Contracts
The Department of Health (the department) administers the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (the program) which supports the delivery of hearing services to eligible people. Services are delivered by more than 280 contracted service providers (providers) at over 3000 sites across Australia.
Service Provider Contract
To become a provider under the program, businesses must complete the Accreditation process. The outcome of a successful accreditation is the provision of a Service Provider Contract (the contract) with the department.
In addition to the legislative requirements of the program, the contract establishes the requirements under which providers are required to deliver and claim for services to eligible clients.
Providers should also be familiar with the Deed of Standing Offer (the deed) with device manufacturers and suppliers (referred to as Appointed Suppliers). The deed sets out the specifications for hearing devices supplied through the program to program clients. For more information please view Manufacturers and Suppliers.
For more information on the contract please view the Service Provider Contract.
Schedule of Service Items and Fees
The Schedule of Service Items and Fees (the schedule) was redeveloped after the Thematic Review in 2019 of the program’s legislation. As a result the program standards, service requirements, conditions for claiming, evidence requirements and other documentation have now been consolidated into the schedule.
The aim of the consolidation was to:
- Ensure clarity of the program requirements for service delivery;
- Review and incorporate the Hearing Rehabilitation Outcomes (HROs) into the updated Schedule of Service Items and Fees with the intention to cease the HROs as a standalone document; and
- Reduce the range of program documentation.
The schedule consists of the service requirements and evidence, the Schedule of Fees, and program standards.
The Schedule of Service Items and Fees 2022-23 is effective 1 July 2022 on the Federal Register of Legislation.
Please access the schedule here Schedule of Service Items and Fees 2022-23
The PDF and Word Document version of this has been made accessible for you to download.
The Schedule of Fees has been retained to allow providers to enable easier access.
Transition
There will be a six-month transition period from 1 July 2021 until 31 December 2021 in order to support implementation of the changes.
Feedback
Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on the Schedule of Service Items and Fees via the Online Feedback Form .