Area of Need approval
An application for Area of Need approval is required if the overseas trained doctor (OTD):
- has not completed the standard pathway for general practitioner assessment; or
- has not completed the standard pathway for specialist assessment.
If the vacancy requires the OTD to be issued with a Medicare provider number and therefore provide Medicare billing services, the employer will also need to apply for a Preliminary Assessment of District of Workforce Shortage for the position.
Employers should note that there are some differences in the definition and administration of the Area of Need process between the States and Territories.
Area of Need contacts for all Australian State and Territory Health Departments are as follows:
New South Wales
NSW Health
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/othp/employerinfo.html
Victoria
Victorian Department of Human Services
Phone: 03 9616 7848 (International +61 3 9616 7848)
http://hnp.dhs.vic.gov.au/wps/portal
Queensland
Area of Need Certification Unit
Office of the Health Practitioner Registration Boards
Queensland Government
Phone: 07 3234 0173 (International +61 7 3234 0173) or 07 3234 0227 (International +61 7 3234 0227)
http://www.healthregboards.qld.gov.au
Western Australia
Western Australian Department of Health
Workforce Planning and Supply
Program Officer
Phone: 08 9222 2148 (International +61 8 9222 2148)
http://www.overseasdoctors.health.wa.gov.au/employers/unmetarea.cfm
South Australia
South Australian Department of Health
http://www.health.sa.gov.au/medicalofficer
Tasmania
Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania
Professional Services and Advice Branch
Chief Health Officer
Phone: 03 6233 3180 (International +61 3 6233 3180)
http://www.gpatlas.org.au/definition.php?id=108777
Northern Territory
Northern Territory Department of Health and Community Services
Phone: 08 8985 8067 (International +61 8 8985 8067)
http://www.nt.gov.au/health/org_supp/prof_boards/prof_licensing_auth.shtml
http://www.gpphcnt.org.au
http://www.tedgp.asn.au
Australian Capital Territory
ACT Health
Senior Policy Officer
Phone: 02 6205 2247 (International +61 2 6205 2247)