The information on this page is specific to 'Limited registration for area of need' (s.67 of the National Law).
Medical practitioners with this type of registration are usually working under supervision in an area of medical workforce shortage. Usually, they are registered to practise in a rural or remote location. These practitioners have been assessed by the Board as having the necessary skills, training and experience to undertake this practice safely. The state or territory Minister for Health (or their delegate) must declare that the area in which the applicant will work is an ’area of need’.
Medical practitioners with this type of registration must comply with the Medical Board of Australia’s registration standard on limited registration for area of need that includes:
- compliance with a supervision plan
- compliance with a professional development plan
- authorising and facilitating the provision of regular reports from their supervisors to the Board about their safety and competence to practise
- satisfactory performance in the area of need
- if intending to practise medicine in Australia longer term, providing evidence to confirm the satisfactory progress towards meeting the qualifications required for general registration or specialist registration
Medical practitioners with this type of registration are in one of three pathways to registration:
- Competent authority
- Standard pathway or
- Specialist pathway
See also the Medical Board of Australia’s registration standard for limited registration for area of need.