Appeal Process

The Process

1. The applicant is advised that they are as yet unable to be recertified. Note this may be coupled with any of the following requirements:
   • providing additional information for review and/or audit;
   • providing prospective logging of new procedures to a described standard and
   • attending a colonoscopy in-service/colonoscopy skills course.
2. Within twenty (20) business days the applicant indicates their wish to appeal.
3. The applicant writes to the Chair of the Recertification Committee requesting a further review stating the reasons why the review is being requested and why their application should be considered meritorious. This should be accompanied by any relevant supporting documentation.
   1. The Recertification Committee acknowledges via email its receipt of the applicant's letter within five (5) business days.
   2. The Recertification Committee will review internally.
   3. Further supporting information may be requested.
   4. All efforts will be made to ensure applications are kept anonymous.
4. If the applicant is not satisfied with the review the applicant may request an independent review.
   1. The applicant must write to the CEO of GESA requesting a further review and include all relevant information.
   2. The CEO may consult with the Recertification Committee and with committee management staff and may request they communicate with the applicant.
   3. If the applicant is still dissatisfied, or if the GESA CEO determines the need, an independent review panel will be appointed.
   4. There will be a fee for an independent review of AU$1,000 - payable before the review panel is formed. The fee may be waived by GESA in exceptional circumstances.
   5. If the Recertification in Colonoscopy Program is still under GESA sole stewardship:
      1. A review panel will be established comprising:
         1. two (2) GESA members (including a member with expertise or experience in the sub-specialty of practice in relation to which the disputed decision arose. i.e. IBD or hepatology);
         2. the GESA President or their nominee and
         3. a non-member.
         4. Note: The panel must include a physician and a surgeon. At most one member of the panel to be a current member of the Recertification Committee.
         5. If necessary decisions will be made by majority vote.
      2. The applicant will be provided with the outcome of the review panel – articulating the result and the material considered. Discussions of this group are confidential and details will not be provided.
   6. If the Recertification in Colonoscopy Program has transitioned to the Recertification Colonoscopy Conjoint Committee (RCCC):
      1. a review panel will be established comprising:-
         1. three members - one each appointed by GESA, RACS & RACP and
         2. the GESA President or their nominee.
         3. Note: The panel must include a physician and a surgeon. None of the members to be current members of the Recertification Committee. The panel should seek to include a representative of any relevant specialist area. Membership of the review panel is considered confidential.
         4. If necessary decisions will be made by majority vote. The chair not to have a deciding vote.
      2. All efforts will be made to maintain the anonymity of the applicant.
      3. The applicant will be provided with the outcome of the review panel – articulating the result and the material considered. Discussions of this group are confidential and details will not be provided.
5. Notification of the decision of the review panel will be made to the applicant via email and post within forty (40) business days of the request for an independent review.