The Medical Board of Australia (MBA) is proposing that late career doctors (aged 70 and older) have regular health checks to support their health and wellbeing and to prevent patient harm. 

The consultation paper released by the MBA seeks feedback from stakeholders on the effectiveness of current requirements for late career doctors to manage their health, whether additional safeguards are needed and whether late career doctors should be required to have regular health checks so they can make informed decisions about their health and practice and manage the related risk to patients. 

The MBA recognises that any process that routinely screens older doctors in Australia needs to balance the responsibility to protect patients from harm from undetected poor performance, with the costs and benefits. It must be fair to all doctors, including those who have no performance concerns, and avoid unnecessary loss of workforce.

Members' views are sought on this proposal to inform the RANZCP response. Further information is available and feedback can be submitted via the RANZCP Consultation Hub by Monday 16 September 2024. 

For queries, please contact policy@ranzcp.org.