Ensuring maximum flexibility for registrars during this time is the College’s highest priority, however ensuring our training program and assessments maintain the rigour expected will underpin any decisions made around flexibility and special considerations.

The College requires RTOs to raise specific requests as they become known so that a decision can be reached on the appropriate outcome.

The College’s standards, policies and Fellowship Training and Assessment Handbooks detail the flexibility already built into the ACRRM Training Pathways and these are automatically applicable during this time.

  • the degree that this impacts their training will depend on their previous experience and if they are developing new skills or consolidating skills in their current training placement
  • review the curriculum to identify skills and knowledge they are missing
  • encourage them to seek activities such as simulation and education to supplement gaps in their skills and knowledge
  • encourage them to keep good records of their work
  • work with them during and following the pandemic to revise their training plans.

Yes. The details are available in the Fellowship Assessment Handbook, including:

  • who can conduct the miniCEXs
  • method conducted: virtually or face to face
  • timing of completion: over the duration or towards the end of training
  • requests for special consideration are to be directed to the College. 
A delay in submitting Supervisor Reports is acceptable, provided the report covers the period that the registrar was in the post.

Most registrars should not be disadvantaged by the postponement of courses. The delivery of emergency courses will resume once it is safe to do so. The College will also offer additional courses and ensure that priority is given to registrars and others who require a course.

If an emergency course is the only outstanding requirement for Fellowship, this would be considered on a caseby-case basis.

RTOs should continue to follow the same approach taken for any registrar with extenuating circumstances preventing completion of all or parts of the education program. Where possible, catch-up sessions should be provided if the disruption is for a short period. If disrupted for a sustained period, deferral of the education component may need to be considered. The College should be informed of any potential changes to a registrar’s training plan. The College will continue to monitor the evolving situation to determine if a uniform response is required for all training pathways.

It is acknowledged that COVID-19 may disrupt training plans. Training plans will need to be reviewed and updated during and following the pandemic with consideration of the breadth and volume of experience already obtained and areas yet to be covered.

Yes. Telehealth consultations count towards training time. ACRRM continues to update and develop a range of resources in this area and RTOs are encouraged to utilise these for registrars

The College standards for supervisors and training posts continue to apply. ACRRM has a range of resources available to assist with planning.

In the College standards there is acknowledgement that the amount of time a registrar requires a supervisor onsite differs depending on the experience and capabilities of the registrar.

If the offsite supervision arrangements are for short periods or limited time each week and the supervisor and the registrar are comfortable with the arrangement, then no specific approval by ACRRM is required.

If the offsite supervision arrangements are more significant, then an offsite supervision plan is required.

The requirements for a supervision plan can be found in the College standards

It is acknowledged that planned education sessions may be disrupted during the pandemic. It is expected that corridor teaching/teaching on the run will continue, including through virtual contact. ACRRM standards allow for flexibility around who delivers the education.

Training posts and supervisors may be approved for full accreditation or re-accreditation for three years based on a virtual accreditation site visit.

Virtual accreditation site visits must include video, they cannot be by phone, unless extenuating circumstances.

The site visits must include the same aspects as face to face e.g. interviews with supervisor, registrar etc. view the environment, documents etc. All other aspects of monitoring posts must continue.

Given the increase in telehealth, the accreditation site visits should also ask about orientation/support for the Registrar undertaking telehealth/telephone consultations.  

The ACRRM standards are to be upheld. However, given the current COVID-19 situation, flexibility will be provided in order to ensure that the impact on a registrar’s training is minimised.

If the existing supervision and training post arrangement are significantly affected during the pandemic, an alternative training arrangement may be introduced by the RTO for a period of up to three months. The arrangement must be reviewed at three months and ongoing suitability reassessed. Registrars are expected to return to their original training arrangements once this current crisis is over.

Arrangements that extend beyond three (3) months must be approved by ACRRM. In all situations an Individual Training Placement application must be completed and sent to ACRRM.

If a new supervisor or post requires accreditation at short notice, ACRRM will expedite the processing of this request.

No. ACRRM will continue to award the accreditation through existing processes.