Changes to ACC regulations will improve access to treatment

ACC Minister Matt Doocey said ACC customers would soon be able to use paramedic and audiometric services under regulatory changes.

“One of my top priorities is ensuring that ACC regulations are effective, efficient and up to date, and approving more types of healthcare professional to provide ACC-funded treatment is just one way we are doing this,” says Mr Doocey.

Most ambulance services are covered by existing ambulance service contracts, but rural general practices and urgent care clinics sometimes employ paramedics to help ease the pressure. This change will ensure that these practices are paid for paramedics providing treatment to people claiming ACC benefits.

“Adding paramedics and audiometrists as healthcare providers will make life easier for some medical facilities and clinics.

Paramedics and Chinese medicine practitioners will also be listed as registered healthcare professionals in the regulations, so any injuries resulting from their treatment will be covered by the ACC regulations on treatment-related injuries.

These changes follow a public consultation on a set of proposed changes to update the ACC rules. Some 200 submissions were received, the vast majority of which were in favour of the proposed changes.

“As well as updating ACC regulations, these changes improve access to treatment for people claiming ACC benefits, contributing to the Government’s priority of delivering better public services.”

All changes will come into effect on December 1.

Editor’s notes:

The changes will also include updating the definitions of acupuncturist, audiologist and nurse.

The definition of an acupuncturist will be amended to reflect the recently established Chinese Medicine Council (CMC) as a new regulatory body, while the definition of an audiologist will be updated to align with the revised definition of the New Zealand Audiological Society.

The definition of nurse is updated to align with the new scope of nursing practice.

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