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Document
Premier's Memorandum No 2001 - 11
Transcript:
Premier of New South Wales
Australia
MEMORANDUM NO 2001 - 11
REVISED 'FITNESS TO CONTINUE' PROCEDURES
HEALTHQUEST AND OTHER APPROVED PROVIDERS
The following revised procedures arose from an independent review of HealthQuest commissioned by the Department of Health during 2000. While the procedures were developed in response to this review, they apply to requests for 'fitness to continue' services from the Government Medical Officer (GMO) or an approved medical practitioner.
The review canvassed major issues relating to:
- Current internal processes and controls in the operation of HealthQuest
- HealthQuest's relationship with referring agencies and
- The identification of best practice to ensure adherence to the principles of accountability, transparency and procedural justice.
A working party was established to consider the findings and recommendations made from the review. Representatives included the Premier's Department, HealthQuest, the Ombudsman's Office, the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Central Sydney Area Health Service, in consultation with the major public sector unions.
The recommendations approved by the working party have been incorporated into the attached procedures. This Memorandum supersedes Premier's Memorandum 98-1.
As a result of the review of HealthQuest, significant enhancements have been made to procedures relating to employer referrals, employee consultation processes and documentation requirements. In addition, minimum standards have been established to ensure that employee referral procedures are consistent whether agencies use the services of the GMO or other approved medical practitioners.
It is critical to the success of the review of HealthQuest that these procedures are brought to the attention of all Departments and other authorities within your portfolio, including Government Trading Enterprises and State Owned Corporations.
[signature]
Bob Carr
Premier
Issued by: Public Sector Management Office
Contact Mr Gary McGrath
Ph: 9228-4381
Email: gary.mcgrath@premiers.nsw.gov.au
Date: 5 Sept 2001