AMAV VICDOC Winter 2024 - Magazine - Page 68
We have offered to meet with Ahpra to
discuss these matters, and to discuss the
positive impacts on equity, inclusion, and
diversity within the healthcare workforce
that would result from Ahpra and the
Medical Board embedding the principle
of equity in its fee setting arrangements.
We will update members on
Ahpra’s response.
Sign the petition
AHPRA — CONCERNS REGARDING
NOTIFICATIONS PROCESS
-
AMA Victoria has contacted Ahpra
regarding concerns about the
notifications process.
A significant challenge is that the
medical profession does not perceive that
the notifications process is conducted
in a “transparent, accountable, efficient,
effective and fair way”.
AMA Victoria informed Ahpra that
members report that:
» The notifications process is commonly
perceived as a “black box”.
» Terminology used by Ahpra in the
notifications process is unclear to
external parties.
» Practitioners do not receive realistic,
regular and informative updates around
accurate expectations of timeframes
and outcomes.
68
AMA VI C TO RIA
» There is a lack of clarity on how the
internal process of assessment of a
notification proceeds.
» IMGs are particularly vulnerable when
receiving a notification because they are
not familiar with the supports available
and are very concerned about the impact
on employment opportunities, their visa
and ability to stay in Australia.
» The notifications process does not
appear to consider the factors affecting
“shared decision making” conducted by
a doctor who is under supervision, such
as an intern or an IMG.
» Where delays in resolving notifications
leave a doctor unable to work, this can
leave them without income and create
recency of practice issues. The impacts
of this can be unfair and inequitable.
AMAV asked Ahpra to acknowledge these
concerns and provide advice on what
actions can collectively be taken to
address and resolve them.
AHPRA — RACISM AND RACIAL LITERACY
-
AMA Victoria has contacted Ahpra
regarding what active steps Ahpra
and the Medical Board of Australia are
currently undertaking to ensure:
» the development of a culturally safe
and respectful health workforce
» adequate levels of racial literacy within
Ahpra notifications staff.
In this communication, AMAV underscored
the AMA's staunch opposition to racism
and all forms of discrimination, including
bullying, bias, and persecution, whether
direct or indirect. Additionally, the letter
emphasised the detrimental impact of
racism and discrimination, which can
exacerbate the health burden faced by
medical professionals and their patients.
