Compliance and Exemption from Continuing Professional Development
Approval Date: December 2018
Review Date: 2021
Review By: CEP Committee
PURPOSE
This policy outlines the exemption from participation in Continuing Professional Development with the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA).
SCOPE
This policy applies to Fellows and Associate Fellows of RACMA.
KEYWORDS
Continuing Professional Development; Compliance; Participation, Exemption
BODY OF POLICY
It is a condition of ongoing membership of the College that Fellows and Associate Fellows comply with the College’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements as defined in the CPD Standard.
The College considers that participation in CPD programs is an essential requirement to maintain competency as a Medical Administrator.
Compliance with the College’s CPD requirements satisfies both the Medical Council of New Zealand and the Medical Board of Australia requirements for maintaining specialist registration for Fellows in both jurisdictions.
The College issues Certificates of Compliance with CPD on an annual basis. Non-compliant Fellows and Associate Fellows will be identified through the audit processes outlined in the Audit of Participation Policy.
Fellows and Associate Fellows who anticipate that they may have difficulty meeting RACMA CPD requirements are advised to contact the Memberships Manager at the College or complete the online ‘Apply for Exemption’ form available on the RACMA website.
Fellows and Associate Fellows who are non-compliant will not be eligible for a RACMA Certificate of Compliance.
CPD COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
All Fellows must achieve a minimum of 50 hours of approved CPD activity per year which must include the submission of a professional development plan.
Associate Fellows must achieve a minimum of 25 hours of approved CPD activity per annum which must include the submission of a professional development plan.
EXEMPTION
An exemption from participation in CPD (for a maximum period of 12 months) will be considered by the Continuing Education Program Committee, on submission of the request in writing or by completion of the online application form ‘Apply for Exemption’ which is available on the RACMA website.
There may be additional regulatory requirements if you are returning to practice after an absence of 12 months or more.
Exemptions are granted for a maximum of one calendar year for those who meet one of the following criteria:
- Bereavement of immediate family member
- Extended family/personal leave
- Health reasons
- Extended absence from professional duties
- Other special circumstances
Exemptions are considered on a case by case basis and if approved may lead to the minimum CPD requirements being adjusted for the applicable calendar year.
The CEP Committee will decide the outcome of the application for exemption.
An applicant may lodge an appeal of the CEP Committee decision to the College Board via the lodgement of relevant documentation as per the College Reconsideration, Review and Appeals Form (see policy DocID: GOVEDUPR126)
Retired Members may choose to undertake CPD activities. The compliance requirements do not apply to retired members with no mandatory activities nor minimum hours required.
ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS
RACMA Constitution – October 2016
RACMA CPD Handbook
CPD Audit Policy
CPD Participation Policy