Frequently asked questions
AHPRA and National Boards have established a short-term pandemic response sub-register for up to 12 months (or less if the pandemic subsides) to help with fast tracking the return to the workforce of experienced and qualified health practitioners.
The pandemic response sub-register came into effect on 6 April 2020.
The sub-register operates on an opt-out basis with eligible practitioners added to the pandemic sub-register automatically. There is no obligation for anyone added to the sub-register to practise or remain on it. They can opt out at any time for any reason. Only those who are properly qualified, competent and suitable should be on the register.
Practitioners who choose to stay on the pandemic sub-register and go back to work, must comply with their profession’s Code of conduct, professional indemnity insurance requirements and work within their scope of practice. After 12 months, they will be removed from the sub-register. If they would like to continue practising after that time, they will need to apply for registration through the standard process.
For GPs on the pandemic response sub-register
If you are on the pandemic response sub register with AHPRA, you will automatically be reinstated on the VR list with Medicare.
Contact the RACGP CPD department and we will follow up your re-join application with the appropriate organisation. Phone: 1800 331 626 or email: cpd.national@racgp.org.au
Yes, Medicare will reinstate you from the date the pandemic response sub register came into effect, which was the 6 April 2020.
You are not required to participate in recording your CPD, and are not required to have membership. However you would be eligible for Retiree Membership, even though you have resumed work during this period.
You would be eligible for the Retiree Membership which gives you access to all RACGP member benefits including online education resources, and regular information including the daily Covid Update bulletin.
No, you do not have to participate.
No, for GPs on the pandemic response sub register Medicare will do this for you.
You will need to contact the CPD team and re-join the Medicare VR list following the usual re-join process:
- Step 1: Organise AHPRA Medical Registration and ensure you registered under general registration type (not pandemic sub register)
- Step 2: Re-join the RACGP as a member. (You must have AHPRA medical registration to join as an RACGP member)
- Step 3: Complete your outstanding CPD Program requirements. You will need to confirm when you last ceased practicing as a GP before the pandemic and then meet any outstanding points from that triennium.
- Step 4: Process your VR re-admission form that I will email to you after you have completed the above steps.
If you are still on the Medicare VR list, the RACGP is obliged to report that you have not been compliant with the 2017-2019 triennium. To avoid unnecessary reporting and further Medicare communication, you will need to voluntarily remove yourself from the Specialist Registration by submitting the Medicare removal form. Once this removal has been actioned, we will request that Medicare automatically reinstate your VR status as part of the pandemic sub register.
For GPs who are not on the Pandemic reponse sub-register
GPs who have retired within the 3 years
If you ceased in the last 3 years, and you will only be going back to practice to assist with Covid-19, the RACGP will send you a re-join application. Once you have filled it in, it will be sent to Medicare and you will be reinstated on the VR list from that day.
Yes, since you are only joining for the period of the pandemic (up to 12 months or less if the pandemic subsides) the RACGP is not requesting you meet these requirements.
Yes, you do have to remove your name again. The RACGP will prompt you to do this at the end of the pandemic period.
GPs who retired more than 3 years ago
You will have to follow the RACGP re-join instructions:
- Step 1: Organise AHPRA Medical Registration and ensure you registered under general registration type (not pandemic sub register)
- Step 2: Re-join the RACGP as a member. (You must have AHPRA medical registration to join as an RACGP member)
- Step 3: Complete your outstanding CPD Program requirements. You will need to confirm when you last ceased practicing as a GP before the pandemic and then meet any outstanding points from that triennium.
- Step 4: Process your VR re-admission form that I will email to you after you have completed the above steps.
Yes, if you were not going to continue practicing.
If you wish to continue practicing, you do not have to remove your name.