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Statutory Rules
1975 No. 68
REGULATIONS UNDER THE NATIONAL HEALTH ACT 1953-1975.*
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL of Australia, acting with the advice of the Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the National Health Act 1953-1975.
Dated this twenty-first day of April, 1975.
JOHN R. KERR
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
W. G. HAYDEN
Minister of State for Social Security.
NATIONAL HEALTH (VARIATION OF BENEFITS) (No. 14) REGULATIONS
Citation.
1. These Regulations may be cited as the National Health (Variation of Benefits) (No. 14) Regulations.
National Health (Variation of Benefits) (No. 13) Regulation)—amendments.
2. The National Health (Variation of Benefits) (No. 13) Regulations† are amended as set out in the Schedule.
SCHEDULE Regulation 2
Amendments of the National Health (Variation of Benefits) (No. 13) Regulations
1. Insert in Schedule 2 of the above-mentioned Regulations, in the appropriate place in the table having regard to the number specified in the first column, each of the following items:—
“ 3268... | 27.50 | 5.00 ” |
“ 3393... | 12.00 | 5.00 ” |
“ 3400... | 22.50 | 5.00 ” |
“ 7146... | 37.00 | 5.00 ” |
“ 8479... | 40.00 | 5.00 ”. |
2. Insert in Schedule 3 of the above-mentioned Regulations, in the appropriate place in the table having regard to the number specified in the first column, each of the following items:—
“ 3268... | 40.50 | 5.00 ” |
“ 3393... | 12.00 | 5.00 ” |
“ 3400... | 22.50 | 5.00 ” |
“ 7146... | 37.00 | 5.00 ” |
“ 8479... | 40.00 | 5.00 ”. |
* Notified in the Australian Government Gazette on 22 April 1973.
† Statutory Rules 1973, No. 48.
Schedule—continued
3. Insert in Schedule 4 of the above-mentioned Regulations, in the appropriate place in the table having regard to the number specified in the first column, each of the following items:—
“ 3268. | 27.50 | 5.00 ” |
“ 3393. | 12.00 | 5.00 ” |
“ 3400. | 22.50 | 5.00 ” |
“ 7146. | 37.00 | 5.00 ” |
“ 8479. | 40.00 | 5.00 ”. |
4. Insert in Schedule 5 of the above-mentioned Regulations, in the appropriate place in the table having regard to the number specified in the first column, each of the following items:—
“ 3268. | 27.50 | 5.00 ” |
“ 3393. | 12.00 | 5.00 ” |
“ 3400. | 22.50 | 5.00 ” |
“ 7146. | 37.00 | 5.00 ” |
“ 8479. | 40.00 | 5.00 ”. |
5. Insert in Schedule 6 of the above-mentioned Regulations, in the appropriate place in the table having regard to the number specified in the first column, each of the following items:—
“ 3268... | 27.50 | 5.00 ” |
“ 3393... | 12.00 | 5.00 ” |
“ 3400... | 22.50 | 5.00 ” |
“ 7146... | 37.00 | 5.00 ” |
“ 8479... | 40.00 | 5.00 ”. |
6. Insert in Schedule 7 of the above-mentioned Regulations, in the appropriate place in the table having regard to the number specified in the first column, each of the following items:—
“ 3268.. | 21.50 | 5.00 ” |
“ 3393.. | 12.00 | 5.00 ” |
“ 3400.. | 22.50 | 5.00 ” |
“ 7146.. | 37.00 | 5.00 ” |
“ 8479.. | 40.00 | 5.00 ”. |
Overview
The National Health (Variation of Benefits) (No. 14) Regulations 1975 were enacted under the National Health Act 1953-1975. These regulations were introduced to amend the previous set of regulations (No. 13) by adjusting the benefits provided for certain health services, as outlined in the schedules. The enactment was authorised by the Governor-General of Australia, acting with the advice of the Executive Council, and was designed to provide more precise and up-to-date information regarding the variation of benefits for specified medical services and procedures. The policy objective behind these amendments appears to be the alignment of the benefits schedule with current medical practices and cost-effectiveness, ensuring that the services provided under the National Health Act remain relevant and adequately funded.
Scope and Application
The National Health (Variation of Benefits) (No. 14) Regulations, made under the National Health Act 1953-1975, amend the existing National Health (Variation of Benefits) (No. 13) Regulations to adjust the benefits associated with specific medical services and items listed in the schedules. These regulations apply to individuals and entities that provide healthcare services in Australia, including medical practitioners, hospitals, and allied health professionals, as well as those who administer and receive health benefits under the National Health Act. The geographic reach of these regulations is nationwide, ensuring uniformity in the benefits provided across the Commonwealth. There are no specific exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds mentioned in the text; however, the application of these regulations may be further defined or restricted through subordinate instruments or amendments to the underlying act.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the National Health (Variation of Benefits) (No. 14) Regulations (referred to as Regulation 2) involve amendments to the National Health (Variation of Benefits) (No. 13) Regulations. Specifically, Regulation 2 provides for the insertion of new items into Schedules 2 to 7 of the referenced Regulations, adjusting the benefit amounts for certain specified services. Each new item corresponds to a service number and details the revised benefit amount, structured in the format of service number, benefit amount, and an additional figure, likely representing a co-payment or a specific adjustment factor (e.g., “3268...27.505.00”).
The amendments imposed by these Regulations require adherence to the newly specified benefit amounts for the listed services. Any entity or individual involved in the provision or administration of health services under the National Health Act 1953-1975 must ensure that these updated figures are reflected in their billing and reimbursement processes. This includes healthcare providers, insurance companies, and other stakeholders who interact with the National Health system.
Failure to comply with these Regulations can lead to various consequences. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed within the provided text, typically, non-compliance with health-related regulations can result in fines, sanctions, or other administrative actions under the National Health Act. The exact penalties would depend on the severity and nature of the breach, but they could include civil penalties for incorrect billing or criminal charges for fraudulent activities. It is essential for all parties to understand and implement these changes to avoid any legal repercussions.