I am a Candidate in a rural STP post

Recording FTE spent in different locations

RACMA is required to report the physical location of where Candidates are training for all health settings that receive STP funding.

Candidates are therefore asked to keep a record of where their time is spent, so that a pro rata calculation can be made of the FTE for each location visited while training.

This information should be included with the biannual Progress Report that is submitted to RACMA by the health setting.

Rural Support Loading (RSL)

In recognition of the additional costs associated with training in regional, rural and remote locations, Rural Support Loading (RSL) is intended to incentivise STP trainees to undertake training in regional, rural and remote locations. It aims to reduce some of the barriers for both the trainee and/or health setting hosting the trainee.

“Rural” is defined as being located in a Modified Monash Model (MM) 2-7 area. To check if your health setting is within the MM 2-7 area, visit the DoctorConnect website.

RSL payments are managed in accordance with the Department of Health’s RSL Guidelines. Rural STP health settings may claim RSL for eligible expenses of up to $25,000 (GST exclusive) per 1 x FTE per annum. RSL is linked to the specific training position and is not paid directly to Candidates.

Eligible RSL Expenses include:

• local accommodation and living costs for the Candidate such as rental/bond expenses and utility bills
• Purchase of resources – text books, computers, tablet, phone, journal subscriptions
• on-line courses and resources such as educational training software and relevant online journal access/subscription
• Video conferencing facilities
• Broadband access / IT upgrade and or access, IT hardware relating to the training post, not the entire site
• Research project requirements – access to online library, laboratory equipment, subscriptions
• Professional development allowance for the Candidate
• minor renovations of existing facilities to accommodate specialty training
• Relocation costs – flights, household removal, vehicle removal
• Costs associated with attendance at education and training activities (within Australia) outside of the health setting such as registration fees, accommodation and travel for the CandidateTravel and accommodation expenses associated with outreach clinics as part of specialty training
• Training room outfitting
• office asset equipment purchases such as computers, phones, desks, IT equipment
• minor renovations of existing facilities to accommodate specialty training
• expenditure for initial training post setup, including any costs associated with recruitment and retention

How to claim RSL

• To claim expenses, health settings are required to complete an RSL CLAIM FORM.
• The claim form is submitted twice annually in February and August and payments are made in arrears.
• Candidates must liaise with their Supervisor to receive a reimbursement for any expenses incurred.
• If Candidates experience difficulty in claiming expenses from their health setting, please contact RACMA via stp@racma.edu.au.

STP Candidate Survey

On completion of their training in an STP-funded position, Candidates are asked to complete an online STP Candidate Survey. This survey seeks feedback to provide RACMA with data to ensure that the STP delivers its intended outcomes to candidates. The de-identified feedback is used for project reporting purposes for the Department of Health (Australia).