19Decisions by the Minister

19 Decisions by the Minister

(1) The Minister may decide: (a) to accredit an entity; or (b) to refuse to accredit an entity.

Note: A decision made by the Minister under this section is subject to reconsideration by the Minister and review by the Administrative Review Tribunal: see sections 29 and 35 of the Act.

(2) The Minister must notify the entity of a decision to accredit or refuse to accredit the entity under subsection (1). (3) The Minister may decide to accredit an entity if the Minister considers that accreditation is in the best interests of persons receiving hearing services under the Act, having regard to the following matters: (a) the standard of the services provided by the entity, including: (i) the competency of the qualified practitioners employed by the entity; (ii) whether the entity has appropriate systems and processes in place to protect client’s personal and health information; (iii) the standard of the premises in which the services will be provided; (b) any other matters that might affect the standard, delivery or claiming of services. (4) Accreditation may be subject to conditions. (5) At any later time, the Minister may by notice in writing to the contracted service provider: (a) revoke or vary a condition of accreditation; or (b) impose a further condition of accreditation. (6) If a contracted service provider has contravened the Act, this instrument, its service provider contract or the schedule of service items and fees, the Minister may by notice in writing to the contracted service provider cancel its accreditation. (7) Before making a decision under subsection (5) or (6) the Minister may: (a) notify the contracted service provider that the Minister is considering exercising the power under subsection (5) or (6); and (b) invite the contracted service provider to make a written submission within 20 business days of when the notice is received as to why the intended action should not be taken.