As you are no doubt aware, from 1 March 2008 the Health Insurance Act 1973 (the “Act”). The new Part IIba of the Act radically changes the ways in which Provider and Requestors can deal with each other. Not only does it outlaw certain kinds of contract or understanding, it also restricts how we can negotiate and possibly even how we can formulate our own negotiating positions.

It is important that you and we (ICS) comply with the new provisions. Breach of them can give rise to a civil penalty, or even constitute an offence (so that a conviction will create a criminal record).To ensure that neither the Practitioner nor ICS falls foul of these new provisions, in this document we outline some key points.This is not intended to constitute legal advice. It certainly does not attempt to spell out all of the significant changes to the Act. ICS is disclosing a relevant part of its understanding of the Act to explain what ICS will and will not do in negotiating and contracting with the Practitioner. The Practitioner should consider getting its own legal advice on the changes to the Act, whether or not it proceeds to negotiate with ICS. 

Read more about legislation here... (PDF - 145kb)

Letter of comfort - Legal Council... (PDF - 67.6kb)

Letter of comfort - RAJ Lawyers... (PDF - 33.2kb)