Government announces reinstatement of sessions under Better Access

1 February 2012

The additional six sessions of Better Access treatment under exceptional circumstances will be reinstated for a transitional period, a decision announced by the Federal Government on 1 February.  The increased allowance, available from 1 March until 31 December this year, aims to protect clients with complex needs who have been left without support following the 1 November 2011 changes to the Better Access initiative. The Government’s rationale for the decision is to provide time for capacity to be built into alternative mental health services where people with greater needs can be treated.

This decision is a direct reflection of the strong and persistent APS advocacy efforts, as well as those of individual members, since the cuts were first announced in last year’s Federal Budget. The reinstatement of the sessions is extremely important for vulnerable people with more complex mental health disorders who have been left without access to appropriate treatment as a result of the funding cuts. The APS will continue to press for the reinstatement  of sessions to be made permanent.

Under the interim arrangements announced by the Government, the maximum standard number of rebatable sessions per calendar year under Better Access will remain at 10 (provided in groups of 6+4 sessions). However, during the transitional period, eligible clients where ‘exceptional circumstances’ apply can receive up to a maximum of 16 sessions (6+4+6) per calendar year.  Clients will be eligible for the additional six sessions under exceptional circumstances during the transitional period from 1 March 2012 until 31 December 2012.

The definition of ‘exceptional circumstances’ is the same as that which applied before the 1 November 2011 changes were brought in. As stated by the Department of Health and Ageing: “Exceptional circumstances are defined as a significant change in the patient’s clinical condition or care circumstances which makes it appropriate and necessary to increase the maximum number of services. As was the case previously, it is up to the referring medical practitioner to determine that the individual meets the requirements for ‘exceptional circumstances’ and to provide a referral for the additional services.”

Further details of the reinstated sessions can be found in the Department of Health and Ageing’s Fact Sheet and set of Questions and Answers.

The Government’s announcement about the reinstatement of the sessions can be read here.

APS News Archive