Reconsideration, Review and Appeal Policy (RRA)
02 December 2024
Revised Reconsideration, Review, and Appeal Policy and the Special Consideration Policy.
The National Health Practitioner Ombudsman has made recommendations to medical colleges across Australia. As a result ANZCA’s Reconsideration, Review and Appeals (RRA) Policy has been updated. From December 2 2024, the updated policy has replaced the following ANZCA regulations:
- Regulation 30 – Reconsideration and Review Process, and
- Regulation 31 – Appeals Process.
ANZCA and FPM trainees, examiners, specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs) and those involved in the accreditation of training sites are encouraged to review the updated policy prior to its implementation on 2 December 2024, noting the key changes summarised below:
Decisions eligible for reconsideration, review and appeal (Section 30.1)
- Decisions eligible for RRA have been updated (for example, the inclusion of examinations) and a section explicitly outlining decisions that are ineligible for RRA is now included in the policy (section 30.2).
Outcomes available under this policy and grounds for making an application (section 30.3-30.5)
- Updated to guide applicants on what is considered a valid application, and the standard of evidence required to make an application.
Time periods for lodging applications for reconsideration, review and appeal (section 30.6 and 30.7) and how to lodge an application for reconsideration, review and appeal (section 3)
- Applications for matters relating to examination must be submitted within 14 calendar days of the original, reconsideration or review decision.
- Application for all other matters must be submitted within 28 calendar days of the original, reconsideration or review decision.
- An online application form must be submitted when making an application for RRA.
Applicant rights and responsibilities (section 30.8 and 30.9)
- Section added to the policy to provide transparency to applicants on their rights and responsibilities when deciding to make an application under this policy.
Changes to fees (section 30.10)
- A fee is now payable when making an application for review of a decision made at the reconsideration stage.
- Review and appeal fees have been updated.
Special consideration policy
As of 2 December 2024, a single point of contact approach to applying for special consideration will be implemented. Applicants seeking special consideration are required to complete an online application form in accordance with the timeframes outlined in the policy; this differs from the current practice of emailing a request for special consideration to a relevant contact at the college.
The Special Consideration Policy is a new policy implemented across the college, and has the aim of increasing fairness and consistency for applicants, and guidance to those assessing and determining the outcome of applications.
Any application for RRA or special consideration, made before 2 December, will be assessed under current regulations, policies or practices.