One proposal would require late-career doctors to have health checks every three years

  
Following data revealing patient complaints jump significantly with increasing age of their doctor, the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) is considering regular health checks for medical practitioners over 70 years old. 

The rate of notifications related to health impairments is more than three times higher for those over 70 compared with younger colleagues, according to an MBA statement. “The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency’s complaints data show that doctors aged over 70 are 81% more likely to be the subject of a notification for any reason (not just impairment) than those under 70. Proposals for keeping late career doctors in safe practice are now open for public comment.”  

Doctors in the 70–74-year-old bracket “jumped disturbingly” rising more than 130% from 2015 to 2023. For medical practitioners aged 80 and over, notifications climbed by more than 180% per 1,000 doctors between 2015 and 2023, the statement revealed.    

While late career doctors make up a relatively small proportion of the medical workforce, health ministers and the community expect the MBA to prevent avoidable harm to patients, said the MBA. “To protect patients while also extending the careers of medical practitioners in a safe way, the Board is consulting on a range of proposals to safeguard the health, privacy and independence of late career doctors by managing preventable risks to patient safety.”  

The Board’s preferred proposal would require late-career doctors to undergo general health checks with their GP or another doctor every three years and yearly from 80 years of age.   

Such a measure could prevent future patient harm and provide opportunities for practitioners to extend their careers, said MBA chair Dr Anne Tonkin AO.   

“It’s in line with all public health screening measures. Early detection means early management, which can mean preventing avoidable risks,” she said. “Doctors are often reluctant patients and we are concerned they don’t always seek the care they need. We’re looking for a way to keep late career doctors in charge of their career.”  

Under the proposal, results of such checks would be confidential between the late-career doctor and their treating practitioner. The MBA would only be informed if a treating practitioner made a mandatory report about a late-career doctor who refused to manage the risk to patients caused by ill health.    

Public consultation is open until 4 October 2024. For more, click here.