2008-2010 Triennium

QA&CPD

In the 2008-2010 RACGP QA&CPD triennium, GPs are required to:

• obtain a minimum of 130 points
• undertake at least two Category 1 activities*
• complete a basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course (5 points).

*Category 1 activities include: Active learning modules (ALMs), Clinical audits, Evidence based medicine (EBM) journal clubs; and Rapid Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycles. 40 Category 1 points are award for successful completion of these activities. Additional activities meet the criteria for Category 1 and may also have different point allocations. For more information, visit the RACGP website www.racgp.org.au

Mental health training requirements

There is no continuing education requirement for the development of a Mental Health Treatment Plan. There is, however, a higher rebate available for GPs who have completed a prescribed level of training. For GPs who wish to offer Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) to their patients, additional training is required.

Mental Health Skills Training (MHST)

An RACGP and GPMHSC accredited 6-hour course which covers a set curriculum including carer and consumer perspectives. Required to access MBS Item 2710.

Mental Health Continuing Professional Development (MH CPD)

A total of 6-hours of RACGP and GPMHSC accredited education. GPs who have completed Level 1 or MHST are strongly encouraged to complete 6 hours of MH CPD in each triennium; however, ongoing training is not compulsory.

Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training (previously known as 'Level 2')

An RACGP and GPMHSC accredited 20-hour course. Required to access MBS Items 2712 and 2725. Pre-requisite: completion of a MHST course.

Focussed Psychological Strategies Continuing Professional Development (FPS CPD)

Required to maintain FPS ST status and ongoing access to MBS Items 2712 and 2725.

Relevant MBS Items

Item 2702
This item is for development of a Mental Health Treatment Plan. It is available to GPs who have not completed the necessary training required to access Item 2710.

Item 2710
This item is for development of a Mental Health Treatment Plan. It is available to GPs who have completed the relevant training. Requirements include either completing Level 1 mental health skills training since 2001, or completing an accredited Mental Health Skills Training (MHST) course.

GPs who have completed Level 1 or MHST are strongly encouraged to complete 6 hours of MH CPD in each triennium; however, ongoing training is not compulsory to access 2710.

Item 2712 - FPS, Item 2725 - FPS Extended
These items are for provision of Focussed Psychological Strategies. They are available to GPs who have completed the relevant training. Requirements include completing Level 1 and Level 2 mental health skills training since 2001, or completing an accredited MHST and a FPS ST course. GPs registered as a provider of FPS in the previous triennium need to complete a FPS CPD course to fulfil their CPD requirements and remain compliant.

Continuing education for nurses

Sphere is also offering continuing education programs for nurses in this triennium. It is a recommendation of the RCNA that nurses aim to obtain 30 CNE points per year.