Restrictions for temporary residents

Temporary resident overseas trained doctors (OTDs) are generally unable to be issued with a Medicare provider number and therefore provide services that attract rebates unless they work in a District of Workforce Shortage. This Medicare provider number restriction now applies indefinitely to temporary resident doctors.

If you are offering a position to a temporary resident doctor, and the position is in a District of Workforce Shortage, the OTD may apply for an exemption to this restriction which will enable them to be issued with a Medicare provider number. This is referred to as a ‘section 19AB exemption’. An application for a section 19AB exemption to these Medicare provider number restrictions is made when applying for a Medicare Provider Number.

Employers should be aware that temporary resident doctors are also required to work in an Area of Need unless they hold full medical registration in Australia or have completed the standard pathway for specialist assessment or the standard pathway for general practitioner assessment.

If you require further information on Medicare provider number restrictions, you can phone the Workforce Regulation Information Line in the Department of Health and Ageing on 02 6289 5903 or by facsimile on 02 6289 1352.

The Workforce Regulation Information HOTLINE will close on 5 May 2008.

For information on section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973 please contact 19AB@health.gov.au