{"id":"F2020L00030","name":"Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services – Mental Health Services for Bushfire Response) Determination 2020","slug":"health-insurance-section-3c-general-medical-services-mental-health-services-for-bushfire-response-de","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"repealed","isInForce":false,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":100573,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2020L00030-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"Repealed","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1. Name","sectionType":"section","heading":"1. Name","content":"#### 1. Name\n\n This instrument is the Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services – Mental Health Services for Bushfire Response) Determination 2020.","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"3. Authority","sectionType":"section","heading":"3. Authority","content":"#### 3. Authority\n\n This instrument is made under subsection 3C(1) of the Health Insurance Act 1973.","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"3A. Cessation","sectionType":"section","heading":"3A. Cessation","content":"#### 3A. Cessation\n\n Unless earlier revoked, this instrument ceases as if revoked on 30 June 2022 at 11.59pm.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"4. Definitions","sectionType":"section","heading":"4. Definitions","content":"#### 4. Definitions\n\n(1) In this instrument:\n\naffected by bushfire means an adverse change in the patient’s mental health as a result of a bushfire which occurred in the 2019‑20 financial year.\n\neligible clinical psychologist has the same meaning as in the Health Insurance (Allied Health Services) Determination 2014.\n\neligible occupational therapist has the same meaning as in the Health Insurance (Allied Health Services) Determination 2014.\n\neligible psychologist has the same meaning as in the Health Insurance (Allied Health Services) Determination 2014.\n\neligible social worker has the same meaning as in the Health Insurance (Allied Health Services) Determination 2014.\n\nfocussed psychological strategies means any of the following mental health care management strategies, each of which has been derived from evidence‑based psychological therapies:\n\n(a) psycho‑education;\n\n(b) cognitive‑behavioural therapy that involves cognitive or behavioural interventions;\n\n(c) relaxation strategies;\n\n(d) skills training;\n\n(e) interpersonal therapy;\n\n(f) narrative therapy.\n\nmental health service for bushfires means an item in Schedule 1 of this Determination.\n\nrelevant provisions means all provisions, of the Act and regulations made under the Act, and the National Health Act 1953 and regulations made under the National Health Act 1953, relating to medical services, professional services or items.\n\nSchedule means a Schedule to this instrument.\n\nNote: The following terms are defined in subsection 3(1) of the Act:\n\n- clinically relevant service;\n- general medical services table;\n- item;\n- medical practitioner;\n- professional service.\n\n(2) Unless the contrary intention appears, a reference in this instrument to a provision of the Act or the National Health Act 1953 or regulations made under the Act or under the National Health Act 1953 as applied, adopted or incorporated in relation to specifying a matter is a reference to those provisions as in force from time to time and any other reference to provisions of an Act or regulations is a reference to those provisions as in force from time to time.","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"5. Treatment of relevant services","sectionType":"section","heading":"5. Treatment of relevant services","content":"#### 5\\. Treatment of relevant services\n\nFor subsection 3C(1) of the Act, a relevant service, provided in accordance with this instrument and as a clinically relevant service, is to be treated, for the relevant provisions, as if:\n\n(a) it were both a professional service and a medical service; and\n\n(b) there were an item in the general medical services table that:\n\n related to the service; and\n specified for the service a fee in relation to each State, being the fee specified in the Schedule in relation to the service.","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"6. Application of provisions of the gene","sectionType":"section","heading":"6. Application of provisions of the general medical services table","content":"#### 6\\. Application of provisions of the general medical services table\n\n (1) Clause 1.2.5 of the general medical services table shall have effect as if items 91283, 91285, 91286, 91287, 91371, 91372, 91721, 91723, 91725, 91727, 91729 and 91731 of this Determination were specified in subclause 1.2.5(1) of the general medical services table.\n (2) Clause 1.2.6 of the general medical services table shall have effect as if items 91283, 91285, 91286, 91287, 91371, 91372, 91721, 91723, 91725, 91727, 91729 and 91731 of this Determination were also specified in subclause 1.2.6(1).\n (3) Clause 1.2.7 of the general medical services table shall have effect as if items 91283, 91285, 91286, 91287, 91371, 91372, 91721, 91723, 91725, 91727, 91729 and 91731 of this Determination were also specified in subclause 1.2.7(1).","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"7. Mental health services for bushfire l","sectionType":"section","heading":"7. Mental health services for bushfire limits","content":"#### 7. Mental health services for bushfire limits\n\n (1) For any particular patient, items in Schedule 1 of this Determination apply only if the service is one of the first 10 mental health services for bushfires provided to the patient in the calendar year.\n\nSchedule 1 – relevant services\n\nDivision 1.1 – Services and fees – allied health mental health services\n\n1.1.1 – Application of allied health mental health services\n\n (1) For any particular patient, items in Division 1.1 only apply if a private health insurance benefit has not been claimed for the service.\n\n```html\n

Group M17 – Bushfire Recovery Access Initiative – Psychologist Services and Allied Health Focussed Psychological Strategies

Item

Description

Fee ($)

91000

Psychological therapy health service provided to a patient in consulting rooms (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible clinical psychologist if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is provided to the patient individually and in person; and

(c) the service is at least 30 minutes but less than 50 minutes duration

103.80

91001

Psychological therapy health service provided to a patient (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible clinical psychologist if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is provided to the patient individually; and

(c) the attendance is by video conference; and

(d) the patient is not an admitted patient; and

(e) the service is at least 30 minutes but less than 50 minutes duration

103.80

91005

Psychological therapy health service provided to a patient at a place other than consulting rooms (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible clinical psychologist in accordance with the requirements of item 91000

129.70

91010

Psychological therapy health service provided to a patient in consulting rooms (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible clinical psychologist if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is provided to the patient individually and in person; and

(c) the service is at least 50 minutes duration

152.40

91011

Psychological therapy health service provided to a patient (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible clinical psychologist if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is provided to the patient individually; and

(c) the attendance is by video conference; and

(d) the patient is not an admitted patient; and

(e) the service is at least 50 minutes duration

152.40

91015

Psychological therapy health service provided to a patient at a place other than consulting rooms (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible clinical psychologist in accordance with the requirements of item 91010

178.30

91100

Focussed psychological strategies health service provided to a patient in consulting rooms (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible psychologist if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is provided to the patient individually and in person; and

(c) the service is at least 20 minutes but less than 50 minutes duration

73.55

91101

Focussed psychological strategies health service provided to a patient (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible psychologist if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is provided to the patient individually; and

(c) the attendance is by video conference; and

(d) the patient is not an admitted patient; and

(e) the service is at least 20 minutes but less than 50 minutes duration

73.55

91105

Focussed psychological strategies health service provided to a patient at a place other than consulting rooms (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible psychologist in accordance with the requirements of item 91100

100.05

91110

Focussed psychological strategies health service provided to a patient in consulting rooms (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible psychologist if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is provided to the patient individually and in person; and

(c) the service is at least 50 minutes duration

103.80

91111

Focussed psychological strategies health service provided to a patient (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible psychologist if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is provided to the patient individually; and

(c) the attendance is by video conference; and

(d) the patient is not an admitted patient; and

(e) the service is at least 50 minutes duration

103.80

91115

Focussed psychological strategies health service provided to a patient at a place other than consulting rooms (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible psychologist in accordance with the requirements of item 91110

130.35

91125

Focussed psychological strategies health service provided to a patient in consulting rooms (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible occupational therapist if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is provided to the patient individually and in person; and

(c) the service is at least 20 minutes but less than 50 minutes duration

64.80

91126

Focussed psychological strategies health service provided to a patient (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible occupational therapist if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is provided to the patient individually; and

(c) the attendance is by video conference; and

(d) the patient is not an admitted patient; and

(e) the service is at least 20 minutes but less than 50 minutes duration

64.80

91130

Focussed psychological strategies health service provided to a patient at a place other than consulting rooms (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible occupational therapist in accordance with the requirements of item 91125

91.25

91135

Focussed psychological strategies health service provided to a patient in consulting rooms (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible occupational therapist if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is provided to the patient individually and in person; and

(c) the service is at least 50 minutes duration

91.50

91136

Focussed psychological strategies health service provided to a patient (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible occupational therapist if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is provided to the patient individually; and

(c) the attendance is by video conference; and

(d) the patient is not an admitted patient; and

(e) the service is at least 50 minutes duration

91.50

91140

Focussed psychological strategies health service provided to a patient at a place other than consulting rooms (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible occupational therapist in accordance with the requirements of item 91135

117.95

91150

Focussed psychological strategies health service provided to a patient in consulting rooms (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible social worker if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is provided to the patient individually and in person; and

(c) the service is at least 20 minutes but less than 50 minutes duration

64.80

91151

Focussed psychological strategies health service provided to a patient (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible social worker if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is provided to the patient individually; and

(c) the attendance is by video conference; and

(d) the patient is not an admitted patient; and

(e) the service is at least 20 minutes but less than 50 minutes duration

64.80

91155

Focussed psychological strategies health service provided to a patient at a place other than consulting rooms (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible social worker in accordance with the requirements of item 91150

91.25

91160

Focussed psychological strategies health service provided to a patient in consulting rooms (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible social worker if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is provided to the patient individually and in person; and

(c) the service is at least 50 minutes duration

91.50

91161

Focussed psychological strategies health service provided to a patient (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible social worker if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is provided to the patient individually; and

(c) the attendance is by video conference; and

(d) the patient is not an admitted patient; and

(e) the service is at least 50 minutes duration

91.50

91165

Focussed psychological strategies health service provided to a patient at a place other than consulting rooms (but not as an admitted patient of a hospital) by an eligible social worker in accordance with the requirements of item 91160

117.95

\n```\n\n \n\nDivision 1.2 – Services and fees – general practitioner mental health services\n\n1.2.1 Meaning of amount under table 1.2.1\n\n(1) An amount under table 1.2.1, for an item mentioned in column 1 of table 1.2.1, means the sum of:\n\n(a) the fee for the item mentioned in column 2 of the table; and\n\n(b) either:\n\n(i) if not more than 6 patients are attended at a single attendance—the amount mentioned in column 3 for the item, divided by the number of patients attended; or\n\n(ii) if more than 6 patients are attended at a single attendance—the amount mentioned in column 4 for the item.\n\n```html\n

Table 1.2.1 – Amount under clause 1.2.1

Item

Column 1

Item of the table

Column 2

Fee

Column 3

Amount if not more than 6 patients (to be divided by the number of patients) ($)

Column 4

Amount if more than 6 patients ($)

1

91723

The fee for item 91721

31.75

2.45

2

91727

The fee for item 91725

31.75

2.45

\n```\n\n1.2.2 Application of items 91721, 91723, 91725, 91727, 91729, 91731\n\n(1) Items 91721, 91723, 91725, 91727, 91729, 91731 apply to a service which:\n\n(b) is provided by a general practitioner:\n\n(i) whose name is entered in the register maintained by the Chief Executive Medicare under section 33 of the Human Services (Medicare) Regulations 2017; and\n\n(ii) who is identified in the register as a medical practitioner who can provide services to which Subgroup 2 of Group A20 of the general medical services table or items 91721, 91723, 91725, 91727, 91729, 91731 applies; and\n\n(iii) who meets any training and skills requirements, as determined by the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration for providing services to which Subgroup 2 of Group A20 of the general medical services table or items 91721, 91723, 91725, 91727, 91729, 91731 applies.\n\n```html\n

Group A39 – Bushfire Recovery Access Initiative – GP and Medical Practitioner Focussed Psychological Strategies

Item

Description

Fee ($)

91721

Professional attendance at consulting rooms by a general practitioner (not including a specialist or a consultant physician), for providing focussed psychological strategies for mental health services to a patient with mental health issues, if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is at least 30 minutes but less than 40 minutes duration

113.50

91723

Professional attendance at a place other than consulting rooms by a general practitioner (not including a specialist or a consultant physician), for providing focussed psychological strategies for mental health services to a patient with mental health issues, if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is at least 30 minutes but less than 40 minutes duration

Amount under clause 1.2.1

91725

Professional attendance at consulting rooms by a general practitioner (not including a specialist or a consultant physician), for providing focussed psychological strategies for mental health services to a patient with mental health issues, if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is at least 40 minutes duration

162.45

91727

Professional attendance at a place other than consulting rooms by a general practitioner (not including a specialist or a consultant physician), for providing focussed psychological strategies for mental health services to a patient with mental health issues, if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is at least 40 minutes duration

Amount under clause 1.2.1

91729

Professional attendance at consulting rooms by a general practitioner, for providing focussed psychological strategies for mental health services to a patient with mental health issues, if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the attendance is by video conference; and

(c) the service is at least 30 minutes but less than 40 minutes duration

113.50

91731

Professional attendance at consulting rooms by a general practitioner, for providing focussed psychological strategies for mental health services to a patient with mental health issues, if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the attendance is by video conference; and

(c) the service is at least 40 minutes duration

162.45

\n```\n\n \n\nDivision 1.3 – Services and fees – Non‑specialist Practitioner mental health services\n\n1.3.1 Definitions in Division 1.3\n\n (1) For the purpose of Division 1.3.1, the meaning of medical practitioner has the same meaning as in the Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services – Other Medical Practitioner) Determination 2018.\n\n(2) An amount under table 1.3.1, for an item mentioned in column 1 of table 1.3.1, means the sum of:\n\n(a) the fee for the item mentioned in column 2 of the table; and\n\n(b) either:\n\n(i) if not more than 6 patients are attended at a single attendance—the amount mentioned in column 3 for the item, divided by the number of patients attended; or\n\n(ii) if more than 6 patients are attended at a single attendance—the amount mentioned in column 4 for the item.\n\n```html\n

Table 1.3.1—Amount under clause 1.3.1

Item

Column 1

Item of the table

Column 2

Fee

Column 3

Amount if not more than 6 patients (to be divided by the number of patients) ($)

Column 4

Amount per patient if more than 6 patients ($)

1

91285

The fee for item 91283

25.40

1.95

2

91287

The fee for item 91286

25.40

1.95

\n```\n\n1.3.2 Application of items 91283, 91285, 91286, 91287, 91371 and 91372\n\n(1) Items 91283, 91285, 91286, 91287, 91371 and 91372 apply to a service which:\n\n(a) is provided by a medical practitioner:\n\n(i) whose name is entered in the register maintained by the Chief Executive Medicare under section 33 of the Human Services (Medicare) Regulations 2017; and\n\n(ii) who is identified in the register as a medical practitioner who can provide services to which Subgroup 2 of Group A20 of the general medical services table or items 91283, 91285, 91286, 91287, 91371 and 91372 applies; and\n\n(iii) who meets any training and skills requirements, as determined by the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration for providing services to which Subgroup 2 of Group A20 of the general medical services table or items 91283, 91285, 91286, 91287, 91371 and 91372 applies.\n\n```html\n

Group A39 – Bushfire Recovery Access Initiative – GP and Medical Practitioner Focussed Psychological Strategies

Item

Description

Fee($)

91283

Professional attendance at consulting rooms by a medical practitioner, for providing focussed psychological strategies for mental health services to a patient with mental health issues, if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is at least 30 minutes but less than 40 minutes duration

90.80

91285

Professional attendance at a place other than consulting rooms by a medical practitioner, for providing focussed psychological strategies for mental health services to a patient with mental health issues, if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is at least 30 minutes but less than 40 minutes duration

Amount under clause 1.3.1

91286

Professional attendance at consulting rooms by a medical practitioner, for providing focussed psychological strategies for mental health services to a patient with mental health issues, if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is at least 40 minutes duration

129.95

91287

Professional attendance at a place other than consulting rooms by a medical practitioner, for providing focussed psychological strategies for mental health services to a patient with mental health issues, if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the service is at least 40 minutes duration

Amount under clause 1.3.1

91371

Professional attendance at consulting rooms by a medical practitioner, for providing focussed psychological strategies for mental health services to a patient with mental health issues, if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the attendance is by video conference; and

(c) the patient is not an admitted patient; and

(d) the service is at least 30 minutes but less than 40 minutes duration

90.80

91372

Professional attendance at consulting rooms by a medical practitioner, for providing focussed psychological strategies for mental health services to a patient with mental health issues, if:

(a) the patient is affected by bushfire; and

(b) the attendance is by video conference; and

(c) the patient is not an admitted patient; and

(d) the service is at least 40 minutes duration

129.95

\n```","sortOrder":6}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"_metrics":{"model":"kimi-k2.5","source":"moonshot-realtime","completionTokens":1577},"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation maintained a narrow, targeted scope consistent with its title and purpose. It was strictly limited to mental health services for bushfire response during the 2019-20 financial year, with clear sunset provisions and eligibility criteria tied specifically to bushfire-related mental health impacts."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple cross-references to other legislative instruments (Health Insurance Act 1973, National Health Act 1953, Allied Health Services Determination 2014)","Incorporation by reference of defined terms from external determinations","Tabular fee structures with conditional calculations (e.g., different rates for 6 or fewer patients vs more than 6 patients)","Provider-specific eligibility requirements linked to separate registration and training standards","Temporal limitations and service caps (10 services per calendar year, automatic cessation on 30 June 2022)","Multiple service modalities (in-person, video conference, non-consulting room locations) with distinct item numbers and fees"],"plain_english_summary":"This Determination created temporary Medicare rebates for people whose mental health worsened because of the 2019–20 bushfires, letting them access subsidised psychological care quickly. It covered allied health (psychologists, OT, social work) and GP/medical practitioner focused-psychological sessions — up to 10 rebated services per calendar year, deliverable in person or via telehealth, and barred double-claiming with private insurance. It was a short-term emergency measure that expired on 30 June 2022, removing the usual administrative barrier to care during crisis."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This instrument temporarily adds specific Medicare items for bushfire‑related mental health services and sets fees, eligibility and limits. It does not amend the broader Health Insurance Act or expand Medicare beyond the specified bushfire‑affected patient cohort and the listed professional groups; its scope is confined to the terms, items and time limit in the Determination."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple provider types (clinical psychologists, psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, GPs, other medical practitioners) with distinct item lists and eligibility rules (Divisions 1.1–1.3).","Numerous item numbers and fee rates tied to time bands, location (consulting rooms, other places) and mode (in‑person vs video), increasing billing permutations (Schedule & Group tables).","Cross‑references to external instruments and registers: Health Insurance (Allied Health Services) Determination 2014, Medicare register and Human Services (Medicare) Regulations, and General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration training requirements (1.2.2, 1.3.2).","Group attendance fee calculations that depend on number of patients at a single attendance, requiring per‑patient apportionment (tables 1.2.1, 1.3.1).","Temporal and usage limits: instrument cessation date (3A) and per‑patient cap of first 10 bushfire services per calendar year (cl 7), which interact with ongoing care pathways.","Administrative verification burdens: establishing a patient is “affected by bushfire”, confirming provider eligibility/training, and enforcing the private health insurance prohibition for allied items (Div 1.1).","Application of general medical services table provisions (cl 6) — requires systems to treat these items as both professional and medical services for existing Medicare rules (s5)."],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument creates a temporary set of Medicare items for mental health care tied to the 2019–20 bushfires: defined services for eligible psychologists, allied‑health practitioners and general/non‑specialist medical practitioners, with fees and delivery modes (in‑person, home, video) specified and treated as items in the general medical services table (s5). It runs until 30 June 2022. Providers must be registered and meet training requirements (1.2.2, 1.3.2); allied items cannot have private health insurance claimed (Div 1.1); each patient is limited to the first 10 services per calendar year (cl 7)."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/health-insurance-section-3c-general-medical-services-mental-health-services-for-bushfire-response-de","history":"/api/acts/health-insurance-section-3c-general-medical-services-mental-health-services-for-bushfire-response-de/history","analysis":"/api/acts/health-insurance-section-3c-general-medical-services-mental-health-services-for-bushfire-response-de/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/health-insurance-section-3c-general-medical-services-mental-health-services-for-bushfire-response-de/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/health-insurance-section-3c-general-medical-services-mental-health-services-for-bushfire-response-de/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/health-insurance-section-3c-general-medical-services-mental-health-services-for-bushfire-response-de/documents"}}