Registrar Remediation

1.1 This policy describes how Training Organisations may apply to the RACGP for financial assistance and/or advisory/consultative services to aid in registrar remediation.

2.1 The policy applies to all registrars enrolled on the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program in both the RACGP general and rural pathways.

2.2 This policy replaces the previous Registrar Remediation Policy and will come into effect as of 11 October 2021. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent that there is any inconsistency between the previous policy and this policy, the terms of this policy apply.

3.1 Remediation is available to enable Training Organisations to support registrars who have not shown sufficient improvement with focused learning interventions (FLIs) and where it is believed that a remedial term will enable the registrar to reach an appropriate standard.

3.2 Training Organisations are required to have documented processes in place that allow for early identification and management of registrars with deficiencies in their clinical knowledge and skills, rate of progress within training, and clinical competence and/or performance, and who are therefore in need of additional training and support.

1. The RACGP recommends Training Organisations follow the remediation principles detailed in the RACGP’s A guide to managing performance concerns in general practice registrars.

3.3 When a Training Organisation identifies a registrar for prospective remediation in accordance with clause 3.1 of this document, the Training Organisation must:

1. Submit an application to the RACGP for remediation support. This application must include:
   1. The reasons why the registrar requires remediation support,
   2. Evidence supporting the Training Organisation’s belief that a remedial term will enable the registrar to reach an appropriate standard,
   3. The proposed remediation plan agreed between the Training Organisation and the registrar that specifies the registrar’s clinical skills deficiencies and the steps to be taken to rectify those deficiencies and the expected outcomes,
   4. A proposed budget for the proposed remediation plan that identifies the resources required to support and implement the remediation plan and which complies with clause 3.4, and
   5. A proposed timeframe of up to six months for the remediation plan.
2. If the RACGP accepts the application for remediation, the RACGP will grant Training Organisations the authority to suspend the registrar’s training time and the Training Organisation will record the suspension in the registrar’s training record.

3.4 Applications for remediation funding under this policy are made by the Training Organisation to the RACGP by completing the prescribed Application for Registrar Remediation Funding form and submitting it to the RACGP.

3.5 Funding under this policy is only available from the date of approval of the application for funding.

3.6 The RACGP will make a decision with respect to the application within 30 days of receipt of the application. The RACGP will notify Training Organisations within 5 days of that decision having been made.

3.7 Training Organisations must notify the Department of Health when a registrar is undertaking RACGP approved remediation.

3.8 Registrars approved for funding support under this policy who fail or refuse to complete the agreed plan (as required by their Training Organisation) may be subject to the AGPT Withdrawal Policy (Clause 5.4 Category 4 – Withdrawal based on Compliance with Education and Training Requirements). The Training Organisation will determine whether to withdraw the registrar from the AGPT Program. However, the RACGP may (at its discretion) provide input prior to the decision being made.

3.9 Please refer to the Registrar Remediation Guidance Document for further information on the registrar remediation process.

4.1 Registrars who are dissatisfied with a Training Organisation’s decision following a program of remediation may appeal that decision.

4.2 To appeal a decision, the requirements of both the Department of Health’s AGPT Program Appeals Policy 2020 and the RACGP AGPT Program Appeals Policy must be complied with.

5.1 The CIC may, at its discretion and without the consent of the Board, make Minor Amendments to this policy at any time.

5.2 If the CIC makes Minor Amendments, they must advise the Board of those amendments as soon as practicable.

5.3 The Board may make amendments to this policy at any time.

8.1 The Department of Health’s AGPT Program Appeals Policy 2020

8.2 RACGP’s AGPT Program Appeals Policy

8.3 RACGP’s Registrar Remediation Guidance Document

8.4 RACGP’s A guide to managing performance concerns in general practice registrars