Public consultation: Proposal for the recognition of Genetic pathology as a new field of specialty practice

24 Feb 2023

The Medical Board of Australia is consulting on an application from The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) seeking recognition of Genetic pathology as a new field of specialty practice within Pathology.

We’re inviting feedback on the application in a consultation which is open until 26 April 2023.

The currently approved list of specialties, fields of specialty practice and related specialist titles in medicine is published. 

Under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, as in force in each state and territory, the Medical Board may recommend, after consultation and advice, to Health Ministers whether to approve any new specialties and associated protected titles for the profession.

Specialist registration assures the public that a doctor has the qualifications to provide a particular type of specialist medical care and facilitates their access to appropriately qualified medical practitioners. 

Specialist recognition means that medical practitioners with approved specialist qualifications can be granted specialist registration in a recognised specialty or field of specialty practice and use associated protected titles.

To be recognised as a new specialty or field of specialty practice, an organisation applying must demonstrate that there is a public benefit and that existing arrangements are unsatisfactory.

The Board is inviting feedback from medical practitioners, the public and other stakeholders on the proposal by the RCPA to recognise genetic pathology as a new field of specialty practice. 

The Board’s recommendation to Health Ministers will be informed by consultation feedback and advice from the Australian Medical Council, which is the Board’s accreditation authority.

You can access the consultation paper on the Board’s current consultations page.

More information:

• Read the Medical Board’s and the Australian Medical Council’s Guidelines for the Recognition of Medical Specialties and Fields of Specialty Practice under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law