On Aug. 12, NZ GVT discussed revisions for accident compensation.
NZ GVT said paramedic, audiometrist treatment will, from Dec. 1, 2024, be available to treat Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) clients, per set of reg amendments.
Overview of Regulatory Amendments
Most paramedic treatment is covered under existing emergency ambulance service contracts, but rural general practices and urgent care clinics sometimes employ paramedics to help ease pressure; amendments will ensure those practices are paid.
Specifically, that they are paid for paramedics providing treatment to ACC claimants.
In addition, NZ GVT explained that paramedics and Chinese medicine practitioners will also be listed as registered health professionals in the regulations so any injuries arising from their treatment are covered under the ACC treatment injury provisions.
Amendments were made after consult on set of proposed changes to update ACC regs.
Around 200 submissions were received; vast majority in favor of proposed changes.
Amendments also see the definitions of acupuncturist, audiologist and nurse updated.
Effectiveness
All of the amendments are effective on/from Dec. 1, 2024.
Nov. 2024 Regulatory Amendments
On Nov. 11, 2024, NZ GVT issued three sets of ACC regulatory amendments regarding health professional definitions, treatment costs, as well as hearing loss entitlements.
Expanded healthcare provider framework to include Chinese medicine practitioners and audiometrists as registered health professionals; definition of acupuncturist revised to require registration with Chinese Medicine Council rather than previous bodies.
Amended nurse definition to align scope with registered nurse qualifications per notice.
Established payment for paramedic visits with rates per patient age and circumstances.
Audiologists' definition modified to exclude those acting as hearing aid suppliers or employed by suppliers; similar supplier restrictions apply to new audiometrist category.
Amended regs to allow audiometrists to provide same treatments as audiologists.
Coverage includes assessments, device consultations, fittings, as well as repairs.
All three sets of regulations come into force on Dec. 19, 2024.
Document dated Nov. 11, 2024, received from NZ GVT Nov. 13, summarized Nov. 15.
Regulators
NZ GVT
Entity Types
CNSM; Corp; Ins
Reference
Reg 2024/230, 2024/231, 2024/232, 11/11/2024; PR, 8/12/2024; Citation: Accident compensation (liability to pay or contribute to cost of treatment) regulations 2003; Accident compensation (apportioning entitlements for hearing loss) regulations 2010; Accident compensation (definitions) regulations 2019;
