DPA Exemptions – Section 19AB

Doctors who studied their medical degree outside of Australia are generally restricted to working in locations that are considered Distribution Priority Area (DPA), for the length of their 10 year moratorium.

There are some exemptions where an IMG can be allowed to work in the non DPA area.

Replacement exemption

This is for the situation when you replace a doctor who held an unrestricted 19AB exemption and no longer works in the local area.

6-month locum exemption

This allows you to work in a non-DPA area and access Medicare benefits for up to 6 months. You can’t extend or repeat a locum exemption in the same location, but it is possible to have multiple locums of up to 6 months’ length in different locations.

Spousal exemption

If your spouse is a medical practitioner or a skilled migrant, you may be able to practice near their primary place of employment. 

Prior employment negotiations

This exemption grants you access to Medicare benefits in any location if you started negotiating your employment with the practice when it was within a DPA.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health services exemption

This exemption grants you access to Medicare benefits in any location if it is at an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health service with an exemption under section 19(2) of the Health Insurance Act 1973.

After hours exemption

This exemption grants you access to Medicare benefits in any location if you work after regular hours. This means working between 6 pm and 8 am Monday to Friday, or any time Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays.

More information is available here.