CPD for Medical Practitioners
This summary outlines CPD activities that allow the requirements for the Medical Board of Australia to be met. The standards discussed are in accordance with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act and the Australian Medical Council (AMC).
CPD Cycle
CPD cycle runs for 12-months for all medical practitioners.
CPD Requirements and Activities
All medical practitioners engaged in any form of medical practice are required to regularly participate in CPD activities relevant to their scope of practice. CPD requirements and the number of CPD hours one must complete depends on the type of registration the practitioner holds and the stage of their career.
Additional Considerations
Medical practitioners who are on the specialist register are expected to comply with the CPD requirements of their specialist college.
Interns and prevocational trainees are expected to participate in the supervised training and education programs associated with their position.
All medical practitioners are required to declare completion of the necessary CPD when renewing registration.
In the list below, identify the type of registration to learn the CPD requirements and activities:
a) Members or fellows of medical colleges accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC). Medical practitioners must meet the standards for CPD set by their college. A self-directed program of CPD can only be chosen if that program meets the standards for CPD set by their college.
b) Medical specialists and general practitioners who are not College members or fellows but are on the specialist register. Medical practitioners must meet the standards for CPD set by the relevant AMC accredited college.
c) Medical practitioners who hold provisional registration (interns), or limited registration for postgraduate training or supervised practice, or general registration and are prevo-cational trainees or college vocational trainees. Medical practitioners must participate in the supervised training and education programs associated with their position. Please note that requirements for training or supervised practice may be specified in guidelines issued by the Board.
d)Medical practitioners who hold limited registration for area of need, or limited registration for teaching and research or limited registration in the public interest. Medical practitioners must complete CPD activities specified in your supervision plan or work performance report. Practitioners must complete a minimum of 50 hours of CPD per year. Please note that requirements for supervision may be specified in guidelines issued by the Board.
e) Medical practitioners who have general registration only (no specialist registration must complete a minimum of 50 hours of CPD per year, which must include at least one practice-based reflective element; clinical audit, peer review or performance appraisal. Additionally, they must participate in activities to advance knowledge such as courses, conferences and online learning. Alternatively, general practitioners can meet the CPD requirements of a specialist medical college that is similar to their scope of practice.
f) Medical practitioners who are international graduates and have provisional registration. If they are an accredited intern, they must participate in supervised training and education programs relevant to their position. If they are not an accredited intern, they must complete CPD activities as agreed in their supervision plan, and complete a minimum of 50 hours of CPD per year. All international medical practitioners must comply with requirements for training or supervised practice specified in the guidelines issues by the Board.
g) Medical practitioners who are not on the specialist register and do not fit categories (c), (d), (e) or (f). Medical practitioners must complete a minimum of 50 hours of CPD per year, and may choose a self-directed program. Self-directed programs must include practice-based reflective elements such as clinical audit, peer review or performance appraisal, as well as participation in activities to enhance knowledge such as courses, conferences, seminars and online learning.
CPD Documentation
Medical practitioners are required to record CPD activities either by keeping records or by using college processes. Medical practitioners are also required to produce these records if the Board requires them as part of an audit or investigation. It is recommended that records are kept for 3 years.
For more information about these CPD guidelines click here.
Date of Issue: 1st October 2016
Last reviewed: 7th April 2020
These guidelines will be reviewed every 3-4 years.