Commonwealth Numbered Regulations - Explanatory Statements

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NATIONAL HEALTH REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT) 1998 NO. 18

STATUTORY RULES 1998 No. 18

Issued by authority of the Minister for Health and Family Services

National Health Act 1953

National Health Regulations (Amendment)

Section 140 of the National Health Act 1953 (the Act) provides that the Governor-General may make Regulations for the purposes of the Act.

Subsection 140(2) of the Act makes provision to preclude or modify, by National Health Regulation, certain benefits arrangements to permit pilot or demonstration schemes which could lead to an enhancement of the health insurance industry.

The National Health Regulations were amended with effect from 1 March 1997 (Statutory Rules 1997 No. 16) for a 12 month period, to set up a Domiciliary Palliative Care Program (the Program) designed to provide a palliative care service responsive to patient expectations for an improved quality of life during a most difficult and traumatic period. The 12 month period ceases at the end of 28 February 1998.

The Regulation provides for a 12 month extension, which will enable the Program to continue until the end of 28 February 1999. An extension of the Program is required to allow further work on evaluation instruments. This work is important, not just in the context of this specific Program, but for the future evaluation of similar early discharge and 'hospital in the home' programs currently underway.

The Regulation commenced on gazettal.