26 February 2016


RACGP proposed corporate governance model

The RACGP Corporate Governance Review was launched in response to an item raised at the 2013 Convocation of members.

Since its launch, RACGP members have had several opportunities to provide comment.

Taking into account this important member feedback, and benchmarking this against modern best practice, other medical colleges and related organisations, the RACGP now has a proposed corporate governance model. This model principally meets the criteria articulated by RACGP members during the consultation phase; that of a peer-led professional organisation with dedicated bodies to deal appropriately with relevant matters.

The RACGP Council proposes a three-tiered governance and communication structure to supplement existing faculty communication structures. It comprises:

  • a Senate (a new body responsible for RACGP member engagement and general consultation functions)
  • a Council (retaining responsibility for all clinical and professional decisions and duties) and,
  • a Board (a new body responsible for the RACGP’s fiduciary, regulatory and oversight obligations).

The RACGP considers this structure will strengthen the input, engagement and involvement of committees and members and is now seeking feedback on this proposed model. Members are encouraged to view the model, provide comment and raise questions through the RACGP Governance Portal.

All feedback received will contribute to the ongoing refinement of the future model for RACGP governance.

It is only through continued active member involvement that the RACGP can strengthen its leadership position as the peak representative body for general practice in Australia.

RACGP members are required to login to the RACGP Governance Portal to gain access to the proposed model, FAQs document and additional information.

Members are encouraged to join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #ourRACGP.

RACGP Legal Counsel Mr Nick Williamson is also available for any direct member enquiries via email at ourRACGP@racgp.org.au.

Dr Frank R Jones
RACGP President


New hepatitis C drugs on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

Following a Federal Government announcement in December 2015, four new drugs for hepatitis C will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 March 2016.

The new drugs are: Sofosbuvir, Ledipasvir, Daclatasvir, Ribavirin, and can be used to treat patients with specific genotypes of hepatitis C (genotypes 1, 2 and 3).

GPs have a major role to play in the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of patients with mild hepatitis C and referral of patients with more serious, advanced cases of the disease.

GPs will be able to obtain Authority PBS scripts after a consultation with a hepatitis C specialist, provided the GP verifies the consultation has taken place.

Training for GPs, including webinars, a mobile app and face-to-face sessions, is currently being developed by the Australasian Society for HIV, viral hepatitis and sexual health medicine (ASHM).


GP16 call for abstracts closes today

It’s not too late to contribute your knowledge, expertise and research to the GP16 conference program. The call for abstracts closes this afternoon, so get in quick to submit your abstract for a workshop, oral session, short paper or poster presentation. This is your opportunity to connect with colleagues, share your insights and improve our future in practice.

Clinical, Digital, Leadership is the overarching theme of GP16, and abstracts are invited relating to the key conference streams:

  • Public health
  • Chronic conditions
  • GP education
  • Models of business
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
  • Rural general practice.

Submit your abstract on the GP16 website.


Activity promotion key in preventive health

RACGP President Dr Frank R Jones recently attended the Australian College of Sports Physicians (ACSP) Annual Scientific Conference on the Gold Coast.

Dr Jones’ presentation to conference delegates centred on general practice perspectives in activity promotion, underlining the fact that prevention is embedded in every general practice consult. Dr Jones re-enforced the RACGP Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice (Red Book) and outlined the SNAP guide, which assists GPs and practice staff to work with patients on the lifestyle risk factors of smoking, nutrition, alcohol and physical activity (SNAP).

Dr Jones said it was ‘an honour’ to address the ACSP and provide an insight into the everyday work GPs do in supporting and educating patients through preventive care.


RACGP Clinical Pearl

Peanut allergy prevention

Peanut allergy affects almost three in every 100 children in Australia. Around 20% of children ‘grow out of’ their peanut allergy. Since delaying the introduction of peanuts may be associated with an increased risk of developing peanut allergy, healthcare providers should recommend introducing peanut-containing products into the diet of infants at high risk early in life (between four and 11 months of age).

Infants are considered at higher risk if they have been diagnosed with early-onset atopic disease, such as severe eczema or egg allergy, in the first four to six months of life.

It is important to note that The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) recommends introduction of solids (including peanuts) for all infants between four and six months of age, not just those at higher risk.

For more information including examples of peanut protein sources, visit the RACGP’s Handbook of non-drug interventions(HANDI).


In Practice poll

ePIP eligibility criteria

The ePIP eligibility criteria has been revised. In addition to the existing criteria, from 1 May 2016, a general practice will be required to upload shared health summaries (SHS) to the My Health Record system (formerly the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR)) for 0.5% of the practice’s standardised whole patient equivalent (SWPE) to be eligible for ongoing ePIP payments.

The revised ePIP requirement equates to about five shared health summaries per full-time equivalent GP per quarter (i.e. for a practice with five full-time equivalent GPs, it would equate to 25 uploads per quarter). A practice can receive a maximum payment of $12,500 per quarter.

The RACGP does not support this change. Instead of SHS upload targets, the RACGP advocated for incentives that support data accuracy and quality, and the appropriate and timely sharing of data across the healthcare sector.

To inform the RACGP’s work in the area, you are invited to participate in a poll to let us know if your practice will upload shared health summaries to maintain ePIP eligibility.


Media enquiries

Journalists and media outlets seeking comment and information from the RACGP should contact:

John Ronan

Senior Media Advisor