National Reforms to Approved Pathology Practitioners

The Minister for Health is currently consulting on developing a 'Ministerial Determination' specifying the qualifications and experience a person needs to become an Approved Pathology Practitioner.

The Health Insurance Amendment (Inappropriate and Prohibited Practices and Other Measures) Act 2007 was enacted on 21 June 2007 and takes effect on 1 March 2008.

The majority of the amendments strengthen the prohibited practices provisions in the Health Insurance Act and aim to prevent inducements or threats that may lead to requests or referrals for diagnostic imaging or pathology services.

In addition to this though, the amendments set the preconditions for a new legislative instrument specifying the qualifications and experience that are needed to become an Approved Pathology Practitioner.

As a consequence of the former government's consultative framework, initial consultation only included professional bodies as stakeholders advising on the legislative instrument to 'ensure no unintended consequences arise from the legislation'.(Website: FAQ)

Consequently important factors such as; employees' perceptions of preconditions for attracting and retaining qualified and Pathology Practitioners, their sources of income, practice requirements, impacts on industrial instruments etc, have been largely overlooked. The HSU understands that overlooking these factors will have a direct impact on the quality, cost and sustainability of practitioners to meet projected demand.

The HSU is in the process of formalising consultative arrangements with respect to these reforms. To provide input into these processes please contact you State Branch or directly to the National Office.

We will keep you informed of the progress of this consultation

For more information see the Department of Health and Ageing website:

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/Publishing.nsf/Content/health-pathology-legamend-faqs.htm#prohibitions

Contact: Ruth Kershaw

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Last Modified: Friday, 01-Feb-2008 11:20:45 EST