Policy and Advocacy Update Compensation Schemes Update 8 December

We want to hear from you! Give your feedback on the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (SRC Act) Review 

OTA invites you to provide feedback to inform our submission to the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (SRC Act) Review. This survey is for OT providers working with clients under the Comcare workers’ compensation scheme, which covers: 

• Employees of the Australian Government, 

• The ACT Government, and 

• Employees of self-insured licensees operating under the SRC Act. 

Your insights will help shape OTA’s advocacy to ensure occupational therapists’ perspectives are represented in this important legislative review. The survey closes on Friday 13 December, access it here.   

Evaluation of SIRA’s Workplace Rehabilitation Provider services 

Thank you to all New South Wales members who participated in our recent survey to inform OTA's responses to the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) evaluation of Workplace Rehabilitation Provider services.  

During the interview, OTA highlighted the critical role of OTs providing services under the scheme. We emphasised the importance of employing local rural and remote providers and advocated for structural changes to support their participation in schemes; and the importance of early intervention and called for service codes and funding to facilitate early engagement. We raised the need to simplify reporting processes; reduce administrative burdens and educate insurers, employers, and workers about the role of OTs; recognise the full scope of practice of OT providers particularly in relation to issuing certificates of capacity. We also highlighted the importance of competitive fee structures to attract and retain skilled OTs within the system.  

Reminder - SIRA’s new Allied Health Treatment Request form   

In June this year the SIRA released the new Allied Health Treatment Request (AHTR) form which replaces the Allied Health Recovery Request (AHRR). SIRA approved providers working in the workers compensation scheme are required to use the AHTR and all treatment providers (including OTs) working in NSW personal injury schemes are encouraged to use it.  

The transition period is due to end on Sunday, 15 December 2024. From Monday, 16 December 2024, only the AHTR form can be used to request approval for treatment services.  

To access all resources, including the AHTR form itself and completed examples, please visit the SIRA website. Access the Allied Health Treatment Request form here.