5Definitions

5  Definitions

  In this instrument:

Act means the Social Security Act 1991.

appropriately qualified medical practitioner means a medical practitioner whose qualifications and practice are relevant to diagnosing a particular condition.

assistance means assistance from another person rather than any aids, equipment or assistive technology the person may use, unless specified otherwise.

condition means a diagnosed medical condition or disorder.

descriptor means the information set out under the column headed “Descriptors” in each Table, describing the level of functional impact resulting from a condition.

health or allied health practitioner includes, but is not limited to, chiropractor, exercise physiologist, physiotherapist, psychologist, occupational therapist, osteopath, pharmacist, podiatrist, rehabilitation counsellor, or registered nurse.

health professional means an appropriately qualified medical practitioner or an allied health practitioner.

impairment means a loss of functional capacity affecting a person’s ability to work that results from the person’s condition.

impairment rating is the number in the column in a Table headed “Points” corresponding to a descriptor, which are set out in Part 3 of this instrument.

significant functional improvement is improvement that is likely to enable the person to undertake work in the next 2 years.

Tables means the tables relating to the assessment of work-related impairment for disability support pension which are set out in Part 3 of this instrument.

treating doctor means the medical practitioner who has, or has had, the responsibility for the treatment of a person’s condition.