Supervising IMGs

UPDATE

The new Australian Medical Board guidelines relating to the supervision of IMGs came into effect on 4 January 2016.

Click here to download a copy of the guidelines

You can also access the full suite of resources directly from the Australian Medical
Board Website here.

header_update

There are now four levels of IMG registration with a variety of supervision implications you should be aware of:

LEVEL 1 SUPERVISION

The supervisor takes direct and principal responsibility for each individual patient.

The supervisor must be physically present at the workplace at all times when the IMG is providing clinical care.
The IMG must consult their supervisor about the management of all patients at the time of the consultation and before the patient leaves the practice.
Supervision via telephone contact or other telecommunications is not permitted.

LEVEL 2 SUPERVISION

The supervisor shares with the IMG, responsibility for each individual patient. The supervisor must ensure that the level of responsibility that the IMG is allowed to take for patient management is based on the supervisor’s assessment of the IMG’s knowledge and competence.

Supervision must be primarily in person – the supervisor must be physically present at the workplace a minimum of 80% of the time that the IMG is practising. Where the supervisor is not physically present, they must always be accessible by telephone or video link.
The IMG must inform their supervisor on a daily basis about the management of individual patients.

LEVEL 3 SUPERVISION

The IMG takes primary responsibility for each individual patient.

The supervisor must ensure that there are mechanisms in place for monitoring whether the IMG is practising safely.
The IMG is permitted to work alone provided that the supervisor is contactable by telephone or video link.

LEVEL 4 SUPERVISION

The IMG takes full responsibility for each individual patient.

The supervisor must oversee the IMG’s practice.
The supervisor must be available for consultation if the IMG requires assistance.
The supervisor must periodically conduct a review of the IMG’s practice.

Click here to see our FAQ on Supervising IMGs

Do you have a great resource or tips to share with your peers?

Email them to us: admin@gpsupervisorsaustralia.org.au