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