The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is proposing changes to the way the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons determines the number of surgical trainees.
The ACCC today issued a notice proposing to revoke the college's current authorisation* and replace it with a new one.
The Health Ministers contacted the ACCC in February 2006, requesting a review** of the college's authorisation on the basis that there has been a material change in circumstances. The ACCC accepts governments' submission that they have increased their capacity for, and involvement in, health workforce planning since the college was granted authorisation in June 2003.
"The proposed new authorisation is identical to the original, but makes changes to the consultation process between the college and governments when determining the intake of basic surgical trainees", ACCC chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said today. "The college currently determines the number of trainees accepted into its surgical training program with limited input from governments".
The ACCC now proposes that the Commonwealth, state and territory governments have increased involvement in determining the number and distribution of basic surgical trainees. The proposed new authorisation encourages consultation amongst the college and governments, but ultimately recognises that training numbers should be determined by governments, reflecting community requirements, and not limited by the college.
The ACCC also notes that the college plans to significantly change its training program in the near future. In light of this, the ACCC is proposing to bring forward the expiry date of the college's current authorisation in relation to the selection of trainees from July 2009 to July 2007.
The ACCC will consult with interested parties before making a final decision. Details on how to make a submission are contained in the ACCC's Notice which is available at www.accc.gov.au.
*Authorisation provides immunity from court action for conduct that might otherwise breach the competition provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974. Authorisation is granted where the ACCC is satisfied that the practice delivers a net public benefit. In considering a request for authorisation the ACCC undertakes a comprehensive public consultation process.
On 30 June 2003, the ACCC granted authorisation A90765 to the college in relation to its selection, training and accreditation procedures.
**The ACCC may review an authorisation if there has been a material change of circumstances since authorisation was granted.
