Privacy Law reforms

Changes under the Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012 (Cth), which amends the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) came into effect on 12 March 2014. 

The changes are designed to protect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals in a fairer and more transparent manner.

To view a summary of the impact the privacy law reforms will have on medical practices, please click here.

Update on Head of Department Allowances

The Association has received a number of enquiries regarding the timing for the implementation of the new rates for the Head of Department Allowances and associated back pay, pursuant to the Department of Health Medical Practitioners (Metropolitan Health Services) AMA Industrial Agreement 2013.

We are advised that the delay has been due to the need for the creation of a new document in line with the 2013 Agreement, which provides for the allowance to be based on a head count as opposed to the FTE formula applicable under the 2011 Agreement.

The Association can advise that the new form K10 - Doctor’s Head of Department Allowance has now been published on Health Point and is available for use.

The K10 form will need to be completed by each respective Head of Department, signed off by the Recommending Officer and receive the appropriate delegated authority approval, before being submitted to HCN for the implementation of the new rates and calculation of any back pay.

Further information on the process is expected to be circulated by the Department in the near future.

Feedback on Mercury eCredential System

The Association has received feedback from a number of members in relation to the new online credentialing system administered via an external provider, Mercury, based in Victoria.

Whilst there has been some positive feedback about the advantages of having  one centralized data collection system for the purposes of simplifying the credentialing process for practitioners engaged in more than one hospital, a number of concerns have been raised by practitioners  with the Association, specifically:-

• The relevance of some of the information sought to the purpose of assessing credentialing criteria (e.g. spouse’s full name, driver’s licence number, private mobile number);
• The level of detailed information required (passport number, driver’s licence number, MDO policy numbers, academic records, work history) combined with the fact that copies of the actual documents are required to be uploaded onto the system has raised concerns about the increased risk of identity theft;
• The requirement for uploading of the information makes the process cumbersome and time consuming. Furthermore it does not allow the user to proceed to the next step if they are not willing or able to upload certain documents;
• The language used in seeking some of the information, e.g. requiring the user to disclose whether they have ever been suspended, whilst making no differentiation between a suspension due to a matter being investigated, as opposed to a suspension as a result of a finding following an investigation.

The Association welcomes further feedback from members about any other issues experienced or perceived with the implementation of the new Mercury eCredential System, so that we may address these with the Department.

Please email your feedback to Josephine Auerbach via email,or call (08) 9273 3023.

Patient Assisted Transfer Scheme

The AMA (WA) is preparing a written submission for the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) in Western Australia.

The WA Legislative Council’s Standing Committee on Public Administration will inquire into the following aspects of PATS in WA:

• How adequately PATS delivers assistance to regional people accessing specialist medical care, including:
a) the level of funding applied to the transport and accommodation subsidies provided;
b) eligibility for PATS Funding;
c) the administration process;
d) whether there is consideration of exceptional circumstances; and
• any incidental matter

PATS provides a subsidy towards the cost of travel and accommodation for eligible permanent country residents, and their approved escorts, who are required to travel a long distance to access certain categories of specialist medical services (including Telehealth).

The AMA (WA) has asked members for their input into the submission and has received a large number of responses from members identifying problems they and their patients have encountered when using PATS. 

If you would like to provide your comments in relation to the PATS Inquiry, please email Chris Kane or telephone 9273 3060.

Medical ethics - duty to offer emergency assistance

A doctor involved in a near-miss road accident in rural WA who did not stop and provide assistance to the passengers of the other vehicle involved has recently been found guilty of improper conduct by the State Administrative Tribunal of WA. 

The doctor immediately reported the accident to the nearest police station and, had she not done so, the Tribunal would have found her guilty of the more serious “infamous and improper conduct”.

The case serves as a reminder to doctors that the scope of their professional responsibility extends beyond clinical practice and the test of what conduct falls short of an accepted level of behaviour for medical practitioners is that which would reasonably be regarded as improper by professional colleagues of good repute and competency.

For more information on this case, please click here.

Update on Queensland Contracts

Members will be aware from an article published in Medicus in December, recent updates via e-newsletters and from reports in the general media that the Queensland Government has recently offered individual contracts to senior doctors that will override collective agreements currently in place.

The respective parties in this matter are back at the negotiating table to try to narrow their differences. A meeting of AMA Queensland and ASMOF Queensland members was scheduled to occur on Wednesday, 16 April.

At a doorstop press conference today, Federal AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton said that, "We're actually in a position to say that the contracts are in a far better position for the doctors to consider signing and to move on."
 

The AMA (WA) will continue to make sure you are informed of any progress with the dispute and let you know of the impact of any new contractual arrangements on WA doctors.

The Association reinforces its message to reconsider any thought of relocating to Queensland in the current environment.

If you have any concerns to raise or comments to make regarding the Queensland doctor’s dispute, please contact Marcia Kuhne or Josephine Auerbach, or telephone 9273 3008.

 

Healthier WA Award Nominations now open

Do you know of a group or organisation that is actively making Western Australia a healthier place to live?

Community groups, businesses, councils, schools and sporting groups striving to make Western Australia healthier can secure a $10,000 prize to help their cause in the annual Healthier WA Award.

The award, sponsored by the AMA (WA) and Healthway will be presented to the project judged to have had a noticeable impact on the health and wellbeing of the community.

Nominations for the AMA (WA) and Healthway Healthier WA Award are now open until 9 May, and the winner will be announced at the annual AMA (WA) Gala Dinner on 7 June. To enter or nominate a project for the award, please click here.

Email scams: doctors beware

Recently, a number of AMA members and staff have received fraudulent emails purporting to be from a colleague in Spain who has lost their wallet. The email requests the recipient to assist by sending money.

These types of emails can appear to be from someone you know, as the perpetrators have gained access to the person’s email contact list. If you encounter such an email please exercise extreme caution. Do not click on any links and delete the email.

AMA (WA) Charity Gala Dinner - book now!

Bookings are now open for the AMA (WA) Charity Gala Dinner and Awards Night to be held on Saturday 7 June at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Please join us for a magical night of celebration, entertainment and prizes.

For all queries or to reserve your table at the dinner, contact Sky Connor direct on 9273 3028 or via email. Bookings are also available online.

DiT Survey on access to leave

The AMA (WA) Doctors in Training Committee has identified access to leave as one of the most pertinent issues affecting junior doctors working across the health system. 

In order for the Association to lobby on your behalf to improve access to leave, we ask that juniour doctors provide us with some information by completing this short survey. 

Any queries should be directed to Nicola Roman via email or by phone on 9273 3029. 
 

Places now available for AMA (WA) Clinical Conference 2014 - Israel and Jordan

There are now a few additional places available on the AMA (WA) Clinical Conference and Post Conference tours to Israel and Jordan from 5 to 18 September 2014.

Information about the Clinical Conference program (featuring speakers from Israel covering a range of topics from Emergency Medicine, research and medical technology to medical workforce issues and a roundtable session with representatives from the Israel Medical Association) is attached. 

The registration brochure provides full details of the tour highlights, costs, inclusions and terms and conditions.

If you wish to attend, please complete the attached registration form or contact Christine Kane for further details.

Junior Doctor of the Year 2014

The AMA (WA) Junior Doctor of the Year (Dr Camille Michener Legacy Award) recognises the significant and outstanding contributions of our Doctors in Training to the medical profession and the community in areas such as teaching and education; leadership and advocacy; and doctor’s wellbeing and community service. The Award establishes a fitting legacy to the memory of Dr Camille Michener who is remembered as a staunch advocate and benevolent friend, well-liked and respected by all who knew her.

The winner will be announced at the AMA (WA) Awards and Charity Dinner on Saturday 7 June 2014.

The nomination process is open for only a short time with nominations closing at 4.30pm on Friday 25th April 2014.

So start thinking about who you will nominate for this Award to ensure that we continue to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of our Doctors in Training to the medical profession and the community. For further information please click here, or contact Nicola Roman.

Nominations for 2014 AMA (WA) Awards now open

The AMA (WA) is calling for nominations of medical professionals who have made a significant contribution to medicine.

The award will be judged by an independent panel, with the winner being presented with the prestigious 'Hippo' prize at the AMA (WA) Awards Dinner, to be held on Saturday 7 June 2014.

Nominations are invited from all sectors of the medical profession. It is expected that nominees will have demonstrated a tireless dedication to either the service of others, their chosen fields, or be a pioneer in the health and medical research sector.

Nominations close Monday 21 April 2014.

To nominate an individual for this award, please send the completed nomination form with a summary of your nominee's achievements and contributions to Paul Boyatzis.

Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) applications are now open!

Looking for a diverse, flexible and stimulating career? Open yourself up to the world of opportunities general practice has to offer.

Applications for Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) will be open from 14 April to 9 May 2014, to commence training in 2015.

To apply visit the GPET website. 

For more information visit the WAGPET website, or contact WAGPET on (08) 9473 8200 or via email.

Unlimited Travel – Whenever you wish, Wherever you wish

Did you know AMA Insurance Brokers have an amazing corporate travel policy? It allows you travel unlimited number of times to anywhere in the world (so long as DFAT thinks it’s a good idea) No forms or ongoing submissions or advice – we simplified everything so you can travel in peace.

The policy:
• Allows you to travel for both business and leisure trips.
• Your family iscovered when travelling together with you*
• Worried about any pre-existing health conditions? They are covered*
• Unlimited medical expenses including emergency evacuation – no stress
• You can travel anywhere under its worldwide coverage
• Unlimited number of trips up to180 days duration – you can travel trip after trip after trip
• Available up to the age of 75 and renewable up to the age of 85

*conditions apply

Annual cover up to 31 March 2015.

Call 1300 763 766 for more information on the features provided, or see our Annual Travel Insurance information brochure.

AMA (WA) Medical Products 2014 Autumn Promotion

AMA (WA) Medical Products has launched its 2014 Autumn Promotion.

With the promotion set to end by 30 May 2014, there's no better time to snap up some of the fantastic deals on offer.

Electronic tables, audiometers, dopplers, vital signs monitors, medical lighting, stethoscopes and much more are on offer, all at heavily reduced prices.

For more information about the promotion, please click here, or call (08) 9273 3022.

Great discounts available in this year's Entertainment book

Help us raise funds for the AMA (WA) Foundation by ordering the new Entertainment Book. By ordering through the AMA (WA), 20 per cent of your purchase will go towards the Foundation.

Great discounts are available on a range of products including restaurants, leisure activities, accommodation and much more.

Order online, or contact Louise at AMA reception on 9273 3000 or via email before 30 April 2014 to receive an extra bonus!

For more information, please click here.

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