Statutory Rules
1975 No. 14
REGULATION UNDER THE NATIONAL HEALTH ACT 1953-1974.*
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL of Australia, acting with the advice of the Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulation under the National Health Act 1953-1974.
Dated this eighth day of February, 1975.
JOHN R. KERR
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
W. G. HAYDEN
Minister of State for Social Security.
Amendments of the National Health Regulations†
Prescribed amounts for the purposes of section 82U.
Regulation 20c of the National Health Regulations is amended—
(a) by omitting from sub-regulation (1) the figures “ $68.50” and substituting the figures “$76.50”;
(b) by omitting from sub-regulation (2) the figures “$73.00” and substituting the figures “ $82.50”;
(c) by omitting from sub-regulation (3) the figures “$77.50” and substituting the figures “$88.50”;
(d) by omitting from sub-regulation (4) the figures “ $3,562.00” and substituting the figures “$3,978.00”;
(e) by omitting from sub-regulation (5) the figures “$3,796.00” and substituting the figures “$4,290.00”; and
(f) by omitting from sub-regulation (6) the figures “$4,030.00” and substituting the figures “$4,602.00”.
* Notified in the Australian Government Gazette on 10 February 1975.
† 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; 1966, No. 99; 1967, No. 86; 1969, Nos. 91 and 220; 1970, Nos. 70 and 166; 1971, Nos. 28, 76, 103 and 138; 1972, No. 79; 1973, Nos. 17, 75, 111, 221, 225 and 267; and 1974, Nos. 52, 104, 105 113 and 263.
Overview
The National Health Regulations 1975, enacted by the Governor-General on the advice of the Executive Council, represent a legislative instrument designed to amend the National Health Regulations under the National Health Act 1953-1974. This regulation specifically addresses the need to update the prescribed amounts for certain health-related purposes, ensuring that the financial provisions align with current economic conditions and requirements. The regulation was made under the authority granted to the Governor-General by the National Health Act, with the intent to provide flexibility in the administration of health services and ensure that the financial parameters reflect contemporary standards and costs. These amendments aim to maintain the efficacy and relevance of the National Health Regulations in supporting the broader policy objectives of the National Health Act, which includes the promotion of public health and the provision of equitable health services across Australia.
Scope and Application
The Statutory Rules 1975 No. 14, made under the National Health Act 1953-1974, pertains to amendments of the National Health Regulations, specifically concerning prescribed amounts outlined in Regulation 20c. This legislation impacts entities and individuals involved in transactions governed by these regulations, thereby affecting various healthcare-related services and financial transactions within the health sector. The scope of the Act is nationwide, applying to all states and territories in Australia as a Commonwealth regulation. However, the document does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds. The application of the regulation extends to those directly affected by the revised prescribed amounts, impacting financial agreements and reimbursements in the health industry. The regulation itself does not extend its application through subordinate instruments but rather directly amends the existing National Health Regulations.
Key Provisions
The primary operative sections of this legislation are concerned with amending Regulation 20c of the National Health Regulations, which pertains to prescribed amounts under section 82U of the National Health Act 1953-1974. These amendments involve the substitution of specific monetary figures in sub-regulations (1) to (6) of Regulation 20c (1). This means that the previous figures have been updated to reflect new prescribed amounts, which will now be $76.50, $82.50, $88.50, $3,978.00, $4,290.00, and $4,602.00 respectively, replacing the earlier figures of $68.50, $73.00, $77.50, $3,562.00, $3,796.00, and $4,030.00 (1). This change is intended to ensure that the financial requirements under the Act are current and reflective of any necessary adjustments.
The Act imposes certain obligations and requirements on the parties or entities it governs. Firstly, the amendment of these prescribed amounts means that any entities or individuals subject to Regulation 20c must now comply with the updated figures. This likely includes healthcare providers, insurers, and possibly patients, all of whom must adhere to these financial stipulations as part of their obligations under the National Health Act. Compliance with these updated figures is crucial for maintaining the financial integrity of the healthcare system as governed by the Act.
In terms of consequences for non-compliance or breach of these regulations, the legislation does not explicitly detail offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences within the provided text. However, breaches of regulations under the National Health Act can generally lead to various penalties, including fines, legal action, or other enforcement measures as deemed appropriate by the relevant authorities. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any specific provisions outlined in other parts of the Act or related legislation. The maximum penalties, if specified elsewhere, could range from fines to more severe legal repercussions depending on the circumstances of the breach.