STATUTORY RULES
1967 No.
REGULATIONS UNDER THE NATIONAL HEALTH ACT 1953-1967.*
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the National Health Act 1953-1967.
Dated this twenty-second day of June, 1967.
CASEY
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
(SGD.) A. J. FORBES
Minister of State for Health.
Amendments of the National Health Regulations†
Fees.
1. Regulation 25 of the National Health Regulations is amended—
(a) by omitting the words “One dollar and sixty cents” (wherever occurring) and inserting in their stead the words “One dollar seventy cents”; and
(b) by omitting the words “Two dollars” (wherever occurring) and inserting in their stead the words “Two dollars fifteen cents”.
Application.
2. The amendments made by the last preceding regulation apply to and in relation to medical services rendered by a medical practitioner on and after the first day of May, 1967.
* Notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 1967
† Statutory Rules 1954, No. 35, as amended by Statutory Rules 1957, No. 71: 1958. No. 63: 1962, Nos. 55, 70 and 113; 1965, Nos. 17, 94 and 185; and 1966, No. 99.
By Authority: A. J. Arthur, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra
6559/67—Price 5c 9/24.5.1967
Overview
The Statutory Rules 1967 No. REGULATIONS UNDER THE NATIONAL HEALTH ACT 1953-1967 were enacted to amend the National Health Regulations, specifically addressing the adjustment of fees for medical services provided under the Act. These regulations were introduced to ensure that the fees for medical services are updated to reflect the current economic conditions. Enacted by the Governor-General in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, these amendments aimed to provide a policy objective of maintaining fair compensation for medical practitioners while ensuring that the healthcare services remain accessible to the public. The changes made to the fees apply to medical services rendered on and after the first of May, 1967, ensuring that the amendments are effective from the specified date.
Scope and Application
The Statutory Rules 1967 No. REGULATIONS UNDER THE NATIONAL HEALTH ACT 1953-1967, made under the authority of the National Health Act 1953-1967, amend the National Health Regulations to adjust the fees payable for medical services rendered by medical practitioners. The specified amendments, which involve the modification of fees, apply to medical services provided by these practitioners from and after May 1, 1967. The regulations specifically target medical services and the associated fees, thereby affecting medical practitioners directly. This amendment reflects the Commonwealth's jurisdiction, impacting all medical practitioners operating within Australia. No exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are explicitly stated in the text provided, indicating that the amendments apply broadly to all relevant medical services. Subordinate instruments may further extend or restrict the application of these regulations, although specific details are not provided in the excerpt.
Key Provisions
The National Health Regulations, as amended by Statutory Rules 1967 No. 159, include changes to the fees for medical services. Regulation 25 has been modified to update the fee schedule for medical services provided by practitioners. Specifically, the amendment involves changing the fee from one dollar and sixty cents to one dollar and seventy cents, and from two dollars to two dollars and fifteen cents. These changes apply to medical services rendered on and after the first of May, 1967.
The amendments impose a clear obligation on medical practitioners to adjust their billing practices in line with the updated fee schedule. This adjustment is necessary to ensure compliance with the National Health Regulations. Practitioners must ensure that the new fees are applied to any medical services rendered on or after the effective date of the regulations. This update ensures that all parties are aware of the current financial obligations under the National Health Act.
Breach of these regulations may lead to legal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the statutory rules provided, non-compliance with health regulations typically can result in fines or other civil penalties under the relevant health legislation. It is imperative for medical practitioners and related entities to adhere to these updated fees to avoid any legal repercussions and maintain compliance with national health standards.