Ear health news

Read our latest news items related to ear health.

News

Hearing Services Program provider notice – Amendment to the Voucher Instrument

Notification of changes made by the Hearing Services Program (Voucher) Amendment (Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Matters) Instrument 2024.

Hearing Services Program provider notice – Practitioner changes following the ACAud and HAASA merger

Providers to note recent program updates to align with the merger of ACAud and HAASA.

Hearing Service Program 2024 Public Consultation

The Hearing Service Program publicly consulted on draft proposals to simplify and improve program service items and program standards. The results and themes are summarised here.

Hearing Services Program provider notice – Schedule of Service Items and Fees 2024–25

The Schedule of Service Items and Fees 2024–25 is available. There are new updates to evidence and service requirements.

New fact sheet for Hearing Services Program providers

We've added a new fact sheet for Hearing Services Program providers that addresses questions we've received about service delivery.

Hearing Services Program provider notice – Qualified practitioners

Providers must ensure that only qualified practitioners (QPs) deliver/supervise services to program clients. Providers must keep QP information in the Hearing Services Online portal (portal) up-to-date.

Hearing Services Program provider notice 2023-03 – Schedule of Service Items and Fees 2023–24

The Schedule of Service Items and Fees 2023–24 is available. The schedule has an updated format and new and updated information on several topics.

$7.5 million boost to hearing health research

The Australian Government has provided close to $7.5 million to support research into improving ear and hearing health. The grants fund 9 research projects focusing on the health and wellbeing of those living with hearing impairments and preventing hearing loss.

$6.5 million provided to support children with hearing loss

The Australian Government has provided $6.5 million to The Shepherd Centre, to address gaps in hearing services available to children with hearing loss. The funding will assist children and their families in New South Wales and Tasmania.

Hearing Services Program provider notice 2023-02 – Client relocations

When you request to relocate a client in the portal, you must first obtain and record client consent. The previous provider must send a complete client record to the requesting provider within 7 days.

Hearing Services Program provider notice 2023-01 – Summons and legal requests for client information

Service providers must not respond to external legal requests for program client information or release client files to external legal entities. Instead, notify us as we facilitate and handle all legal requests for access to client records.

Hearing Services Program provider notice 2022-06 – Schedule of Service Items and Fees 2022–2023

The Schedule of Service Items and Fees 2022–23 is available. There are new inclusions in the updated schedule and some service items can be delivered via telehealth.

Hearing Services Program provider notice 2022-05 – Updates to maintenance and consent and agreement information

There is a new maintenance agreement template available, which comes into effect on 1 July 2022. We have updated the maintenance services fact sheet. A documenting consent and agreement fact sheet is now available.

Hearing Services Program provider notice 2022-04 – Response to the current flood emergency

The program is monitoring flood affected areas and will work with service providers to ensure continuity of service should sites be affected. Service providers can contact the program on 1800 500 726 should they be affected by flooding.

Hearing Services Program provider notice 2022-03 – Temporary change to service requirements

The Schedule of Service Items and Fees (No. 1) 2022 is now available. Verbal maintenance agreements can be provided. The change to service requirements comes into effect 21 February 2022.

Hearing Services Program provider notice 2022-02 – Service requirements in 2022

Providers must comply with all program requirements, including the schedule of services items and fees. Providers must comply with mandatory state and territory Public Health Orders.

Hearing Services Program provider notice 2022-01 – Advertising and marketing

Familiarise yourself with program legislation and contractual obligations before publishing any promotional material. Review any existing advertising and marketing materials to ensure it is compliant with program requirements. Contact the program if you are unsure.

Report of the Independent review of the hearing services program

The final report of the Hearing Services Program review is available.

Hearing Services Program provider notice – Reminder for 1 January 2022

The Schedule of Service Items and Fees outlines the requirements related to services. The remaining COVID-19 special arrangements cease permanently from 1 January 2022. Non-compliant claims for services will be required to be reimbursed to the Commonwealth.

Help people hear better

Are you a healthcare professional caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
You could be eligible for EarTrain: a series of free training modules on how to identify, manage and treat ear disease and hearing loss.

Hearing Services Program Review

An Expert Panel will review the Hearing Services Program so it better meets the needs of vulnerable Australians affected by hearing loss.
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