News: 16 May 2013

NSW WorkCover Changes

New fee schedule for psychologist's services applies from 1 January 2013. The increases in fees chargeable can be found at http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/psychology-fees-order-2013-3943.pdf

Major reforms with amendments to the current legislation passed through Parliament on 22 June 2012. NSW WorkCover has issued information and links to guidelines on the newly introduced work capacity assessments and changes to payments and conditions from 1 October 2012 and other changes from 1 January 2013. All can be found at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au

NSW WorkCover Workshops

It is over three years since the WorkCover NSW Psychologists and Counsellors Regulatory Framework commenced on 1 January 2010 and the APS commenced delivery of mandatory training workshops. In order to become a WorkCover treatment provider it is necessary to have an approval number issued by WorkCover.

Psychologists, counsellors and mental health social workers who apply and meet the WorkCover approval criteria are to attend a full day workshop within six months of receiving a provisional approval number. Payment of the $170 plus $17 GST total $187 registration must be in advance. The workshop is APS endorsed for 6.5 hours of Generalist CPD.

As at 16 May 2013 there have been 73 workshops held at Moore Park, Rushcutters Bay, North Ryde, Port Macquarie, Bankstown, Penrith, Central Coast, Ballina, Kingscliff, Orange, Queanbeyan, Newcastle, Wollongong, Campbelltown, Coffs Harbour and Albury. Over 2,550 psychologists, counsellors and mental health social workers have completed the training.

The APS is gradually reducing the available workshops as the majority of providers meet the training requirements. Workshops will continue on an ongoing basis through 2013 at 2-3 monthly intervals and will only be offered in Sydney based venues as remaining numbers, including new entrants as providers, do not justify further regionally based workshops. The schedule for 2013 workshops will be determined at a later date but the first will be held on Friday 15 February 2013 at Moore Park and another on 1 March at North Ryde. The next workshop will be in early May.

The workshops listed below are in the APS Calendar of Events and spaces are limited. To subscribe please go directly to the specific event by date and location Metro NSW  and scroll down that page to register online OR scroll down this page to the orange button "Register online" then complete your details on the first page and select your workshop. The February workshop is fully subscribed but a few extra places can be found for those flying in from regional areas.

NOTE: You must have a WorkCover Provider Number or have already sent your application to WorkCover
http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/psychologist_counsellor_approval_2294.pdf
You should also be able to pay by credit card. See below for other arrangements.

Further details of venue, presenters and workshop times are listed for each workshop on the APS Calendar of Events entry even if fully booked. 

Please note the cancellation policy, reproduced below, that you agree to when registering.

Bookings are to be made online and workshops fill rapidly after publication. 

If you are unable to register online with a credit card or wish to pay by cheque/money order, you can request a registration form from Agnes Levine at a.levine@psychology.org.au

Cancellation Policy/Term & Conditions

Please note: Cancellations up to 28 days prior to the workshop you are registered for will receive a full refund. Cancellations 28-14 days prior will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 14 days of a workshop will not be refunded other than for 'exceptional, unforeseeable circumstances'; however, you may nominate an alternative attendee. All cancellations must be given in writing.

Please note: If the workshop is full, no payment will have been asked for at the end of the registration process and you will not be registered for the event.  If there are insufficient numbers in the workshop listed above, the APS reserves the right to cancel the activity and all monies will be refunded.

The APS has obtained a ruling that clarifies that there is no GST payable on the psychological treatment of injured workers under the NSW Workers' Compensation System. Full ruling at  ATO update on GST arrangements with third party payers

Agnes Levine
Project Manager
APS WorkCover NSW Training
Email a.levine@psychology.org.au

Phone: 0421 839 381

APS NSW WorkCover Treatment Provider Questionnaire Results

A full report is available in the September issue of the NSW APS PsychNews and the summary of results is in attachment below.

•  Download here (215KB, PDF)

NSW State Committee

The State Committee is seeking expressions of interest from members for the position of Moderator of the online discussion groups. Please contact either the Chair or Secretary for further information.