How do I know if a Doctor is Restricted by 19AB &/or still has a Moratorium?
his is a FAQ BLOG and you can refer to our 19AB & IMGs blog here.
Need help understanding your pathway?
Date Updated: 2025-10-10
You’ll know if a Doctor is restricted by 19AB if they have completed their degree outside of Australia or New Zealand.
If they are restricted by 19AB, then they’ll be under a ‘10-year moratorium.’ This means that they have to work in a Distribution Priority Area (DPA) location for a period of 10 years, so they can also have access to Medicare rebate. You can check if your practice location is a DPA here.
You can also check if a Doctor is restricted by:
- Checking their degree country (of their primary degree – their MBBS) – if it was not completed in Australia, then they’re restricted by 19AB and may need a DPA.
- Checking their AHPRA Registration – Have they been registered with AHPRA for more than 10 years? Chances are that they’re outside of their moratorium.
- Checking their work experience – Did they work in a rural area? They may have had their experience scaled down. They can check this on PRODA. It’s worth asking!
- Checking their residency and citizenship – A TRICKY ONE! If they did their degree in Australia – were they a resident or citizen when they enrolled? If they were a temporary resident, then they also have a 19AB restriction!
Why is it important for you to know this?
- It will save you time and frustration.
- It may open up recruitment opportunities that you, and even the Doctor, didn’t know existed.
A Doctor may not know their restrictions or may not know they can scale their moratorium. If you know – you might be able to hire that Doctor!
We Can Help You
Here at People Medical Consulting, we have a passion for guiding medical practitioners through their career pathways to Australia. We have extensive experience in assisting medical facilities in recruiting doctors from local and overseas who will best suit their requirements.
We provide Document Assistance for those requiring support for their PESCI with IME, ACRRM or RACGP, registration and all other mandatory AHPRA requirements, fellowship program related forms and letters, application for Medicare provider and prescriber numbers, application for 19AB or 19AA exemptions and preparation of employment documents.
If you want to talk to someone about your pathway or practice management—book a consultation with us below, or if you need Recruitment or Document Assistance, contact us at help@peoplemedical.com.au or click the buttons below. We’d be glad to help you!
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