Policy and Advocacy Aged Care Update November 7

Senate Committee Report on Aged Care Bill

OTA welcomes the Senate Committee Report, released on 4 November, and its support for the passing of the Bill.

The Committee recommended the passing of the Bill, without identifying any amendments. The Coalition recommended the passing of the Bill with amendments.

OTA was pleased to see that issues raised by OTA in our submission to the Committee were echoed by the Coalition in the Report:

Our concerns around the impact of mandatory care minutes on provision of allied health were picked up in the Coalition’s recommendation that there be greater flexibility in use of care minutes so that residential aged care homes can deliver individualised, fit for purpose care within the limitations of their market

OTA’s recommendation in relation to people under the age of 65 with conditions or disabilities that mean they would benefit from early entry to residential care, was also identified in the Coalition’s amendments. The coalition called for people under 65 to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Other key amendments recommended include:

Reviewing the commencement date of Support at Home to allow sufficient time for implementation, following receipt of the transition Bill and all the subordinate legislation

A clear transition path including implementation information beyond 1 July 2025

The design of the CHSP replacement program be expedited to give providers sufficient time to make necessary changes and to prevent the challenges associated with rushed policy implementation as seen with this Bill

The System Governor report quarterly on waitlist and wait times from application to service commencement.

OTA at ACCPA Conference

OTA representatives Debra Parnell and Christina Wyatt attended the National Aged and Community Care Providers Conference in Adelaide over 23-25 October. The extensive program of speakers and presentations included Hon Minister Anika Wells who announced her intention for the Aged Care Bill to be passed before the end of the year, South Australian Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well Nat Cook on the importance of reforms across home based aged care, Senator Anne Ruston who highlighted the continued undervaluation of allied health services in residential aged care. Panels of speakers discussed global directions in ageing and aged care, workforce issues, quality in aged care and the implications and opportunities under the new Aged Care Act.

OTA had a stand at the conference which provided a valuable opportunity to build the industry’s understanding of the role and value of occupational therapists in aged care. There were many OTs and other allied health professionals and providers in attendance who came to speak to us, and there was a great deal of interest in the work of OTA and OTs.

On the final day of the conference in the Community and Allied Health concurrent session, Christina Wyatt presented “Revitalising Allied Health Services in Aged Care: Implementing a Multidisciplinary Model for Comprehensive, Quality Care”. Read more about it here.

IHACPA Pricing for Support at Home

The Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) has been directed to provide annual pricing advice to the Minister on unit-based services within the Support at Home program. In response, OTA has contributed to IHACPA’s consultation, highlighting our concerns about the proposed pricing approach and its implications for the delivery of person-centered, needs-based support for older Australians.

OTA’s submission identifies several issues specific to pricing for allied health services, emphasising the importance of fair and sustainable pricing to ensure quality care. We have strongly encouraged IHACPA to consider these points in its recommendations to government.

Read the full submission here.

Consultation on Aged Care Act Rules – Service List

OTA has made a submission to the consultation on the Aged Care Act Rules – Service List. The Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) is planning to publicly release the Rules in stages in the lead up to Christmas.

Key issues raised by OTA in the submission included:

The lack of clarity about the AHP services that will fall under clinical care, which will be 100% funded by government. While it would seem on the face of it, that all AH services will be deemed clinical care, this is not made clear

Division 8 appears to be a re-write of the current Schedule 1, however it is a significantly pared down version. While we anticipate that further work is to be done on Div 8, we are seeking clarification and assurance that there will be consultation on this section of the Rules

We raised a number of issues in relation to the provision of Assistive Technology and Home Modifications.

We will be seeking further meetings with the DoHAC to discuss these issues and seek clarification on the new AT/HM program to be implemented.