No credentials, no pay for Queensland doctors

Queensland doctors will not be paid until proof of their credentials can be established, Health Minister Stephen Robertson announced today.

Mr Robertson issued a directive to Queensland Health that the new payroll system to come online mid-year should not allow doctors to be paid unless they were properly credentialed.

“No credentials, no pay for Queensland doctors – it’s that simple,” Mr Robertson said.

“This will mean that like registration, a new doctor must have their current credential status verified, which will be recorded on the payroll system.

“This type of system was successfully implemented to ensure all new doctors were registered.

“I want to make it very clear that if a hospital hasn't credentialed a doctor, that doctor should not be working in the hospital. ”

Credentialing is a second check, in addition to registration, to ensure that the right person is providing the right clinical care within a particular facility.

Mr Robertson said Queensland Health had implemented a number of credentialing checks and balances since 2005.

“Unfortunately, there have been a number of credentialing anomalies detected since then,” he said.

“The important thing is that the audit system picked up these errors.

“However, I am concerned there are still individuals who refuse to comply with these processes.

“These individuals should be under no illusions – if you aren’t credentialed, you won’t be paid to work in Queensland Health hospitals.”

MEDIA: Martin Philip 3225 2680