Consultation on changes to the Accident Compensation (Definitions) Regulations now open
On behalf of the Minister for ACC, the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment is consulting on changes to regulations made under the Accident Compensation Act 2001.
The proposed changes amend the Accident Compensation (Definitions) Regulations 2019 (Definitions Regulations) to update or widen who is a ‘treatment provider’ (so able to be funded by ACC) and who is a ‘registered health professional’ (so has their treatment covered by ACC’s treatment injury provisions).
Specifically, the proposed changes are to:
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amend the definition of acupuncturist in the Definitions Regulations to recognise the Chinese Medicine Council as the new regulatory body to ensure ACC funding continues
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add Chinese medicine practitioners as registered health professionals in the Definitions Regulations so any injuries arising from their treatment is covered under the ACC treatment injury provisions
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add paramedics as treatment providers in the Definitions Regulations to ensure ACC can fund treatment provided by them beyond that covered under existing ambulance service contracts
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add appropriate new paramedic treatment rates to the Cost of Treatment Regulations.
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add paramedics as registered health professionals in the Definitions Regulations to ensure that any injuries from their treatment continues to be covered under the ACC treatment injury provisions
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add audiometrists as treatment providers in the Definitions Regulations to enable ACC to fund treatment provided by them
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add appropriate new audiometrist treatment rates to the Cost of Treatment Regulations.
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amend the definition of audiologist in the Definitions Regulations to align with the revised New Zealand Audiological Society definition
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amend the definition of nurse in the Definitions Regulations to recognise minor changes to the nursing scope of practice.
It is also proposed to add new payment rates to the Accident Compensation (Liability to Pay or Contribute to Cost of Treatment) Regulations 2003 and Accident Compensation (Apportioning Entitlements for Hearing Loss) Regulations 2010 (together known as the Cost of Treatment Regulations) to ensure ACC can make appropriate treatment payments to the proposed new treatment providers.
We are inviting the public (and especially our partners in the health sector) to make a submission on the proposed changes. Submissions close on 16 May.
FAQ:
I am a Paramedic/Chinese Medicine Practitioner/Audiometrist. What does this mean for me?
The proposed changes would enable you to provide treatment to our clients through the Cost of Treatment Regulations. Please check with your professional body for more information.
How can I make a submission?
All submissions must be made via MBIE in order to be considered. Please visit MBIE’s website for more information, including how to make a submission.
Why are you making these changes?
All the relevant information is on MBIE’s website. Please visit their website for more information.
I am a health provider and want to be added to the Definitions Regulations. How can I go about this?
This consultation is limited to paramedics, Chinese medicine practitioners and audiometrists only.
MBIE, as the lead policy agency for the Accident Compensation Scheme, are responsible for advising the government on who should be in the Definitions Regulations. Please contact them in the first instance.
What does it mean to be a ‘registered health professional’ in relation to ACC’s treatment injury provisions?
Sometimes a patient can be injured while receiving treatment from a registered health professional. Treatment is not without risk and sometimes things may go wrong. In these cases, a claim may be covered by ACC if the injury isn’t a necessary part or ordinary consequence of treatment.
When do submissions close?
Submissions must be received by 16 May to be counted.
What happens next?
Once the consultation period ends, MBIE will consider the feedback from submitters, before providing recommendations to the Minister for ACC.