Early intervention is a key element of good healthcare which applies equally to not only consumers seeking care but doctors providing it. However a recent review of AHPRA complaints data has shown a significant increase in complaints being made against doctors aged 70 and above compared to those aged younger than 70.

As such the Medical Board of Australia seeks feedback from stakeholders on the effectiveness of current requirements for late career doctors to manage their health, whether additional safeguards are needed and whether late career doctors should be required to have regular health checks so they can make informed decisions about their health and practice and manage the related risk to patients.

CHF is pleased to make the attached submission to the consultation on ‘Health checks for late career doctors' being conducted by the Medical Board of Australia.