ACCC proposes renewal of AMA authorisation for rural GP VMO negotiations

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) this week issued a draft determination proposing to renew the AMA’s existing authorisation to collectively negotiate with state and territory health departments the terms of contracts, including fees, for rural general practitioners providing services as visiting medical officers.

The ACCC proposes to re-authorise the arrangements for ten years. The ACCC has also decided to grant interim authorisation from 1 March which will cover us until a final determination is made, and will remain in place until the ACCC’s final determination comes into effect or until the ACCC decides to revoke interim authorisation.