Defence: Medical Officers

Mr Price asked the Minister representing the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 17 November 2004:

1. Further to the answer to question No. 1673 (Hansard, 14 May 2004, page 14597), has the Director-General Defence Health in Health Directive 909, Registration of Australian Defence Force Health Service Professional Officers, provided any guidance in respect of Medical Officers who are being investigated for serious professional misconduct by the relevant Medical Board of Inquiry: if so, what is the guidance.
2. Does the guidance provide for any restrictions when doctors are under investigation by state Medical Boards of Inquiry; if not, why not; if so, what are they.
3. In the light of the WA Medical Board's findings, are any changes contemplated to the guidelines; if so, what are they.

Mrs Kelly - The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

1. Under Health Directive 909 Medical Officers are required to notify the Director-General Defence Health Service in writing immediately they become aware of any investigation or disciplinary proceedings against them by their professional board in respect of their practice within the Australian Defence Force.
2. No.
3. Yes. A Defence Instruction on the Privacy of Health Information in Defence is currently being developed. Interim guidance has been provided through Health Bulletin No 8/2004 - 'Privacy of Health Information - Interim Advice' of 8 September 2004.

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