Speak Out August 2019 Digital Edition

Aged care

DVA UPDATE Allied Health Treatment Cycle initiative delayed until 1 October 2019

Hopefully all have by now heard of the delay to the implementation of the Allied Health Treatment Cycle Initiative until 1 October, following strong advocacy from the allied health professional associations through AHPA for further time to gain clarity around processes around this transition. Core initial information regarding the proposed changes to allied health referrals for veterans as part of the new treatment cycle have been outlined in previous Speak Out editions, but can also be accessed via these links:

https://www.dva.gov.au/providers/dva-provider-news/changes-process-allied-health-referrals https://www.dva.gov.au/providers/improved-dental-and-allied-health-provider-information

Change to access to thickeners: RAP review adds thickeners to RAP! Following the recent RAP (Rehabilitation Appliance Program) review, which Speech Pathology Australia submitted recommendations to and participated on the review advisory panel, it is hoped that the recommendation for thickeners to be added to the RAP schedule will lead to much more streamlined and timely access to thickeners for clients. Member reports were that the previous system often led to lengthy delays and time spent facilitating this access for clients. A new direct order form will enable the treating speech pathologist to send the request form directly to the thickener supplier of choice. The supplier will then send through a quote to DVA, gain the approval number and then supply the product. https://www.dva.gov.au/providers/provider-programs/ rehabilitation-appliances-program-rap-providers#forms GPs are not longer required to sign off for access to thickeners. Further information about these changes can be found in the DVA Provider News, or by contacting the DVA National Speech Pathology Advisor, Rebecca King on Rebecca.King@dva.gov.au Website Improvement Project – feedback wanted In signalling its commitment to improved communication and collaboration, DVA is reaching out for feedback as part of its website improvement project. Please send the top 5 improvements you'd like to see to the current DVA website to agedcare@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

SPA’s Aged Care Advisor Kym Torresi attended the quarterly National HealthCare Providers Partnership meeting with DVA on 3 July 2019. Further detailed information will be forthcoming from DVA regarding these changes, including a Clinical Resources paper for Allied Health and templates / proformas for the required treatment reports etc contributed to by feedback from the Allied Health professions in a workshop in March 2019. Speech Pathology Australia will also participate in a further workshop with DVA on 2 August as it develops an Exceptional Circumstances Framework and is keen to hear member input now relating to: • What impact do you see for clients currently with indefinite referrals for speech pathology? • What are the exceptional circumstances that you have encountered that would be impacted by this cycle initiative that you would like to raise for discussion with DVA? • What outcome measures would you like to see DVA list for speech pathology on their clinical resource document? • Are there other EBP programs related to speech pathology practice that you would like to see gain exemption from the 12-session cycle initiative? Please contact SPA via agedcare@speechpathologyaustralia.org. au by 1 August with any thoughts or feedback. Further detailed information is expected to be released by DVA shortly, so keep a watch on their website, and for SPA’s updated DVA Treatment Cycle FAQ Fact Sheet at that time.

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August 2019 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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