Aged Care Access Initiative
The Aged Care Access Initiative (ACAI) was announced in the 2008-09 Federal Budget to replace the Aged Care GP Panel Initiative. The first ACAI contract was funded in 2008-9 and has been renewed for the period 2009-11. The aim of the ACAI is to improve access to primary care (GP and allied health services) for residents of aged care facilities through:
- provision of an incentive payment through the Practice Incentives Program (PIP) to encourage GPs to provide more services in RACFs. The PIP payments will be administered through Medicare Australia; and
- a payment for clinical care provided by Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) in RACFs, where these services are not currently covered by Medicare or other government funding arrangements. This component is managed by State Based Organisations, in NSW; General Practice NSW (GP NSW).
Aged Care Access Initiative Allied Health Services Component
GP NSW is responsible to DoHA for the management and delivery of the allied health component of the Aged Care Access Initiative in NSW. This includes providing a state-wide needs assessment for the 2009-10 contract period, program plan and budget for implementation of the initiative. GP NSW must also provide program reporting to the Department on NSW Division activities under the Initiative.
GP NSW contracts with participating NSW Divisions to purchase allied health services locally under the Initiative. Program delivery, budget and reporting expectations are specified in each contract.
To develop a plan, Divisions work with local RACFs and AHPs and draw on information from the 2008-9 needs assessment and past experience. Where applicable the planning processes will also consider the More Allied Health Services (MAHS) Program and other relevant existing local programs.
Click here for The Aged Care Access Initiative Program Guidelines July 2009.
Other Aged Care Activities
GP NSW will provide support and advocacy for NSW Divisions around aged care related issues and activities. This will include liaison and communication with key stakeholders including peak aged care provider bodies and NSW State Health.
More Information
To find out more about Aged Care, contact Sarah Bradfield at General Practice NSW on 02 9239 2912 or email sarahbradfield@gpnsw.com.au