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Pathology Funding Agreement

Genetics Working Party Terms of Reference

The terms of reference that govern the functioning of the Genetics Working Party

Downloadable version of this document (PDF 152 KB)

1. Background

The Australian Government subsidises access to health services, including pathology services, for Australians, with the responsibility to ensure that this funding represents value for money for Australian taxpayers. As accountability for the value of funding, including funding of the Medicare Benefits Schedule, ultimately rests with the Australian Government, the Government retains responsibility for setting in place policy and regulations that ensure this.
The Pathology Funding Agreement has been established to provide a cooperative framework in order to achieve key objectives for both the Government and the sector. As such, Parties to the Agreement have agreed to be involved discussions on developing a national approach to genetic testing including consideration of financing.

2. The Role of the Genetics Working Party

The role of the Genetics Working Party (GWP) is to review the current genetic testing arrangements in Australia, and provide advice to the Department by 30 December 2012. Specifically, the GWP will:

• Work with the Department to assist in researching and providing advice on:
  • the current genetic testing arrangements in Australia (State and Commonwealth, public and private), and approaches to genetic testing employed overseas, as relevant, including funding mechanisms;
  • patient access to genetic testing in Australia, including barriers to access;
  • the genetic tests that are currently being undertaken in Australia and overseas for Australian patients, with volume and cost data where available and appropriate; and
  • the appropriateness of the genetic tests currently available, including those on the Pathology Services Table, and the effectiveness of current processes for evaluating new genetic tests (including co-dependent tests etc.).
• Assist in the provision of advice in relation to those issues which are central to a new testing framework, and those which are peripheral.
• Assist in the provision of advice in relation to:
  • the future role of overseas laboratories in genetic testing for Australian patients;
  • improvements to patient access to genetic testing and associated services (such as counselling) in Australia;
  • alternative service framework/s, centred on testing pathways, for the provision of genetic tests in Australia, taking into consideration issues of quality, effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, economies of scale, and patient equity of access;
  • possible funding models best suited to address both current and emerging areas of genetic testing, with an evidence based approach to health technology assessment;
  • data storage, access and utilisation; and
  • emerging and future issues such as new genetic and genomic tests and technologies.

In developing this advice, and in recognition of the States being significant funders of genetic services, the GWP will remain mindful of the National Health Reform Agreement, including Clause 15

3. Membership

Members of GWP are required to have relevant expertise. This includes, but is not limited to:

• knowledge of the current genetic testing and funding processes in both the Government and non-Government sectors;
• business expertise in relation to genetic testing and how it is currently funded;
• expertise in technologies relevant to genetic testing, including pre-implantation genetic diagnosis;
• knowledge of emerging genetic testing technologies and in Australia and overseas;
• an awareness of existing Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) processes, and how they apply to pathology services; and/or
• knowledge of consumer experiences of genetic testing.

4. Responsibilities of Members

Members of GWP have a responsibility to:

• provide professional and appropriate input to the business of the committee through participation in meetings, teleconferences, out-of-session discussions etc;
• identify and declare any real or potential conflicts of interest to the Chair ahead of undertaking tasks for GWP or as soon as they become aware of them; and
• where appropriate, determine any representational organisation’s policy on issues under consideration by the committee and present it, clearly identified as a representational view; and
• consult broadly on issues discussed at GWP meetings, except where confidential issues are identified.

Members are aware that the GWP is not a decision-making body. Members will endeavour to achieve consensus views, where required. If consensus is not achievable, the GWP will work with the Department to articulate the differences in views.

5. Reporting to the Department

The GWP will provide reports on its activities to the Department on a quarterly basis, and as requested. The Department will use these reports to advise other areas of its business, including the Pathology Agreement Advisory Committee (PAAC) and MSAC.

Final Report

The GWP will be expected to contribute to a report to the Department by 30 December 2012. This report will be developed in collaboration with the consultant and the Department. It should include:

• an outline of current genetic testing arrangements in Australia;
• an outline of key issues for consideration in developing a national approach to genetic testing arrangements;
• a framework for consideration of emerging and future issues, such as new genetic tests and technologies;
• a framework for consideration of funding model(s) for genetic testing arrangements; and
• a framework for consideration of any potential impact on the Government(s), pathology providers, requesting doctors, patients and other relevant areas of the health system.

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