Update #1 Aged Care Bill

What’s happened: The now passed Aged Care Bill , introduced to Parliament on 12 September 2024, is expected to commence on 1 July 2025, replacing the Aged Care Act 1997 and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act 2018.

 

What led to it: In the words of the Government, “The Royal Commission found the current Aged Care Act and its related legislation is no longer fit for purpose. This is because it is structured around providers and how to fund them, rather than around the people accessing services and what they need. The new rights-based Act will put older people who need aged care at the centre of the system.”

 

What it means: This represents a transformative step forward for aged care, focusing on:

  • Empowering older Australians by prioritising their rights and needs.
  • Simplifying access through a single-entry point with clear eligibility requirements.
  • Enhancing accountability via a strengthened regulatory framework for quality care.

 

While allied health remains a requirement, unresolved issues exist around allocated minutes, funding, and consistency in how services are recorded across residential aged care facilities. The coming months will be critical for ensuring podiatry has a strong foothold in this evolving space.

Update #2 Support at Home program

What happened: Aligned with the new Act, the Support at Home program will launch on 1 July 2025.

 

What led to it: This was a recommendation from the Royal Commission and is due to be legislated.

 

What it means: While this new program promises a streamlined approach, the lack of operational clarity for allied health professions remains an ongoing concern. The Australian Podiatry Association is closely monitoring updates and will participate in consultations to advocate for podiatry’s role in home care.

Update #3 Medicare update

What happened: Changes to the Medicare Benefit Schedule’s (MBS) Chronic Disease Management arrangements have been delayed to 1 July 2025. Originally slated for 1 November 2024, this delay follows concerns over the extent of implementation and planning required.

 

What led to it: These reforms stem from the “Building a Stronger Medicare” initiative outlined in the 2023-24 Budget. With implementation now pushed post-2025 Budget, further developments may align with the Scope of Practice Review.

 

What it means: That remains to be fully realised at the time of writing. The Australian Podiatry Association will continue to monitor this situation, to provide updates on potential changes and more news comes to light.

Update #4 Aged Care Quality Standards

What happened: The strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, set to accompany the new Aged Care Act, outlines expectations for care delivery, including allied health services such as podiatry.

 

What led to it: This is another outcome of the Royal Commission and its recommendations. The goal being, to deliver person-centred aged care that respects the needs of Older Australians.

 

What it means: Contracted podiatrists may face increased compliance and administrative requirements as the system moves closer to a NDIS-like regulation and quality assurance model.

Update #5 Capital PHN – Community of practice – MDT diabetes in primary care

 

What happened: The APodA recently participated in a Primary Health Network (PHN) pre-workshop focused on piloting multidisciplinary (MDT) allied health services for patients who cannot afford gap payments, and who are at risk of diabetes complications.

What led to it: APodA understands the significance of PHNs, especially Capital Health Network, which is the ACT’s sole PHN. Through this continued support, the APodA can, in turn, help to support podiatrists in addressing funding barriers and scheme limitations.

What it means: These collaborative efforts will support the development of a proposed a pilot program, with more information to come to hand as updates emerge.

Update #6 New Doctor of Pharmacy title

What happened: In October APodA was asked to submit a letter of support. Understanding the significance of this level of qualification, the APodA was happy to offer its support. In late November, Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler MP, announced the establishment of a new Level 9 Masters of Pharmacy (Extended) qualification last week.

 

What it means: This latest development is significant as it means that upon completion, graduates will earn the title of Doctor of Pharmacy. The five-year program will include advanced training in areas like prescribing and chronic disease management. This is a great example of identifying opportunities to strengthen APodA partnerships and overall better health outcomes for all Australians.

 

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