Doctor registration
There are 2 different types of approval for doctors, with different eligibility criteria. This page explains the criteria for becoming an approved provider. Please read the information below before you apply using the online form.
Types of approval
Doctors can apply to be approved as:
- Examining doctor (examining medical officer or EMO)
- Doctors who carry out medical examinations for coal mine worker health assessments
- Completes section 3 only of the health assessment form
- Supervising doctor
- Can report on the health assessment report (i.e. section 4) where they are also the appointed medical adviser (AMA), previously known as a nominated medical adviser
- Can also carry out the medical examination
- Can supervise EMOs in the health assessment process
Approval criteria
EMO approval criteria
Doctors must be appropriately qualified and fit and proper to carry out the scheme function.
AHPRA registration
You must hold a general or specialist registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Applicants with other registrations, such as limited registration, are not considered appropriately qualified.
Participation in training program
In order to be approved you will need to show evidence of enrolment in RSHQs Statutory Medicals for Mine and Quarry Workers training program and evidence of completion of all modules.
Any conditions attached to your AHPRA registration or undertakings given by you in relation to your practice of the profession must not affect your ability to undertake medical examinations for coal mine workers.
In deciding whether an applicant (i.e. a person for the purposes of a supervising doctor, examining doctor or B-reader application; or a practice/organisation for the purposes of a spirometry practice, x-ray imaging practice or spirometry training provider application) is fit and proper to carry out a scheme function, the Chief Executive Officer (or delegate) may have regard to the following:
- whether the person has any conditions, undertakings or reprimands on their registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- whether the person is subject to any current disciplinary or other legal proceedings relating to their role
- whether the person, the practice/organisation or any relevant employees (being radiographers or persons provider spirometry or spirometry training) have been convicted of an offence against the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 (Qld) or the Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2017 (Qld)
- any other issue relevant to whether the person or practice/organisation will likely carry out, or be perceived to carry out, examinations or assessments to the standards expected of their profession.
An applicant must disclose all relevant information in the application or renewal form.
Supervising doctor approval criteria
Doctors must be appropriately qualified and fit and proper to carry out the scheme function.
Accreditation with QIP
The Resources Safety & Health Queensland (RSHQ) has engaged Quality Innovation Performance (QIP) to deliver accreditation services for medical providers that offer services to Queensland coal mine workers.
The accreditation requirements for supervising doctors are set out on the QIP website. Note: This accreditation is for the Coal Mine Workers' Health Scheme and is separate to the general practice accreditation offered by Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL).
You must hold a current accreditation with QIP as a supervising doctor to be approved by RSHQ.
Any conditions attached to your AHPRA registration or undertakings given by you in relation to your practice of the profession must not affect your ability to undertake health assessments.
In deciding whether an applicant (i.e. a person for the purposes of a supervising doctor, examining doctor or B-reader application; or a practice/organisation for the purposes of a spirometry practice, x-ray imaging practice or spirometry training provider application) is fit and proper to carry out a scheme function, the Chief Executive Officer (or delegate) may have regard to the following:
- whether the person has any conditions, undertakings or reprimands on their registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- whether the person is subject to any current disciplinary or other legal proceedings relating to their role
- whether the person, the practice/organisation or any relevant employees (being radiographers or persons provider spirometry or spirometry training) have been convicted of an offence against the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 (Qld) or the Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2017 (Qld)
- any other issue relevant to whether the person or practice/organisation will likely carry out, or be perceived to carry out, examinations or assessments to the standards expected of their profession.
An applicant must disclose all relevant information in the application or renewal form.
Duration of approval and renewal
Approvals are provided for a term of up to 5 years, and are generally for 5 years. An approved provider may apply for a renewal of the provider's approval at least 3 months before the term of the approval ends.
Conditions of approval
Approved doctors and medical service providers are required to comply with the conditions of approval to remain as approved providers. These conditions detail a number of matters including:
- your obligations as an approved provider
- the roles and responsibilities required under the Coal Mine Workers' Health Scheme
- confidentiality and record-keeping obligations
- a mechanism for audit.
If we amend an approval to impose a condition or vary a condition of the approval you will be advised before the amendment takes effect.
Lodging your application
To lodge your application you must:
- complete the online application form
- attach supporting documentation, as indicated
- make the declaration before submitting the application.
You will receive an email confirming your application has been successfully lodged.
How your application is assessed
We will review your application to ensure it has been completed correctly and that all necessary documentation has been provided.
If your application is approved, we will notify you and your contact details will be published on the register.
If your application does not indicate that you meet the requirements for approval, or further information is required, you will be notified and given the opportunity to provide further information in support of your application before a decision is made.
We will decide your application within 3 months after the application is made or a longer period by agreement.
Review of decisions
If your application isn't approved, you can apply for an internal review within 28 days of being notified of the decision.
A further review by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal is provided under the legislation. Further details will be provided if your application is unsuccessful.
Further information
For help with your application, phone (07) 3199 7967 or email minehealthregister@rshq.qld.gov.au.
Also consider...
- Find out more about the Coal Mine Workers' Health Scheme.
- Read about dust hazards in mines.
- Find out about the program of work to address coal workers' pneumoconiosis.
- Last reviewed: 1 Jul 2020
- Last updated: 5 Jul 2022