Amendment of Statement of Principles concerning renal artery atherosclerotic disease No. 24 of 2002

Overview

The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 is a pivotal piece of Australian legislation designed to provide various benefits and support services to veterans, their families, and dependents. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, the Act aims to address the unique needs of those who have served in the Australian Defence Force. One significant aspect of this legislation is its ability to be updated and refined through amendments, such as the one made by the Repatriation Medical Authority under Instrument No.24 of 2002. This amendment, specifically targeting the Statement of Principles concerning Renal Artery Atherosclerotic Disease, involves the deletion of the definition of "diabetes mellitus" from paragraph 8 of Instrument No.39 of 1998. The overarching policy objective of this amendment is to ensure that the legislative instrument remains accurate, relevant, and effective in addressing the medical and support needs of veterans, thereby fulfilling the Act's commitment to provide comprehensive care and recognition for those who have served.

Scope and Application

This legislative instrument, amending Instrument No.39 of 1998, pertains to the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 and specifically addresses renal artery atherosclerotic disease under ICD code 440.1. It is issued by the Repatriation Medical Authority, under subsection 196B(2) of the Act, to modify the existing Statement of Principles. The amendment concerns the deletion of the definition of "diabetes mellitus" from paragraph 8 of the original instrument, thereby impacting the criteria and conditions under which veterans may claim benefits related to this particular medical condition. This legislative change applies to all matters governed by Instrument No.39 of 1998 and section 120A of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986, ensuring that the updated criteria are uniformly implemented across relevant cases and entitlements.

Key Provisions

The legislative instrument F2005B02933 amends the Statement of Principles concerning Renal Artery Atherosclerotic Disease ICD Code: 440.1, as outlined in Instrument No.39 of 1998 under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986. This amendment, made under subsection 196B(2) of the Act, involves the deletion of the definition of "diabetes mellitus" in paragraph 8 of the original statement (paragraph 2). This change ensures that the definition of diabetes mellitus, as previously included, is no longer part of the legislative requirements for this specific medical condition. The amendment is applicable to all matters governed by Instrument No.39 of 1998 and section 120A of the Act, thereby affecting the scope and interpretation of veterans' entitlements related to renal artery atherosclerotic disease. The obligations imposed by this legislative instrument on parties or entities governed by the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 primarily involve ensuring compliance with the updated Statement of Principles concerning Renal Artery Atherosclerotic Disease. This includes recognising that the definition of "diabetes mellitus" is no longer included in the criteria for assessing entitlements related to this condition. Repatriation Medical Authority and relevant stakeholders must adhere to these changes when evaluating claims or providing services related to this medical condition, ensuring that the assessment and provision of benefits are consistent with the updated legislative requirements. In terms of potential offences, penalties, or consequences for breach, the legislative instrument itself does not explicitly detail these aspects. However, under the broader framework of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986, non-compliance with legislative requirements or fraudulent claims could lead to civil or criminal penalties. For instance, providing false or misleading information in a claim could be considered an offence under the Act, potentially leading to fines or imprisonment. The specific penalties for such offences would be determined based on the nature and severity of the breach, as outlined in other provisions of the Act and relevant legislation.