Governance of skilled migration and registration of internationally qualified health practitioners: an Australian policy perspective.

Abstract

This paper presents a policy perspective on the topical issue of migration and registration of internationally qualified health practitioners (IQHPs), with a focus on international medical graduates and internationally qualified nurses and midwives. Current views, regulatory governance and recommendations affecting skilled migration and registration of IQHPs were examined, specifically whether current and proposed practices are transparent, consistent, equitable, robust, cost-effective and assist in ensuring IQHPs demonstrate the necessary qualifications and experience for protection of the Australian public. The complexity of the current regulatory and administrative application and approval processes for IQHPs seeking to live and work in the Australian healthcare setting provides significant opportunities for future research, particularly those areas of reform under consideration by the Health Ministers' Advisory Council.