Contracted Service Provider Notice
Thematic Review – Consultation on draft legislative instruments
(CSPN - 201902)
The Department of Health was required to undertake a thematic review of the Commonwealth’s hearing services legislative instruments and repeal and remake the instruments prior to their sunsetting on 1 October 2019.
As a result of the review and consultation with stakeholders, including services providers, in 2018, the following changes are proposed:
- Repeal all five instruments that currently regulate the Voucher component of the program and consolidate them into one new instrument
- Amend and update the Declared Hearing Services Determination 1997
Drafts of the revised legislation and further information about the consultation, including how to give feedback is available on the program website.
Service Provider Contract Extensions
Existing service provider contracts will be extended to 30 September 2019 to align with the proposed commencement date for the new instrument on 1 October 2019.
It is important that providers review their contact details in the Hearing Services Online portal before 1 May 2019, ensuring that the contract holder/authorised representative for notices is listed in the Provider Details in the portal. The ‘Updating Your Business Details’ Quick Reference Guide is available to assist you to review and update your details.
Contract notices of extension will be sent to all existing providers via the provider contact person and address listed in the portal by 31 May 2019.
Following consultation on the legislative instruments as outlined above, the department will consult with service providers on a revised service provider contract, including transitional arrangements which may be required as a result of the new legislative instrument.
For further information please email hearing@health.gov.au
Provider and Practitioner Survey
The department will also shortly release an online survey to seek provider and practitioner views on the existing information and support available. The survey will also seek information on your preferences for ongoing support and assistance for transition arrangements. A link to the survey will be provided via a CSPN in the coming weeks.
Download this CSPN 2019-02 Thematic Review Consultation on draft legislative instruments