which are determined by the Australian Government, 'areas of need' are determined by the Queensland Minister for Health or his or her delegate.
In making an ‘area of need’ decision, regard must be given to whether there are reasonable prospects of medical practitioners being engaged soon to provide medical services at health service facilities, and whether it is reasonably practicable for the medical service to be provided by medical practitioners practising at other health service facilities in that part of Queensland.
From April 16, 2007 any application for Area of Need that is received by the Office of the Medical Board, or any application for registration in an area of need position received by the Medical Board of Queensland, must comply with new policies (
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Other guiding principles to determine an 'area of need' include:
NOTE: If you are an International Medical Graduate (IMG) seeking to work in a certified 'area of need' you should apply through special purpose registration, which may place conditions on practice and is location and job specific.
Steps in applying for a position to be certified as 'Area of need'
STEP 1
Employer/Sponsor identifies one or more positions that cannot be filled by an Australian qualified medical practitioner.
For specialist positions, the Employer/Sponsor should also refer to the "Assessment Process for Area of Need Specialists - User's Guide 2002 Edition" published by the Australian Medical Council.
STEP 2
Employer/Sponsor completes application form and submits supporting information to Area of Need Unit at the Office of the Medical Board: areaofneedunit@medicalboard.qld.gov.au
STEP 3
The application is considered within 21 days of receipt and notification of the decision sent to the applicant and the Medical Board of Queensland.
Applications for 'Area of need' certification should be submitted to:
Postal Address
Medical Board of Queensland
Area of Need Unit
GPO Box 1667
Brisbane, Queensland 4001
Australia
Telephone: 61 7 3234 0182
Facsimile: 61 7 3225 2519
Email: areaofneedunit@medicalboard.qld.gov.au
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