This Newsletter covers Federal and State policy and legislative developments in the area of health. Copies of documents referred to can be obtained by clicking on the reference in this Newsletter or through Capital Monitor's collection at www.capitalmonitor.com.au or from the source quoted.
Major Announcements
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
07 July
Australia's Health 2022
The Government's health priorities and election commitments will drive timely improvements across a range of crucial areas highlighted in the latest report card on the health of Australians, according to Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler. The good news in the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's (AIHW) 'Australia's health 2022' report is Australians are generally living longer, healthier lives. However, the report highlights key health challenges facing Australia, including the prolonged impact of COVID, the health of First Nations peoples, mental health and chronic disease. The COVID-19 pandemic is the standout health issue of the past two years.
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Expanded eligibility for fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose
An additional 7.4 million people will now be eligible to receive a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose after the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) updated its recommendations, announced Minister Butler. This will help provide additional protection from severe disease against the emerging surge of Omicron subvariant infections and reduce the burden on Australian hospitals and the health care system in coming months. The Australian Government has accepted the recommendations of the ATAGI vaccine experts and will open the fourth dose to those newly eligible from Monday, 11 July.
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RACGP welcomes COVID-19 booster recommendation
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has welcomed the expansion of the COVID-19 booster rollout. It comes following the Australian Technical Advisory Group or ATAGI opting to lower its age recommendation for a second COVID-19 booster dose to 50, with the extra shot to be also optional choice for those over 30. RACGP Vice President Dr Bruce Willett welcomed the announcement. 'This is a sensible decision and a positive step forward in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout,' he said. 'Australia is a proud vaccination nation, and we are doing so well compared to most other countries around the world when it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations.'
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ATAGI updated recommendations for a winter dose of COVID-19 vaccine
ATAGI has updated its recommendations for a winter dose of COVID-19 vaccine to help reduce severe disease from the emerging surge of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariant infections, said the Department of Health and Aged Care. The updated recommendations are:
- Adults aged 50 to 64 years are now recommended to receive a winter booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Adults aged 30 to 49 years can receive a winter booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, however the benefit for people in this age group is less certain.
- The interval recommended between a recent SARS-CoV-2 infection or the first booster dose and a winter booster dose is now 3 months.
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Refugees held offshore at critical risk as COVID-19 cases rise on Nauru
Refugees on Nauru are at significant risk unable to access essentials as one in three people have contracted COVID-19 on the small island nation, according to the Asylum Seeker Resource Center (ASRC). Over the past week, Nauru has recorded its first death from COVID-19, with around 4,000 people on the island of 10,800 recorded as having COVID-19. With lockdowns entering their third-week food prices have rapidly increased. For the over 100 refugees currently held on the island as part of Australia's offshore processing regime, the situation is critical.
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NT: Territorians to be vigilant, but not fearful of growing Omicron sub-variant cases
A rise in COVID-19 cases in the Northern Territory and Australia recently have been driven by the BA4 and BA5 Omicron variants and are a timely reminder for Territorians to remain vigilant with the virus, said NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles. 353 new cases of coronavirus were recorded, making a total of 1977 active cases, with 19 hospitalisations. No patients are currently in the ICU. Genomic surveillance indicates 35 per cent of the NT's COVID-19 cases are BA4 and BA5 variants.
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06 July
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting
On Wednesday 1 June 2022, ATAGI met to consider the latest developments relating to COVID-19 immunisation. As of 30 May 2022, 59 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Australia. With increasing numbers of influenza infections, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends everyone in Australia over the age of 6 months should receive an influenza vaccination. As part of an ongoing review of existing recommendations, ATAGI continues to examine data with respect to COVID-19 booster use in people aged 12-15 years and is currently finalising advice for those in this cohort most at risk of severe disease.
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Make antivirals available to more patients - and help close down the COVID surge
Consumers Health Forum (CHF) supports the call from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and others to expand the access to anti-virals beyond the current restrictions and restore funding for home delivery of medicines. CHF CEO, Leanne Wells welcomed Minister Butler's comments that he desires more people to be eligible for anti-viral treatments, and his request that the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee consider expanding eligibility. 'As we face the winter COVID surge, the risk to the community is high and we need to act with urgency to reduce COVID infections and hospitalisations,' said Ms Wells.
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TAS: Tasmania continuing to transition to live with COVID-19
'As Tasmania continues our transition to live with COVID-19, we urge Tasmanians to remain vigilant and keep up COVID-safe behaviours,' said Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff. 'We are a highly vaccinated State and nation, but it's important to take personal responsibility and continue to stay up to date with your vaccinations. Continue to wash your hands and sanitise, and if you want to wear a mask in public places - it is your personal choice to do so, which we encourage. While we are currently seeing an increased number of cases due to sub-variant strains, including BA4 and BA5, the evidence continues to show these strains are not as severe.'
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05 July
WA: COVID-19 update 5 July 2022
WA Health is reporting a total of 5,234 new cases to 6pm July 4th. There are currently 29,825 active cases in Western Australia. To 6pm July 4th, there were 238 people with COVID-19 in hospital, 9 in ICU. Sadly, this report includes one death, which was reported to WA Health - a man in his 80s. Of the 5,234 cases, 1,292 were confirmed via PCR test, the remaining 3,942 were self- reported positive rapid antigen tests. A total of 7,740 PCR tests were conducted at either state-run or private pathology clinics.
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04 July
Changes to requirements for international arrivals
From 12.01am 6 July people will be able to travel to and from Australia without being required to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status. The decision to amend the Biosecurity Act 2015 to remove these requirements was based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, said Minister for Health Mark Butler. Travellers must still comply with any remaining COVID-19 requirements of airlines and shipping operators, as well as other countries and states and territories. This currently includes wearing masks on inbound international flights. State and territory orders mandating masks on domestic flights also remain in place.
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02 July
Gig Guide: CSIRO Covid-19 lead jumps to WA Govt
CSIRO Covid-19 science leader Professor Seshadri Vasan has joined the Western Australian government's newly reformed Office of Medical Research and Innovation within the state's Department of Health, said InnovationAus. Professor Vasan will be the Director of Research. The office is led by the Health departments Deputy Director General Angela Kelly and is a reorganisation of the existing Research and Innovation Office at the department. Professor Vasan worked at CSIRO since 2019 as a member of the Dangerous Pathogens Team based at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness. Notably the team worked on the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine and helped bring it to clinical trials.
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01 July
NSW: Buronga COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic closing
Far West Local Health District has closed its Buronga COVID-19 Outreach Vaccination Clinic at the Midway Centre (as of Thursday, 30 June 2022) as part of a transition to 'business as normal' across the District, said NSW Health. The public can still obtain a COVID-19 vaccination at the Wentworth Vaccination Clinic every Wednesday at Wentworth Town Hall from 1pm to 4pm.
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30 June
NSW: Community urged to remain COVID-safe this winter
NSW Health is urging people to keep up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations and practise COVID-safe behaviours this winter as COVID-19 transmission in the community remains high, according to the latest Respiratory Surveillance Report. The report shows the overall proportion of positive COVID-19 PCR tests likely to be either Omicron BA.4 or BA.5 sub-lineages increased to 35 per cent in the week ending 25 June, compared with 32 per cent in the previous week. There was a total of 55,510 positive COVID-19 tests reported during the week.
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Aged Care
07 July
Silver Chain signs enforceable undertaking
National community health and aged services organisation Silver Chain Group Limited has back-paid staff in Western Australia more than $17 million and entered into an Enforceable Undertaking (EU) with the Fair Work Ombudsman. The not-for-profit organisation self-reported its non-compliance to the FWO in 2020 after becoming aware of underpayments following a review it commenced to investigate employee concerns. Between 2013 and 2021, Silver Chain's WA employees were underpaid entitlements set out in the Silver Chain Group Limited National (Non-Nursing) Enterprise Agreement 2017 (and its 2014 and 2009 predecessor Enterprise Agreements).
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05 July
Aged care home charged with workplace safety breaches over deadly COVID outbreak
'St Basil's Homes For The Aged In Victoria has been charged with nine breaches of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a deadly COVID-19 outbreak at its Fawkner residential aged care facility in 2020. WorkSafe Victoria alleges that in July 2020, after being notified by a worker that they had tested positive to COVID-19, St Basil's failed to: require that workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE), train workers how to safely don and doff PPE, verify that staff were competent in using PPE, tell staff when PPE should be used, supervise the use of PPE,' said the National Safety Council of Australia (NSCA).
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
None this edition.
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Allied Health
None this edition.
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Children's Health
07 July
Home use fetal dopplers (heartbeat monitor)
Consumers and health professionals are advised that the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) is currently undertaking a review of the safety signals, benefits, and harms associated with home-use fetal heart monitors. The investigations undertaken by the TGA will assist in determining whether the risk of using these devices outweighs the potential benefit. Fetal dopplers are handheld devices used to monitor fetal heart rate starting from 10-12 weeks of pregnancy. Traditionally these devices are used by health professionals in clinical settings. Over the past few years, home use fetal dopplers have become widely available and consumers can use them without training.
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Clinical Governance
06 July
Foot and mouth disease precautions ramp up
The Government has ramped up tough biosecurity measures at the Australian border, in response to confirmation that foot and mouth disease (FMD) has reached Bali, announced Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt. Following official confirmation from Indonesian authorities that FMD had spread to Bali, new measures were immediately imposed to protect Australia's livestock industry from this threat. These existing strengthened measures include new targeted operations at major airports servicing travel from Indonesia to check a wider range of passengers who could be contaminated with FMD or be carrying contaminated goods and assessment of all passengers on flights from Indonesia, with high risk passengers identified for intervention.
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Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 8) 2022
The Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 8) 2022 (the Amendment Rules) make consequential changes to the Private Health Insurance Rules to reflect the introduction a new temporary item for ventral rectopexy for the repair of rectal prolapse, commencing 6 July 2022, according to the Department of Health. Further information on the new temporary item, including fact sheets and quick reference guides will be made available at MBS Online. The Amendment Rules No. 8 were registered on the Federal Register of Legislation commence on 6 July 2022.
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Outbreak from mozzies a wake-up for Aussies
Awareness of the risks of zoonotic diseases - which can pass from animals to humans - is more important than ever on World Zoonosis Day, said the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Mark Schipp said the recent detection of Japanese encephalitis (JE) was a reminder that vigilance for zoonoses is always necessary. 'JE is a mosquito-borne viral disease that can affect pigs, horses and also people,' Dr Schipp said. 'The normal lifecycle of JE is between waterbirds and mosquitoes. People and animals become infected through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which means you can't catch it from eating pork or through person-to-person contact."
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Role of the ACMD in the TGA's regulatory decision making process
The Advisory Committee on Medical Devices (ACMD) is a statutory advisory committee established by the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990. The committee provides independent expert advice on specific scientific and technical matters in order to aid the TGA's decision making and other regulatory processes. While the advice provided by the ACMD is an important element in the undertaking of the TGA's regulatory functions, it forms only part of the information that is available to delegates when they make a regulatory decision under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.
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NFF welcomes biosecurity ramp-up as FMD risk intensifies
The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) has welcomed the Federal Government's new biosecurity measures announced following the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) to Australian tourist hotspot, Bali. NFF President Fiona Simson said farmers were pleased to see additional measures put in place. 'Ever since FMD was detected in Bali our industry has been on edge given the growing volumes of traffic between our countries. We are relieved to see the government respond to calls by industry to ramp up biosecurity through detector dogs, greater communications material for travellers, and further biosecurity staff training,' Ms Simson said.
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Australia needs an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander palliative care and end of life strategy
NAIDOC Week provides an opportunity for Palliative Care Australia (PCA) to highlight the need for better access to culturally appropriate end of life care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 'With the 47th Parliament getting to work, we are renewing our advocacy around the development of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Palliative Care and End of Life Strategy,' said Camilla Rowland, CEO of Palliative Care Australia. 'The need is there across Australia, but there are gaps in our delivery of palliative care services to First Nations communities that require special attention."
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05 July
We have the best of health care services, but are patients finding the care they need?
Patient navigation is pivotal to helping patients connect with services they need in Australia's complex and fragmented health care system, the Consumers Health Forum said. The latest edition of the Health Voices ejournal covers the topic of patient navigation with 12 leading experts writing on patient navigation between services. Consumers Health Forum (CHF) CEO, Leanne Wells, said that for patients who need to access multiple services, the health system is difficult to understand without expert help.
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04 July
Gay plasma donation will not alleviate whole blood shortage
The Let Us Give campaign has said that allowing blood plasma donation by men who have sex with men will not solve the problem of low supplies of whole blood and was abandoned in other countries that have since moved on to individual risk assessment for all blood donors. Let Us Give was responding to a proposal from the Red Cross Lifeblood Service to allow men who have sex with men to give blood plasma (see attached news report from the NW Tasmanian Advocate), said Just Equal Australia.
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02 July
Gig Guide: CSIRO Covid-19 lead jumps to WA govt
CSIRO Covid-19 science leader Professor Seshadri Vasan has joined the Western Australian government's newly reformed Office of Medical Research and Innovation within the state's Department of Health, said InnovationAus. Professor Vasan will be the Director of Research. The office is led by the Health departments Deputy Director General Angela Kelly and is a reorganisation of the existing Research and Innovation Office at the department. Professor Vasan worked at CSIRO since 2019 as a member of the Dangerous Pathogens Team based at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness. Notably the team worked on the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine and helped bring it to clinical trials.
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01 July
New name for Department
On 1 June 2022, the Governor-General made an Administrative Arrangements Order (AAO) to reflect the new government priorities for the department. This included a change of name from the Department of Health to the Department of Health and Aged Care. The change reflects the importance of aged care to the community, and the department's focus on aged care reform. The department name change came into effect on 1 July 2022. There will be no change to email addresses or the department's website address.
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Nurse convicted of practising before she was registered has been resentenced.
A registered nurse who pleaded guilty to practising while she was unregistered, has been re-
sentenced in the Sydney District Court after she appealed her sentence.
Key points:
- A registered nurse who pleaded guilty to practising while unregistered has appealed her sentence.
- Ms Brenda Pichinte Solis has had an Intensive Corrections Order downgraded to a three-year Community Corrections order with a supervision condition, fines reduced.
- The woman had been charged by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
On 28 June 2022, the Sydney District Court heard the appeal. Judge O'Brien confirmed the sentence in relation to her work at the aged care facility.
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Four Boards celebrate ten years in the National Scheme
'Four health professions are celebrating ten years in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (National Scheme). National registration means all practitioners are on the online public register so that patients and consumers can easily check that their practitioner is registered. It also allows practitioners to work anywhere in Australia. Practitioners apply for initial registration once and renew their registration every year to demonstrate that they meet national registration standards and other requirements,' said AHPRA.
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Private health reform- what is the best way forward?
The Consumers Health Forum welcomes the call from the Australian Medical Association (AMA) for the discussion on private health in Australia. The Consumer's Health Forum CEO, Leanne Wells, said that CHF agrees that the private health system needs reform and the AMA's discussion paper is a useful way of getting the conversation started. The Consumers Health Forum endorses the idea that a whole system approach for reform of health care is needed. 'It is in everyone's interest to make sure that both sectors of the health system are sustainable and continue to deliver in this way,' said Ms Wells.
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30 June
Six heaters fail safety tests: CHOICE - experts explain which electric heaters to avoid this winter
Consumer group CHOICE has found that six of the 15 heaters tested in their latest review have failed safety testing. 'Now that the temperature is dropping, many Australians are purchasing electric heaters to help them stay warm. Electric heaters are a popular option, as they're portable and usually cheaper to buy upfront than other heaters,' said Chris Barnes, CHOICE heating expert. 'However, recent CHOICE testing has found that a number of heaters have failed safety testing, so it's important to be careful when it comes to purchasing one for your home."
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
None this edition.
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Dental
None this edition.
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Disabilities
06 July
Update on one-off provider reimbursement payment
The NDIA has reached out to National Disability Services (NDS) to provide us with an update on the one-off reimbursement payments, which were communicated to some eligible providers on 30 June as part of the 2021-22 Annual Pricing Review. The Agency has acknowledged that there were errors in the figures and has assured NDS that they are working hard to ensure that revised calculations will be correct. NDS has offered their assistance and the participation of their members if required to assist with verifying the calculated amounts for reimbursement.
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'We need more role models' - Medical students call for greater disability representation and support in the healthcare world
The Australian Medical Students Association (AMSA) calls for medical schools and healthcare systems across the nation to actively support students and professionals with disabilities. Considering almost 20% of Australians have reported to have a disability [1], the current healthcare systems are lacking the protocols and resources to adequately address the various challenges encountered by medical students and health professionals. 'The bottom line is our current approach is not good enough. We are leaving an important part of the population behind, which is unacceptable. We need to see the appropriate pathways for more students and professionals with disabilities in healthcare.'
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Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
None this edition.
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E-Health
None this edition.
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Education and Training
None this edition.
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Funding
06 July
RACGP urges greater investment in general practice care
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is once again urging the new federal Government to increase investment in general practice care to boost the GP workforce and reduce growing wait times to see a GP. It comes following reports of new data from Healthengine showing many patients are waiting longer on average to see a GP. In 2019, people living in New South Wales were waiting just over two- and-a-half days for an appointment and that figure has now grown to more than four days. In Victoria, the delay has grown from just under two days in 2019 to more than three days this year.
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05 July
Expansion of Australia's Newborn Bloodspot Screening programs
'We are working toward the expansion of Australia's Newborn Bloodspot Screening programs. The Australian Government has committed to the expansion of Australia's NBS programs. We will be consulting widely and working closely with state and territory governments to ensure program expansion is implemented effectively. More details on this consultation process will be available soon,' said the Department of Health and Aged Care.
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BioTech incubator lands $3m in CSIRO support
Australia's national science agency has committed $3 million to support Melbourne-based BioTech incubator CUREator and to launch a new health security stream through the program, according to InnovationAus. CUREator's new health security stream will award $1 million over three years to projects in fields such as emerging infectious diseases and pandemics research, and therapies targeting chemical, biological and radiological threats. Health security is the fifth funding stream available under CUREator, alongside preclinical drug or medical innovation, clinical-stage drug opportunities, medical devices, and digital health. CUREator was founded in 2021 with almost $40 million from the federal government's $80 million Medical Research Commercialisation Initiative under the long-term Medical Research Future Fund.
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04 July
Australian Government delivering life changing devices for Australians with Type 1 Diabetes
The Australian Government is delivering on their election commitment to give all 130,000 Australians with Type 1 diabetes access to subsidised CGM products under the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS). Every Australian with Type 1 diabetes will now get access to a potentially life-saving continuous glucose monitoring device. This is a $273.1 million investment over four years to support people living with Type 1 diabetes, which includes expanded access to the Insulin Pump Program. Australians over the age of 21 with Type 1 diabetes will be able to access CGM products through their pharmacy, said Minister for Health Mark Butler.
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TAS: Free flu vaccine program extended
The Tasmanian Government is extending free flu vaccinations across GP clinics, pharmacies and state-run clinics until July 31 to give every Tasmanian the opportunity to be vaccinated against influenza, said Tasmanian Premier and Minister for Health Jeremy Rockliff. Close to 250,000 Tasmanians have rolled up their sleeves and received their influenza vaccine - an extraordinary effort and one that stands Tasmania in good stead as it continues to have high numbers of flu cases reported. It is terrific to see the influenza vaccination rate at a record level, beating the previous best by more than 15,000 doses delivered, and vaccines administered at pharmacies have almost doubled over the past two years.
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03 July
WA: Government's Innovation Seed Fund awards $8 million across 17 health and medical innovation initiatives
The WA Government's inaugural Innovation Seed Fund 2022 will see 17 innovative medical and health research projects share in $8 million of funding to help improve health and medical outcomes for Western Australians, said WA Minister for Medical Research Stephen Dawson. A med-tech company striving to ease a common cause of complications and pain in a patient's hospital journey is one of the 17 projects to share in the $8 million, funded through the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund initiative. Other promising prototypes include 'PainChek' for children with disabilities who are unable to communicate that they are in pain.
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Health Professionals
30 June
New standard is a 'game changer' that will ensure healthcare workers recognise sepsis as a medical emergency
Each year more than 8,700 Australians die from sepsis[i], a condition that is triggered by an infection and can turn into a deadly disease if undetected, said the Australian Commission on Safety & Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC). Sepsis is the body's extreme response to an infection, causing damage to its own tissues and organs. It affects more than 55,000 Australians of all ages every year. Many of these people are normally healthy, but those who survive sepsis often experience prolonged after-effects or will have a lifelong disability.
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Hospitals
07 July
Australians missing out on technologies enabling data-driven
Australia's health system generates enormous volumes of data, said the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA). While Australia continues to focus on its use for the purposes of population health insights, resource planning and policy development, all vital areas where the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) does valuable work, it is missing out on opportunities for data to guide clinical care and improved outcomes for patients. This has been highlighted with the release of the AIHW's report 'Australia's Health 2022'. This year, the report has been published together with a collection of articles on selected topics, including the evolving landscape of health information in Australia.
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06 July
QLD: Massive expansion of PA Hospital to deliver hundreds of beds
The QLD Government will invest $355.8 million for an expansion and refurbishment of the Princess Alexandra Hospital that will deliver around 257 extra beds. QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it's part of the largest investment in new and expanded hospitals and new beds in Queensland's history. QLD Minister for Health Yvette D'Ath said the $350 million major expansion of the Princess Alexandra Hospital will see more space built above the existing Emergency Department to house the new beds and will include more intensive care beds and high dependency beds.
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01 July
QLD: Record health budget delivers more beds and better services for Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay Hospital will be expanded and a new mental health unit delivered as part of a record $23.6 billion health budget from the Queensland Government. Visiting Hervey Bay Hospital, QLD Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said the two projects featured in a $771.9 million investment in Wide Bay healthcare. 'Our $40 million Hervey Bay Hospital expansion will provide around 35 additional beds, including 10 more intensive care beds, and a new rooftop helipad,' the Treasurer said. QLD Minister for Health Yvette D'Ath said Wide Bay will also benefit from a new ten-year, $334 million deal between the Queensland Government and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
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Insurance
03 July
Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 7) 2022
The Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 7) 2022 (the Amendment Rules) make consequential changes to the Private Health Insurance Rules. The Department of Health & Aged Care said it will reflect the introduction of four new co-dependent pathology items for neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusion testing in patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumour to determine eligibility for access to Larotrectinib under the PBS and amendment of an existing item for removal of sacral nerve lead or leads, commencing 1 July 2022.
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Medicare
01 July
Medicare rebates must keep pace with the cost of providing high quality general practice care
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has urged the new Federal Government to boost investment in general practice care. A Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) indexation increase of 1.6% will apply to most general medical services items, all diagnostic imaging services except nuclear medicine imaging, and some pathology items. Medicare indexation is currently calculated using the Wage Cost Index 5 method, which results in annual increases lower than the Consumer Price Index or CPI. RACGP President Adj. Professor Karen Price said that the indexation increase was insufficient.
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Men's Health
None this edition.
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Mental Health
07 July
Mental health concerns rise along with interest rates
As Australians continue to process how the Reserve Bank's latest interest rate hike will impact them, there are now added concerns around how it may affect the mental health of younger adults. Dr Eric Tan, Senior Research Fellow at Swinburne's Centre for Mental Health at Swinburne University, said the issue goes beyond the question of home loan repayments. 'The bigger worry and impact will come from how rising interest rates will affect consumer confidence and spending - and by extension, on the prices of daily necessities and inflation,' Dr Tan said.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation
07 July
Health profession must work together and put patients first
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Queensland Government's announcement that the Urinary Tract Infection Pharmacy Pilot - Queensland (UTIPP-Q) will be extended. PSA National President Dr Fei Sim said that pharmacists have proven their expertise and professionalism during the Queensland pilot. 'PSA is proud to continue working with the Queensland Government to extend the pilot. 'The Queensland University of Technology's final report on the pilot found that pharmacists have the appropriate skills, competencies, and training to manage the empiric treatment of uncomplicated UTIs in the community pharmacy,' she said.
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RACGP slams pharmacy prescribing pilot extension
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has slammed Queensland Health's decision to extend the UTI pharmacy prescribing pilot despite concerns raised by leading health groups, including the RACGP. It follows reports of Queensland Health advising that the controversial pilot, which allows pharmacists to prescribe antibiotics for uncomplicated urinary tract infections or UTIs, will continue while work takes place 'determining the future of the scheme'. They also pointed towards a 118-page evaluation report, which has been made public for the first time. Some of the contents of the report were previously reported on by The Australian several months ago.
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Federal Health Minister to open PSA22
The PSA is excited to confirm that Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, will officially open PSA22 later this month. PSA22 is Australia's leading education conference for pharmacists and will be hosted by PSA from the 29th to 31st of July 2022 at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney. PSA National President Dr Fei Sim thanked the Minister for giving Australia's pharmacists the opportunity to learn more about the Government's health priorities. 'Pharmacists played a significant role in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, having delivered more than 7.5 million doses over the last twelve months.'
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Surrogate viruses for use in disinfectant efficacy tests to justify claims against Monkeypox
The Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) has announced that for sponsors and manufacturers wishing to make label claims of efficacy against Monkeypox for products that are either hard surface disinfectants or disinfectants that are medical devices, the following surrogate viruses can be used in testing to substantiate such a claim:
- Vaccinia virus
At this point, no other surrogate viruses have been identified. If viruses other than the specified surrogates are to be used, contact devices@health.gov.au.
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06 July
Pharmacy Connect is the place to be for industry updates
Pharmacists wishing to stay abreast of industry issues and updates should not miss this year's Pharmacy Connect, which will feature two key sessions on how pharmacy has performed over the past two years and where the industry now needs to be heading. Pharmacy Connect is the Pharmacy Guild of Australia's key event in the second half of the year and is being held on 1-3 September at the Hilton Sydney. The first of the two updates, which is being held in the conference's opening session, will be presented by Guild National President, Professor Trent Twomey and Chair of the Guild's Health Economics and Policy Committee, Anthony Tassone.
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04 July
Shortage of abatacept (Orencia) medicines: Resolved
Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia Pty Ltd (BMS), have announced that the shortage of abatacept (Orencia) subcutaneous (SC) presentations has been resolved. The Department of Health and Aged Care said they understand how difficult this situation has been for many Australians. The Department acknowledges and thanks patients and healthcare professionals for their efforts to reduce the use of abatacept products and adopt the Orencia (abatacept) Stock Hypercare Plan (OSHP) to ensure continued supply for patients with limited alternative treatment options. Information for patients:
- You may switch back to or be initiated on any abatacept (Orencia) medicine as deemed appropriate by your treating physician.
- Normal ordering processes for all abatacept (Orencia) medicines has resumed.
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Medtronic MiniMed 600 and 700 series Insulin Pumps
Medtronic Australasia Pty Ltd has notified the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) about a product defect correction for damaged battery caps that are affecting the power supply of certain MiniMed 600 and 700 series Insulin Pumps. These damaged caps do not hold the battery into the circuit properly, resulting in a loss of power to the pump. Consumers and health professionals are encouraged to report problems with medical devices. Reports will contribute to the TGA's monitoring of these products. For more information see the TGA Incident Reporting and Investigation Scheme (IRIS).
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TAS: Free flu vaccine program extended
The Tasmanian Government is extending free flu vaccinations across GP clinics, pharmacies and state-run clinics until July 31 to give every Tasmanian the opportunity to be vaccinated against influenza. Close to 250,000 Tasmanians have rolled up their sleeves and received their influenza vaccine - an extraordinary effort and one that stands Tasmania in good stead as they continue to have high numbers of flu cases reported. It is terrific to see the influenza vaccination rate at a record level, beating the previous best by more than 15,000 doses delivered, and vaccines administered at pharmacies have almost doubled over the past two years.
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01 July
New PBS Listings
'From 1 July 2022, Australians will have access to three new drugs on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Vitrakvi® (larotrectinib) will list for the first time for the treatment of adult and paediatric patients with certain types of locally advanced or metastatic solid tumours harbouring specific gene fusions. An average of 60 patients per year could benefit from this listing. The PBS listing of Brukinsa® (zanubrutinib) will be expanded to include the treatment of Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), an uncommon type of blood cancer. Ruzurgi® (amifampridine) will also be listed on the PBS for the first time for the treatment of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome,' said Minister for Health Mark Butler.
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Update to Continued Dispensing Arrangements
'From 1 July 2022, ongoing Continued Dispensing Arrangements have been expanded to include additional medicines groups to the statins and oral contraceptives, as recommended by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) at its November 2021 meeting. The medicines recommended by the PBAC are predominantly for the management of chronic disease, such as asthma and other lung conditions, diabetes, and heart disease. The PBAC also endorsed the inclusion of medicines for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). For further information, please see the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Continued Dispensing Arrangements web page.
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Precision Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd fined and directed to cease alleged unlawful advertising of nicotine vaping products
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued two infringement notices totalling $26,640 to NSW-based company Precision Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd for the alleged unlawful advertising of nicotine vaping products on their website. An executive officer of the company was issued one infringement notice of $2,664. The TGA also directed the company to cease promoting the use and supply of nicotine vaping products to Australian consumers. The website URL, trading name and website content allegedly promotes the use and supply of nicotine vaping products.
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30 June
Digital Transformation of Authority Required (Written) PBS listings
Commencing 1 July 2022, changes will begin to be made to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
(PBS) listings of medicines that require prescribers to apply to Services Australia in writing or upload
documents in Health Professional Online Services (HPOS). The Department of Health & Aged Care said the changes will allow prescribers to apply for authority approval to prescribe these medicines using Services Australia's Online PBS Authorities (OPA) System. This same channel is already in use for medicines that have Authority Required (telephone) PBS listings and these changes are intended to reduce the administrative burden for prescribers and allow patients to have faster access to their medicines.
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WA free flu vaccination extension welcomed by pharmacists
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the extension of the free flu vaccination program in Western Australia until the end of July. Incoming PSA WA State President Lusi Sheehan said the move will encourage more West Australians to get their flu shot. 'We know that cost is a significant barrier to many people getting a regular flu shot. Being able to deliver another month of vaccinations at no cost to the public makes a big difference,' she said. 'We need to make it easier for all Australians to be protected against influenza every year."
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Research
05 July
Genetic and molecular insights into dangerous tick bite-related meat allergy revealed
Scientists have revealed the genetic and molecular structure of key molecules linked to the sometimes life-threatening mammalian-meat allergy brought on by tick bites. The study, led by researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, details how antibodies interact with the sugar molecule galactose-a-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal/a-gal), which is produced by all mammals, except humans and higher primates. It further confirms the role of a-gal as the key molecule for this unique allergy. When humans are exposed to a-gal, through bites of certain tick species the immune system can flag it as harmful and instigate an allergic response.
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04 July
National Health and Medical Research Council consultation on options to reach gender equity in the Investigator Grant scheme
The National Health and Medical Research Council's (NHMRC) vision is a gender diverse and inclusive health and medical research workforce to take advantage of the full range of talent needed to build a healthy Australia. Join us at a series of events to have your say on options to reach gender equity in the NHMRC Investigator Grant scheme NHMRC will hold a series of open forums that will include a presentation by NHMRC CEO, Professor Anne Kelso AO, and an open discussion with attendees on the options under consideration.
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30 June
One in five young Australians has experienced food insecurity
New research from Monash University reveals that food insecurity is a significant issue for many young Australians. A national survey conducted by the Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice (CYPEP) found one in five young Australians has experienced food insecurity in the last two years. Further, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, and young people with a disability are more likely to experience food insecurity. Food insecurity occurs when young Australians lack social, economic and physical access to food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences, preventing them from leading a healthy and active life.
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ACRF INCITe Centre for world-class cancer imaging launches at the Garvan Institute
June 30th marks the official launch of a new cancer imaging centre at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. The ACRF Intravital Imaging of Niches for Cancer Immune Therapy (INCITe) Centre houses two Australian-designed, world-leading microscopes, giving unprecedented views of the interactions between cancer cells and the immune system. The microscopes can record real-time images of cancer-immune cell interactions in vivo and at the molecular level, giving researchers a comprehensive view of how the immune system can work to fight cancer.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
None this edition.
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Women's Health
01 July
'Pap smears' can be replaced by do-it-yourself cervical cancer tests
Women who need to get a cervical screening test will be able to choose to self-collect a sample themselves. The self-collect option is a game changer in cervical screening - and Australia is one of the first countries in the world to offer it as a choice for all screening participants. Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney said 'Anyone who has ever had a traditional 'pap smear' knows how uncomfortable and off-putting they can be. Now, women can choose to do a test themselves to detect cervical cancer.'
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Self-collection now available for cervical screening
From 1 July 2022, the National Cervical Screening Program will allow all eligible screeners to collect their own Cervical Screening Test sample, said the Department of Health & Aged Care. New changes to the National Cervical Screening Program mean that anyone with a cervix, aged 25 to 74, will be able to choose to have a Cervical Screening Test. When you opt to collect your own sample, you will be provided with a swab by your healthcare provider and instructions on how to do the test. The sample can be taken in a private space (behind a curtain or in the bathroom). Self-collection is available any time a HPV test is needed.
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Transcripts
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth
07 JUL: Transcript of National Youth Disability Summit Speech 2022
Subjects: Young people with disability, Disability work, Early childhood programs, Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-2031, Children and Young people with Disability
Treasurer Jim Chalmers
06 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Hamish Macdonald, RN Breakfast
Subjects: International diplomacy, October Budget, Costs of living, Audit, Fuel excise, Deposit holders, US economy
Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler
06 JUL: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Adelaide
Subjects: Third Omicron wave, Consideration to expanded access to oral antivirals, ATAGI meeting, Fourth doses, Energy, State clinics and capacity, Vaccines for under fives, Mask mandates
Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler
06 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Shane McInnes, 3AW 693
Expanding access to fourth doses, ATAGI, Vaccine rollout, Under-fives vaccination, Moderna vaccine, Omicron third wave, Boosters campaign, Influenza, Vaccine supply
Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler
06 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Oliver Peterson, 6PR
Subjects: Telehealth, ATAGI, Expanding access to fourth doses, Vaccine campaigns, Omicron third wave, Variant vaccine, Boosters, Vaccination under-five, Influenza, Testing, Masks
Minister for Education Jason Clare
06 JUL: Transcript of Speech at Universities Australia 2022 Gala Dinner - 'Reset, Rebuild and Reform'
Subjects: Medical and pharmacy students, Reset and a fresh start, Australian Universities Accord, NAPLAN data, National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education
Shadow Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrew
06 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Greg Jennet
Subjects: Foot and mouth disease, Indonesia, Biosecurity measures, Border force personnel, Vaccination requirements, Trade, China, Cheng Lei, Press freedom, New Zealand, Gender quotas
Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler
05 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Sonya Feldhoff and David Bevan, ABC Adelaide
Subjects: Meeting of Health Ministers, COVID antiviral treatments, Primary care, Hospital pressures, PBS, Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee
Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler
03 JUL: Transcript of Doorstop, Parliament House, Canberra
Subjects: Type 1 Diabetes, NSW floods, COVID cases, Importance of getting a booster vaccine, Fuel excise, Ukraine, Territory rights, Climate policy, Voluntary assisted dying
Minister for Education Jason Clare and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley
01 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Natalie Barr, Sunrise, Seven Network
Subjects: Staff and worker shortages, TGA vaccine approved for under five, Federal Government's vaccine contracts review
Minister for Health Mark Butler
29 JUN: Opinion Piece - 'No time for complacency in battle with COVID-19'
Subjects: Influenza, Booster rollout, Omicron variant, Flu vaccinations, Oral COVID-19 treatments, Health system pressures, Vaccine rollout
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Reports
Australian public assessment report for Atropine Sulfate Monohydrate
Department of Health & Aged Care, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
This AusPAR describes the application by Aspen Pharmacare Australia Pty Ltd (the sponsor) to register Eikance 0.01% (atropine sulfate monohydrate) 100 µg/mL, solution for eye drops for the following proposed extension of indications: A new strength (0.01%) as a first line treatment for the delay or reduction in rate of myopic progression in children and adolescents. Myopia, also known as short sightedness or near sightedness, is an ocular condition where there is a mismatch between the optical power and length of the eye.
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PHI 38/22 - Prostheses List Reforms - Post- listing Review Framework published
Department of Health
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Cost Recovery Implementation Statement - Administration of Private Health Insurance Second-Tier Default Benefits - 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023 - Report
Dept of Health
Cost recovery involves government entities charging individuals or non-government organisations some or all of the efficient costs of a regulatory activity. This may include goods, services or regulation, or a combination of them. The Australian Government Charging Framework, which incorporates the Cost Recovery Guidelines (the CRGs)1, sets out the framework under which government entities design, implement and review regulatory charging activities, consistent with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).
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Prostheses List Post-listing Review Framework - Information for Stakeholders - Paper
Dept of Health
The reviews cover a range of review processes from specific internal reviews, targeted clinical and utilisation reviews, through to complex post market reviews incorporating full Health Technology Assessments (HTAs). They are a systematic approach to evaluating surgically implanted medical devices, human tissue items, and other products listed on the PL. According to the sustainability principle of both the PL reforms and the HTA Policy Framework, the evidence and conclusions from reviews will guide the continued investment or disinvestment in products listed on the PL.
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Australia's health 2022 - data insights
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
The report shows that Australia is generally a healthy nation compared with similar countries, notwithstanding some well-known areas for improvement. Australia's health 2022 also examines changes in the health of Australians throughout the pandemic. 'Today's report comes at an important time as Australians continue to experience the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, no health issue stands above, or has had as wide-reaching impacts on our population and health system, with these affects to be felt for many years to come,' said AIHW Deputy Chief Executive Officer Matthew James.
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People with disability in Australia 2022
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
Like everyone, people with disability want a high quality of life. To achieve this, they seek access to, and pursue outcomes across, all areas of life, such as education, employment, health care, housing and justice. While many people with disability routinely and actively participate in these areas, some face challenges doing so. This is influenced by factors such as the nature of the opportunities, services and assistance available to them; the accessibility of their environment; and their experiences of discrimination.
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Ear and hearing health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people - Report
Australian Institute Of Health & Welfare AIHW
This report brings together information on the prevalence of ear and hearing problems among Indigenous Australians along with insights on key protective and risk factors. It presents information on accessibility and use of ear and hearing health-care services by Indigenous Australians, from screening to treatment to rehabilitation and includes on-the-ground experiences of Indigenous- specific primary health-care service providers. The report identifies key data gaps and potential areas for data development.
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Hazard 2020 campaign final report
Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC)
The OFSC published the final results of its 12-month Hazard 2020 safety campaign that ran across 2020 and 2021. The Hazard 2020 Campaign Review showed solid improvements in mobile plant safety on building sites, but painted a bleak picture of scaffolding safety. Federal Safety Commissioner David Denney said, 'The Hazard 2020 Campaign found that the rate of compliance with Scheme scaffolding requirements has not improved since 2016 and in many areas, has declined.'
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Volume 217, No 01 - Indigenous life expectancy rising in the NT - But Closing the Gap remains a challenge
Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)
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mRNA vaccines - A transformative technology with applications beyond COVID-19
Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)
The 'spectacular' success of mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) vaccine technology against SARS-CoV-2 provides 'just a glimpse of their full potential', according to the authors of a Perspective published by the Medical Journal of Australia. Ms Isabella Overmars, a research coordinator at Murdoch Children's Research Institute, and colleagues wrote that the technology worked by delivering an mRNA that contains a code for a specific antigen into a host cell, where it is translated into the coded protein. The advantages of mRNA include low toxicity, the obviation of risk of integration into the host genome, and they are non-infectious.
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Birthing on Country for best start in life
Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)
First Nations Yolnu women from the north-east Arnhem Land region of the Northern Territory are speaking up to reclaim control and return of childbirth services, by establishing a national very remote exemplar demonstration Birthing on Country maternity service, say the authors of a Perspective published by the Medical Journal of Australia. 'First Nations women, babies and families experience profound health inequities when comparing health outcomes to their Australian counterparts,' wrote Dr Sarah Ireland, a Research Fellow at Molly Wardaguga Research Centre at Charles Darwin University, and colleagues.
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Re-assessing reactions to influenza vaccination initially classified as vaccine allergies
Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)
Some adverse reactions to influenza vaccinations may be safe to de-labelled - that is, deemed safe for further flu vaccinations - from 'allergies' to 'stress-related responses' because they do not meet the criteria for anaphylaxis, say authors of a research letter published by the Medical Journal of Australia. 'As it can be difficult to distinguish influenza vaccine-associated anaphylaxis from the more numerous immunisation stress-related responses - affecting 4-7% of influenza vaccine recipients - the latter may be misdiagnosed as allergies,' wrote the authors, led by Dr Beau Carr, from Monash Health.
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Strengthening the presence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in the Medical Journal of Australia
Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)
The Medical Journal of Australia will strive to '[increase] the visibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' in its pages, progressing its commitment to inclusivity and health equity. In an editorial, MJA Editor-in-Chief Laureate Professor Nick Talley AC and colleagues wrote that they were prepared to 'critically reflect on and change our editorial policies and practices so we can help shift the deficit narrative, often prominent in health research focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to a strengths-based narrative'.
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Reform of private health sector and new independent authority proposed - Discussion paper - A whole of system approach to reforming private healthcare - Paper Attached
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
Reform of the private health sector and a new independent body are required to ensure the private health sector is sustainable and patients can access care they need, the AMA has argued in a discussion paper. The discussion paper has been released ahead of an AMA Private Health Insurance Summit at Parliament House in Canberra attended by insurers, hospitals, government representatives, peak bodies from the medical and insurance sector and consumer representatives. A whole of system approach to reforming private healthcare proposes a new body - the Private Health System Authority - to bring the sector together and build consensus on reforms.
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Covid winter guide
Australian Chamber Of Commerce & Industry (ACCI)
There is a clear expectation from governments that businesses will manage COVID-19 as ongoing WHS and HR matters within their workplaces. As winter sets in, COVIDSafe controls will not only help protect workers from transmission risks from COVID-19, but also seasonal viruses such as the winter flu, and provide productivity benefits due to reduced absenteeism. To assist with managing COVID-19 in workplaces over winter, ACCI has set out this guide to address the key health, safety and employment issues winter may bring for workplaces.
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Life satisfaction among young Aussies plummets during pandemic
Australian National University (ANU)
Young Australians have suffered the greatest drop in life satisfaction during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, new analysis from The Australian National University (ANU) shows. The findings come from the COVID-19 Impact Monitoring Survey, which has asked more than 3,500 Australians how the pandemic has affected their lives since COVID-19 was first recorded in the country. The survey is the longest running most comprehensive study of the pandemic's social, health and economic impacts in Australia.
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Opportunities to uplift key patient and provider experiences
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), KPMG
Greater uptake of digital-driven solutions in healthcare management could significantly improve patient experiences while saving providers time and money in administration, a new report by CommBank Health and KPMG reveals. Digital solutions could significantly improve efficiencies in the end-to-end delivery of Australia's healthcare, according to a new report from CommBank Health and KPMG. The Healthy Options report reveals that while 83 per cent of Australians are satisfied with the availability of quality healthcare, most believe digital-enabled solutions could improve patient experiences while saving providers time and money in administration.
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TAS: Report of the Auditor-General No. 7 of 2021-22 - COVID-19
Tasmanian Audit Office
The pandemic has affected all parts of the Tasmanian population but has been particularly detrimental to those social groups who are most vulnerable, including children and young people, older people, people with disabilities, migrants and people already living in poverty. The Australian and Tasmanian Governments recognised early on a response was required to address the most severe immediate impacts of the pandemic, caused not only by the impact on people's health, but the wider social impacts resulting both from the virus and the suppression measures.
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Health of children
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
In a national study of Australian children's perspectives, health ranked as the second most important domain, after family, for having a good life (Redmond et al. 2016). Good health influences how children feel and go about their daily lives, as it can affect participation in family life, schooling, social and sporting activities. The foundations for good health start during the antenatal period and early years and can have long-term impacts on a child's later life. Targeting risk factors in children can reduce preventable chronic disease in adulthood and equips children with the best life chances (AIHW 2022a; Department of Health 2019).
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Hansards
Federal
08 JUL 2022: SENATE NOTICE PAPER: Questions on Notice - 0072: Senator Roberts: Minister for Health - With regards to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine approval process, can documents submitted for the purpose of obtaining approval of vaccines be provided
08 JUL 2022: SENATE NOTICE PAPER: Questions on Notice - 0014 Senator Lambie: Minister for Health and Aged Care - What are the total Commonwealth external legal costs and other costs in matter of Montagner and Secretary, Department of Health [2021/5671]
South Australia
05 JUL 2022: SA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - Hospitals, Car Parking
05 JUL 2022: SA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Grievance Debate - Endometriosis
05 JUL 2022: SA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - Mental Health and Learning Support Specialists
05 JUL 2022: SA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - Ambulance Ramping
05 JUL 2022: SA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - Health System
05 JUL 2022: SA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - Hospitals, Winter Demand Strategy
05 JUL 2022: SA ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Question Time - COVID-19 Testing
05 JUL 2022: SA COUNCIL HANSARD: Answers to Questions - Women's and Children's Hospital
05 JUL 2022: SA COUNCIL HANSARD: Question Time - Aged-Care CCTV Trial
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Court Cases
Federal
Barbara Roman v Mercy Hospitals Victoria Ltd [2022] FWCFB 112
23 JUN: Catchwords: Appeal against decision [2022] FWC 711 of Deputy President Colman at Melbourne on 31 March 2022 in matter number U2021/11846
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Applicant: Ms Yuan Guan (Migration) [2022] AATA 1801
20 MAY: Catchwords: Migration - Medical Treatment (Visitor) (Class UB) visa - Subclass 602 (Medical Treatment) - Genuine temporary stay for medical treatment
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New Regulations
Federal
Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 8) 2022
Legislative Instrument- F2022L00954
The Amendment Rules make consequential amendments to the Benefit Requirements Rules and the Complying Product Rules to implement changes to the private health insurance clinical categorisation and procedure type classification of items of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) to reflect the introduction of a new temporary MBS item ventral mesh rectopexy for the repair of rectal prolapse that take effect 6 July 2022.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Ventral Mesh Rectopexy Services) Determination 2022
Legislative Instrument- F2022L00952
The purpose of the Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Ventral Mesh Rectopexy Services) Determination 2022 (the Determination) is to introduce a temporary item (32118) for ventral mesh rectopexy for the repair of rectal prolapse, to ensure that patients will continue to have affordable access to these services, following changes recommended by the Medical Benefit Schedule (MBS) Taskforce to Colorectal Surgery services on the MBS commencing 1 July 2022.
Explanatory Statement
Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 7) 2022
Legislative Instrument - F2022L00924
The Amendment Rules make consequential amendments to the Benefit Requirements Rules to implement changes to the private health insurance procedure type classification of items of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) to reflect the introduction from 1 July 2022. Changes to the procedure type classification of MBS items are achieved by amending Schedules 3 of the Benefit Requirements Rules for the purpose of specifying minimum hospital accommodation benefit requirements, to classify new, amended, and reviewed MBS items against procedure type classifications. No changes are required to the Private Health Insurance (Complying Product) Rules 2015.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Telehealth and Telephone Attendances) Amendment (Natural Disaster Exemption No. 2) Determination 2022
Legislative Instrument - F2022L00914
Since 13 March 2020, the Australian Government has been providing temporary access to Medicare benefits for certain medical services to protect Australians during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. From 1 January 2022, patient access to certain general practitioner, specialist and allied health telehealth and phone services was continued in the Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Telehealth and Telephone Attendances) Determination 2021 (the Principal Determination). General practitioners (GPs) and other medical practitioners (OMPs) working in general practice can only perform these telehealth or phone services if they have an existing relationship with the patient.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Section 3C Co-Dependent Pathology Services) Amendment Determination (No. 3) 2022
Legislative Instrument - F2022L00908
The purpose of the Health Insurance (Section 3C Co-Dependent Pathology Services) Amendment Determination (No. 3) 2022 (the Amendment Determination) is to amend the Health Insurance (Section 3C Co-Dependent Pathology Services) Determination 2018 (Co-Dependent Pathology Services Determination). This Amendment Determination introduces four new items, including three new items for fluorescence in-situ hybridisation (FISH) testing and one new item for next generation sequencing (NGS) testing, for the evaluation of neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) gene fusion status in paediatric patients and adult patients to determine the patient's eligibility for treatment with larotrectinib under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Explanatory Statement
Social Security (Special Disability Trust - Discretionary Spending) Determination 2022 - Subsection 1209RA(3) - Social Security Act 1991
Legislative Instrument - F2022L00893
This instrument is made under subsection 1209RA(3) of the Social Security Act 1991 (The Act). The purpose of this instrument is to set out the maximum amount of the income and / or assets of a special disability trust that may be spent for purposes that are primarily for the benefit of the principal beneficiary, other than the primary purposes of a special disability trust (which is to meet reasonable care and accommodation needs of the beneficiary). This instrument is designed to allow a certain amount of trust income and / or assets to be used for the benefit of the principal beneficiary for purposes other than the primary purposes of the trust, while maintaining the 'special disability trust' status in accordance with section 1209L of the Act.
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Aged Care (Leave from Residential Care Services) (Situation of Emergency - Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) Amendment Determination 2022 - Subsection 42-2A(1) - Aged Care Act 1997
Legislative Instrument - F2022L00857
Under section 42-2 of the Act, a care recipient may be taken to be provided with residential care on each day that they are on leave from a residential care service. The leave may include any period during which a care recipient attends hospital, periods of non-hospital leave (also known as social leave) if the number of days on which the care recipient has previously been on social leave during the current financial year is less than 52, and days in respect of which flexible care subsidy is payable where the requirements specified in the Subsidy Principles 2014 are met.
Explanatory Statement
Aged Care (Transitional Provisions) Amendment (July Indexation) Determination 2022 - Aged Care (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997
Legislative Instrument - F2022L00852
The Amending Determination amends the Aged Care (Transitional Provisions) Principles 2014 and the Aged Care (Transitional Provisions) (Subsidy and Other Measures) Determination 2014 and increases the amount of particular subsidies and supplements payable to approved providers of aged care services.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Medicare Benefits Payable in Respect of Professional Services - Council of Australian Governments' Improving Access to Primary Care in Rural and Remote Areas - COAG s19(2) Exemptions Initiative - South Australia Direction 2022
This instrument: (1) Revokes the Direction made under subsection 19(2) of the Act that was granted on 16 December 2021, and (2) Directs that Medicare Benefits shall be payable in respect of a professional service (as defined in Section 3 of the Health Insurance Act 1973) which has been agreed to be provided under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Health and South Australia.
South Australia - F2022N00160
Queensland - F2022N00159
Western Australia - F2022N00158
New South Wales - F2022N00156
Northern Territory - F2022N00154
Australian Capital Territory
Health (Fees) Determination 2022 (No 1)
Disallowable Instrument DI2022-69
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Western Australia
COVID Transition (Face Covering) Directions (No 8)
Emergency Directions
The purpose of these directions is to require the wearing of a face covering in the affected area in certain settings in order to prevent, control or abate the risks associated with the emergency presented by the pandemic caused by COVID-19 and to otherwise limit the spread of COVID-19.
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COVID (Redundant Instruments) Revocation Directions (No 2)
Emergency Directions
The purpose of these directions is to revoke the instruments described in Schedule 1 (attached).
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
Federal
04 JUL 2022: GOVERNMENT NOTICES GAZETTE: National Health Act 1953 - Section 134A(1) - Revocation of pharmacist’s approval - Sabina Grewal (2022/04)
New South Wales
06 JUL 2022: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 295: Government Notices - Health and Education
01 JUL 2022: NSW GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. 281: Government Notices - Health and Education
Victoria
07 JUL 2022: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. G 27: Government and Outer Budget Sector Agencies Notices - Health Complaints Act 2016 - Section 90 - Interim Prohibition Order - 2 Notices
07 JUL 2022: VIC SPECIAL GAZETTE No. S 353: Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 - Section 22D - Public Health Emergency Order
05 JUL 2022: VIC SPECIAL GAZETTE No. S 348: Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 - Section 165AE(1) - Extension of Pandemic Declaration - Victoria
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Consolidated Legislation
Aged Care (Leave from Residential Care Services) (Situation of Emergency-Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00657
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Aged Care (Leave from Residential Care Services) (Situation of Emergency-Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) Amendment Determination 2022
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National Health (Commonwealth Price and Conditions for Commonwealth Payments for Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Determination 2019
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00656
PB 114 of 2019 Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Commonwealth Price and Conditions for Commonwealth Payments for Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Determination 2022 (No. 4)
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Health Insurance (Professional Services Review Scheme) Regulations 2019
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00655
Regulations as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance (Professional Services Review Scheme) Amendment (2022 Measures No. 2) Regulations 2022
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Commonwealth price (Pharmaceutical benefits supplied by approved pharmacists) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00653
PB 66 of 2020 Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to Commonwealth price (Pharmaceutical benefits supplied by approved pharmacists) Amendment Determination 2022
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Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code - Schedule 20 - Maximum residue limits
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2022C00652
Food Standards as amended, taking into account amendments up to Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code - Schedule 20 - Maximum residue limits Variation Instrument No. APVMA 2, 2022
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National Health (Pharmaceutical Benefits) Regulations 2017
Legislative Instrument Compilation- F2022C00647
Regulations as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment (2021 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2021
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Health Insurance (Quality Assurance Activity - Australian Vigilance and Surveillance System for Organ Donation for Transplantation) Declaration 2021
Legislative Instrument Compilation- F2022C00643
Declarations/Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to Health Insurance (Quality Assurance Activity-Australian Vigilance and Surveillance System for Organ Donation for Transplantation) Amendment (Serious Adverse Event or Reaction) Declaration 2022.
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New Bills
South Australia
Children and Young People (Safety) (Child and Young Person's Visitor) Amendment Bill 2022 - LC intro 6/7, LC 2R 6/7
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New Acts
None this edition.
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