Page 2888 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 5 August 2008
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
the visually impaired, door openers and angled writing boards. General household items such as toasters, food processors, vacuum cleaners and dishwashers are not considered to be aids or appliances.
For Comcare to consider claims for these items, you must be undertaking, have completed or have been assessed as not capable of undertaking a rehabilitation program.
The document goes on to say:
How do I claim for alterations, modifications, aids and applications?
You should first discuss your needs with your medical provider.
As the costs associated with alterations or aids can be high, you should seek Comcare’s approval before making any purchase or seeking any repairs, alterations or modifications. Comcare would normally require that you are undertaking or have completed a rehabilitation program.
To get advanced approval from Comcare you will need to write to Comcare outlining your needs and include a note from your rehabilitation provider, doctor or specialist outlining:
• the modification or aid needed
• their relationship to your work-related injury or illness
Your CSO will write to you within 28 days advising of a decision on payment or reimbursement of the costs, except where further information is required. Where further information is required, your CSO will write to you or your doctor to request this information.
You will need to give Comcare two or three quotes from builders or suppliers. Comcare will then examine the quotes and notify you of its decision. If approved, Comcare will advise you of the cost that it has approved. In some cases, Comcare may decide that suitable alternatives are available and that the cost of the alternatives will be met.
Comcare’s responsibility for modifications or aids ends with payment of the reasonable cost. You, your builder or supplier are responsible for obtaining any approvals, permits or permissions before undertaking any modifications or purchases.
The document then goes through a number of checklists. I will not deal with income support. In New South Wales the definition of medical-related treatment in section 59 (g) of the Workers Compensation Act includes:
the modification of a worker’s home or vehicle directed by a medical practitioner having regard to the nature of the worker’s incapacity.
I would think that in a bill like this something like that would be pretty well essential to ensure that there is some objectivity here. At present I think there are some gaps and some potential problems with the bill as it stands.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .