What is 19AB and DPA? (Previously DWS)
Section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act applies to all Overseas Trained Doctors (OTD/IMG/FGAMS) who gained their first medical registration in Australia on or before 1 January 1997. There is a requirement for all general practitioners trained outside of Australia to work in a District Priority area (DPA) for their first 10 years of medical registration in Australia. If you are an OTD you need to be a temporary resident or have your fellowship with the RACGP to be eligible for a 19AB exemption.
Which areas have DPA?
The department maintains a map that allows you to look up addresses across Australia.
There are still small pockets of DPA around most of the Metropolitan cities in Australia, however, there are usually fewer jobs available in these areas AND THEY UPDATE EVERY JULY.
How to get a 19AB Exemption
There are a few 19AB exemptions available to overseas trained GPs; DPA is the most common one.
Here is a quick summary of the various 19AB exemptions available:
- District Priority areas– It is possible to work in any DPA location in Australia – you will be able to work all day in these locations.
- After hours exemption – it is possible to work anywhere in Australia in an after hours capacity. This is from 6pm to 8am weekdays, and all weekend.
- Locum exemption – it is possible to work anywhere in Australia as a locum for a period of up to 6 months. This is eligible for a 19AB exemption. We have a few clients with multiple practices in the same city, so it is possible to have a 12-month contract, with 2 x 6-month placements. Scheduling these can be a bit tricky but if your dates are relatively flexible it is possible.
- Spousal exemption – access the Medicare Benefits arrangements at a specific practice location near their spouse’s primary place of employment.
If your spouse is a Medical Practitioner without any 19 AB restrictions. OR
If Non Medical,
Spouse’s signed and dated employment contract for their first position working as a skilled migrant in Australia, including the occupation name and physical location.
If working with a new employer, spouses current signed and dated employment contract from their employer. Support letter from your spouse’s current employer confirming they are currently employed in relation to their skills.
Spouse’s skilled migration visa
Spouse’s skills assessment for migration
- Other exemptions – There are other exemptions that may be practice or situation specific, EG academic exemption