B-reader registration
This page explains the requirements for radiologists to be approved as a B-reader to provide the first examination of a chest X-ray to the International Labour Organization (ILO) Classification under the Coal Mine Workers' Health Scheme.
Please read the information below before you apply using the online form.
Approval criteria
Radiologists must be appropriately qualified and fit and proper to carry out the scheme function.
Professional registrations
- You must be registered as a specialist in radiology with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Any conditions attached to the registration or undertakings given must not affect your ability to read and report on chest X-rays.
- You must be a fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR).
B-reader training and proficiency
- You must have successfully completed the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) B-reader competency examination in the use of the ILO International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses.
- You must maintain B-reader proficiency by both:
- completing a minimum of 8,000 reads over 4 years
- successfully completing the NIOSH B-reader retest every 5 years (or as required by NIOSH to maintain B-reader status).
Standards
- You must comply with relevant requirements of the latest version of the RANZCR Standards of practice for clinical radiology.
- X-rays must be read and reported in accordance with the Guidelines for the use of the ILO International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses.
- You must comply with the technical requirements set out in Technical requirements for B-readers (PDF, 263KB).
Arrangement with Lungscreen Australia
- You must have an arrangement in place with Lungscreen Australia Pty Ltd, either directly or through another entity (e.g. X-ray imaging practice), so you can transfer chest X-ray images and completed ILO Classification reports to enable the dual-reading and adjudication process.
- The images and reports must be transferred in the formats detailed in the Technical requirements for B-readers (PDF, 263KB). Contact Lungscreen to establish a link to transfer images and reports and for instructions on creating and sending the required files.
Any conditions attached to your AHPRA registration or undertakings given by you in relation to your practice of the profession must not affect your ability to undertake medical examinations to coal mine workers.
In deciding whether an applicant (i.e. a person for the purposes of a supervising doctor, examining doctor or B-reader application; or a practice/organisation for the purposes of a spirometry practice, x-ray imaging practice or spirometry training provider application) is fit and proper to carry out a scheme function, the Chief Executive Officer (or delegate) may have regard to the following:
- whether the person has any conditions, undertakings or reprimands on their registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- whether the person is subject to any current disciplinary or other legal proceedings relating to their role
- whether the person, the practice/organisation or any relevant employees (being radiographers or persons provider spirometry or spirometry training) have been convicted of an offence against the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 (Qld) or the Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2017 (Qld)
- any other issue relevant to whether the person or practice/organisation will likely carry out, or be perceived to carry out, examinations or assessments to the standards expected of their profession.
An applicant must disclose all relevant information in the application or renewal form.
Duration of approval and renewal
Approvals are provided for a term of up to 5 years, and are generally for 5 years. An approved provider may apply for a renewal of the provider's approval, at least 3 months before the term of the approval ends.
Conditions of approval
Approved doctors and medical service providers are required to comply with conditions of approval to remain as approved providers. These conditions detail a number of matters including:
- your obligations as an approved provider
- the roles and responsibilities required under the Coal Mine Workers' Health Scheme
- confidentiality and record-keeping obligations
- a mechanism for audit.
If we amend an approval to impose a condition or vary a condition of the approval you will be advised before the amendment takes effect.
Lodging your application
To lodge your application you must:
- complete the online application form
- attach supporting documentation, as indicated
- make the declaration before submitting the application.
You will receive an email confirming your application has been successfully lodged.
How your application is assessed
We will review your application to ensure it has been completed correctly and that all necessary documentation has been provided.
If your application is approved, we will notify you and your contact details will be published on the register.
If your application does not indicate that you meet the requirements for approval, or further information is required, you will be notified and given the opportunity to provide further information in support of your application before a decision is made.
We will decide your application within 3 months after the application is made or a longer period by agreement.
Review of decisions
If your application isn't approved, you can apply for an internal review within 28 days of being notified of the decision.
A further review by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal is provided under the legislation. Further details will be provided if your application is unsuccessful.
Further information
For help with your application, phone (07) 3199 7967 or email minehealthregister@rshq.qld.gov.au.