AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH

AMENDMENTS OF THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY HEALTH COMMISSION

(CHARGES) REGULATIONS

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

No. 7 of 1978

	The Minister of State for Health has amended the Health Commission (Charges) Regulations under the Health Commission Ordinance 1975 to increase charges for dental services provided by the Commission at health centres and to increase ambulance transport charges for non-members of the Commission’s Ambulance Subscription Scheme.

	The charges for dental treatment provided by the Commission at health centres are based on the Government-approved fees payable for similar services rendered by private dental practitioners on behalf of Commonwealth Departments and Authorities.  During March 1978 approval was given for another increase in the Government approved scale of fees for Dental Services upon which the Commission dental charges are based.  It is expected therefore that the schedule of fees which is incorporated in these amendments will again be amended within the next three months.

	Charges for non-members of the Commission’s Ambulance Subscription Scheme are aligned with comparable rates and charges raised by the NSW Ambulance services.  Because of the increases in NSW, the Charges Regulations have been amended to increase the rates applicable to non-members of the Subscription Scheme in the ACT, where applicable, with the new NSW charges.  The Minimum Charge has been increased from $40 to $50 and for journeys over 16km. the charge has been increased from $40 plus $1 for every kilometre over 16km. to $50 plus $1.30 for every kilometre over 16km.  The new charge for attendance of an ambulance at sporting and other public functions will be $75 for every period of four hours or part thereof instead of $100 for every period of eight hours or part thereof.