STATUTORY RULES
1971 No.
REGULATIONS UNDER THE NATIONAL HEALTH ACT 1953-1970.*
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 1953-1970.
Dated this seventh day of June, 1971.
Paul Hasluck
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
Minister of State for Health.
–––––––
Amendments of the National Health Regulations†
Commencement.
1. These Regulations shall come into operation on the first day of July, 1971.
Fees.
2. Regulation 25 of the National Health Regulations is amended—
(a) by omitting the words “One dollar eighty-five cents” (wherever occuring) and inserting in their stead the words “Two dollars fifty cents”; and
(b) by omitting the words “Two dollars thirty-five cents” (wherever occurring) and inserting in their stead the words “Three dollars sixty cents”.
Application.
3. The amendments made by the last preceding regulation apply to and in relation to medical services rendered by a medical practitioner on or after the first day of July, 1971.
* Notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on , 1971
† 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; and 1970, Nos. 70 and 166; and 1971, No. 28.
Printed by Authority by the Government Printer of the Commonwealth of Australia
15625/71–Price 5c 9/4.6.1971
Overview
The Statutory Rules 1971 No. 31, issued under the National Health Act 1953-1970, address the need to update the fees associated with medical services provided by practitioners in Australia. Enacted by the Governor-General, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, these regulations were designed to align the fees with the economic conditions of the time, ensuring that the costs for medical services remain fair and reflective of the services rendered. The amendments, which came into effect on 1 July 1971, specifically increase the fees for medical services provided on or after that date, thereby providing a policy objective of maintaining equitable compensation for medical practitioners while ensuring that patients are not overcharged for their healthcare needs.
Scope and Application
The Statutory Rules 1971 No. REGULATIONS UNDER THE NATIONAL HEALTH ACT 1953-1970 outlines amendments to the National Health Regulations, specifically altering the fees associated with medical services rendered by medical practitioners. These regulations apply nationally and are effective from the first day of July 1971. The amendments concern the adjustment of fees for medical services, replacing previous rates of One dollar eighty-five cents with Two dollars fifty cents and Two dollars thirty-five cents with Three dollars sixty cents. This adjustment is applicable to medical services rendered on or after the commencement date of the regulations. The scope of these regulations is limited to the fees for services rendered by medical practitioners, without extending to other entities or industries. The regulations do not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, but they are subject to the overarching provisions of the National Health Act 1953-1970.
Key Provisions
The Statutory Rules 1971 No. 165, issued under the National Health Act 1953-1970, include amendments to the National Health Regulations. The key provision here is the amendment to Regulation 25, which adjusts the fees for certain medical services. Specifically, Regulation 25(a) changes the fee for a service from one dollar eighty-five cents to two dollars fifty cents, and Regulation 25(b) increases another fee from two dollars thirty-five cents to three dollars sixty cents. These amendments are effective for medical services rendered on or after July 1, 1971, as stated in Regulation 3.
The amendments impose a requirement on medical practitioners to charge the updated fees for the specified services. These fees are applicable to any medical services rendered starting from the commencement date of July 1, 1971. Medical practitioners are expected to adhere to these new fees when providing services to patients.
Breaching the requirement to charge the correct fees as stipulated in these regulations could lead to legal consequences. Although the regulations do not explicitly detail the penalties for non-compliance, the National Health Act under which these regulations are made, may impose fines or other penalties for such breaches. Practitioners should ensure they are aware of and comply with these fee adjustments to avoid any potential legal issues.