Page 8 - RCPA Annual Report 2016-17

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS
6
Board of Directors Meetings
The Board of Directors convened a total of 12 meetings during the year via teleconference and face to face dealing with the many issues presented for decision as well as regular agenda items such as the nancial reports, approval of new and updated documents for the College Policy Manual, and approval of candidates for Fellowship and other categories of membership. The Board receives monthly reports from each Board member including nancial statements and a report from the CEO.
Major areas of concern for the Board over the past year have been the Collection Centre
rents issues, anticipation of future revalidation requirements in Australia and New Zealand, and serious concerns with the government processes for dealing with the pathology sector during and arising from the ongoing Medical Bene ts Schedule (MBS) Review.
Board of Education and Assessment (BEA)
The Faculty of Clinical Forensic Medicine curriculum is now completed and 2018 will see the enrolment of the rst trainees. Following a favourable AMC Accreditation report, a number of conditions and recommendations have
been implemented with others well under
way. Trainee numbers remain stable with a total of 630 across all jurisdictions with female trainees now making up 65% of the total. Examinations and assessments are constantly being reviewed to ensure correlation with the reality of the workplace.
Board of Professional Practice and Quality (BPPQ)
The BPPQ has continued to focus on Government related issues such as the MBS Review, Approved Collection Centre arrangements, Federal Health Budgets, Pathology Funding and the MSAC Process. BPPQ continues to liaise with the Board on other matters such as pathology workforce issues and revalidation. The Committee has
an on-going schedule of policy revision and frequently makes recommendations for Position Statements and advice to external stakeholders. Several new documents have been developed over the past year.
Discipline Advisory Committees (ACs)
The Board directive for each advisory committee to undertake a strategic planning day every
two years continues to be bene cial for
each discipline to rede ne and recon rm its directions. All disciplines have completed their rst session and now second sessions are being scheduled. As the volume of documentation
for comment received by the College continues to grow so does the involvement of the ACs in providing expertise to assist with responses. Where required the Advisory Committees
also assist in reviewing existing policy manual documents and in drafting new policies on relevant issues. In addition to the advice provided to the College Board, the Board of Education and Assessment often seeks input from AC members on curriculum reviews. It is acknowledged
that the contribution of the ACs is of great signi cance to the major committees of the College and also to the Board of Directors.