The role of the
AMA
The AMA(SA) is the recognised organisation
representing the medical profession. It sets and maintains
ethical guidelines and standards for the profession so that
the highest quality of care for patients is maintained.
Membership is not compulsory and not all doctors are members.
The AMA(SA) has no legal jurisdiction over any doctor.
The Medical Board is the registering organisation for all
medical practitioners in South Australia. You can contact
them on 08 8219 9800. The Medical Board covers all doctors
regardless of their AMA membership.
How do I make a complaint about an
AMA member?
Please ring the AMA(SA) on 8267 4355
or email AMA(SA)
to find out if the doctor in question is a member of the
AMA(SA).
If the doctor is a member, your complaint should be put
in writing and addressed to:
Australian Medical Association (SA)
PO Box 134
North Adelaide SA 5006
Fax: 08 8267 5349
Email: AMA(SA)
Your permission is then sought to
refer the letter to the doctor in question. A copy of the
letter is sent to the doctor for response. The doctor’s
response is forwarded to you. Further action as below may
be taken in the event of ethical/medical misconduct.
What happens when a complaint is
made about an AMA(SA) member?
In relation to complaints the AMA(SA):
- accepts complaints against medical
practitioners in South Australia who are members
- records complaints for review
by the AMA(SA) Council on a monthly basis
- submits complaints for review
by the Ethics Committee
- assists in resolution of difficulties
between the doctor and complainant
- when necessary requests members
to present themselves to the Ethics Committee for discussion
of complaints of serious ethical/medical misconduct
- counsels its members in matters
of standards, ethics and appropriate behaviour
What happens if the Doctor is not
an AMA(SA) member?
People wishing to make a complaint
about a doctor who is not an AMA(SA) member can:
- discuss the matter directly with
the doctor concerned
- write to him/her
- if the complaint relates to a
hospital then contact the Medical Administrator at the
hospital
- contact the Medical Board on 08
8219 9800 if the matter relates to fitness to practice,
unprofessional conduct, unethical standards, breach of
confidentiality issues or communication errors
- contact the Office
of the Health & Community Services Complaints Commissioner
(HCSCC) if you have special needs or an attempt to resolve
your complaint directly with a doctor has not succeeded.
You can also phone HCSCC Enquiry Service from Monday to
Thursday, 10am - 4pm, on 8226 8666, or Toll Free for Country
SA 1800 232 007
- discuss the matter with a solicitor
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