What should a Statutory Declaration for a Replacement Exemption include?
This is a FAQ BLOG and you can refer to our 19AB & IMGs blog here.
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Date Updated: 2025-07-29
In applying for a Replacement 19AB Exemption, we suggest that the leaving doctor to sign a written statement or statutory declaration stating that:
- they have closed their provider number for that location
- they are leaving the catchment area
- will not be using a Medicare provider number that has been issued to them in that catchment area until their 10-year moratorium has ceased.
Please note that either a statutory declaration or written statement is acceptable from a leaving doctor, but a written statement from the leaving doctor is a requirement for a new doctor to be considered under the replacement provision. This will verify that they have stopped, and have no intention of returning to, private practice within the catchment area until their moratorium has ended.
What happens if they complete their 10-year moratorium?
Permanent Resident/Citizen
They will no longer be required to work in a Distribution Priority Area (DPA) area as a GP if they finished their moratorium and obtained permanent residency or citizenship.
Please note that they should notify Medicare as soon as they become a permanent resident to prevent any debt. This is because if they have a current 19AB exemption, then it may no longer be valid as they will be out of their moratorium.
There are two situations to consider once they get their permanent residency, so that they still have access to Medicare benefits:
- If they are qualified for Fellowship or are participating on a 3GA program, then the terms of their current exemption are still in effect.
- If they are not qualified for Fellowship, they will need to join a 3GA program and a new 19AB exemption. In applying for a new 19AB exemption, the organisation that manages their 3GA program will help them.
Temporary Resident
If they are still a temporary resident, they’ll continue to be restricted by 19AB until they gain residency no matter how long they work in Australia!
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!
Information from this blog has been taken directly from:
- 19AB restricted doctors – Access to Medicare provider numbers – 21 August 2021 – 29 July 2025
- 10-year moratorium and scaling – 29 May 2025 – 29 July 2025
- Section 19AB restricted doctors and access to Medicare – 29 May 2025 – 29 July 2025
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