DPA Exemptions – Section 19AB

Doctors who studied for their medical degree outside of Australia, known as International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are generally restricted to working in certain locations for the length of their 10-year moratorium. These locations are considered Distribution Priority Areas (DPAs).

There are some exemptions where an IMG may work in a non-DPA area.

Replacement exemption

In this situation, an IMG is replacing a doctor who holds an unrestricted 19AB exemption and no longer works in the local area.

6-month locum exemption

Working as a locum allows an IMG to work in a non-DPA area and access Medicare benefits for up to 6 months. A locum exemption cannot be extended or repeated in the same location, but it is possible to have multiple locums of up to 6 months in length in different locations.

Spousal exemption

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

Prior employment negotiations

This exemption grants access to Medicare benefits in any location if employment negotiations with the practice began when it was within a DPA.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health services exemption

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