Key features of the Program
Legacy scheme participants can opt into the statutory Bonded Medical Program. The legacy schemes are:
- Medical Rural Bonded Scholarship Scheme (2001–2015)
- Bonded Medical Places Scheme (2004–2019).
If you opt in from a legacy scheme:
- your Return of Service Obligation (RoSO) will be reduced to 156 weeks (3 years) for 2001–2015 participants
- 2016–2019 participants retain their 52 weeks (12 months) RoSO. These participants must complete 1820 hours of RoSO, with only the first 35 hours worked per week counting toward the RoSO
- all eligible work completed under your legacy scheme is carried forward into the Program
- all Program compliant work completed under your legacy scheme will be recognised. This includes:
- internship
- part-time or per day work
- no pre-fellowship limit.
As a Program participant:
- there is no requirement to attain fellowship to complete your RoSO
- there are no restrictions on where you can work
- all RoSO must be completed within 18 years of your medical course completion
- you will be able to self-manage your RoSO through the online Bonded Return of Service System (BRoSS).
- the terms and conditions of your contract or agreement are replaced by the requirements of the
Read the Bonded Programs comparison fact sheet to compare key features.
Your obligations during transition from a legacy scheme
Until you have written confirmation that you have been opted into the Program, you are still bound by your current contract or agreement. However, any Program eligible work you complete while you are waiting to be opted in will recognised. If you choose to opt into the Program, you will be subject to the eligible location mapping data available at the time you are formally opted in.
Your obligations as an opted in participant
We will update your BRoSS record with the information we have at the time you opt in.
As a Program participant, you must:
- keep your BRoSS record up to date.
- use BRoSS to confirm location eligibility – the system will give you location eligibility specific to your circumstances.
- comply with the reporting requirements as specified in sections 15 and 16 of the Health Insurance (Bonded Medical Program) Rule 2020.
Learn about your core obligations as a Program participant and how to maintain your BRoSS record.
Upon completion of 156 weeks of RoSO, your BRoSS record will be reviewed to confirm that all Program requirements have been fulfilled.
If you cannot provide the required evidence for a notifiable event advisory or a RoSO activity, you may provide a statutory declaration. It must include all the required information as specified in the Rule. Please review the obligations web page regarding work evidence requirements for a statutory declaration.
See the BRoSS user participation guide for more help about using BRoSS, including how to update details and confirm location eligibility.
Legislation
The conditions and requirements of the Program are legally binding. If you agree to participate in the Program, you are bound by:
You should seek legal advice to make sure you understand the terms and conditions before opting into the Program.
How to submit your Program opt in request
To submit your opt-in request, email us clearly stating that you wish to opt-in to the Program. To have your completed work assessed for eligibility and credited towards your RoSO, provide a statutory declaration outlining all work you have completed since your medical course completion date.
Work evidence requirements for a statutory declaration can be found under completion evidence on the obligations page.
Please email us using this subject title convention:
[Scheme type] – [Participants Name] – Opt in to the Bonded Medical Program.