11.1Rehabilitation Appliances Program

11.1 Rehabilitation Appliances Program

11.1.1 The Commission may provide:

(a) a surgical appliance; and

(b) an appliance for self‑help and rehabilitation purposes;

to an entitled person, for an injury or disease of the person, unless the appliance could be provided to the person, for that injury or disease, by the Commission under a Part of the Act, other than Part 3 of Chapter 6 of the Act, or under DRCA.

Note (1): an appliance could be provided as part of a rehabilitation program under Chapter 3 of the Act or as a modification to a motor vehicle under Chapter 4 of the Act and could be provided under Part III or s.148 of DRCA (but not under s.16(1) by virtue of s.144B(5) DRCA).

Note (2): the Commission providing an appliance means the Commission arranges for its provision or accepts financial responsibility for the cost of the appliance where its provision is arranged by a third party.

Note (3): the RAP National Schedule of Equipment and the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) National Guidelines are DVA documents that provide guidance to the Commission and to prescribers and suppliers in relation to the provision of surgical aids and appliances for self‑help and rehabilitation to entitled persons.

11.1.2 The aim of the Rehabilitation Appliances Program is to restore, facilitate or maintain functional independence and/or minimise disability or dysfunction as part of the provision of quality care to entitled persons.

11.1.3 Appliances shall be provided:

(a) according to an assessed clinically indicated need; and

(b) in an efficient manner of delivery; and

(c) towards meeting health care objectives; and

(d) in a cost effective manner; and

(e) on a timely basis.

11.1.4 An appliance that is provided should be:

(a) appropriate for its purpose; and

(b) safe for the particular entitled beneficiary; and

(c) part of the overall management of health care for the entitled person;

and likely to facilitate the independence and/or self‑reliance of the entitled person based on an assessment of clinical need by an appropriately qualified health professional.