The Swamp Report: June 2011

29 June 2011

Sensitive claims provider update released

A news item from ACC

The first edition of the Sensitive Claims Provider Update has been released. The update is our way of better communicating with our Sensitive Claims providers.

The update covers a number of areas, including:
• Modified process for clients returning to counselling
• Nationwide provider information-sharing roadshows
• Forms, codes and invoicing for returning to counselling
• Update on support sessions

To view the update, see the Sensitive Claims Provider Update – June 2011 (PDF 122K).

http://www.acc.co.nz/news/WPC094789

Sensitive claims - return to counselling update

A news item from ACC

From 27 June 2011 ACC’s Sensitive Claims Unit has modified the process for clients with an accepted claim returning to ACC for treatment counselling. The aim is for a more client-centred approach using processes and reporting tools that are clear and well understood by providers. How the process works:

• Clients can return to counselling by notifying ACC directly, either by referral from their GP or via an ACC-registered counsellor who completes an ACC719 Initiate Return to Counselling Report.

• Four treatment counselling sessions will be approved for the counsellor, during which the client and counsellor will gather information to complete an ACC720 Therapeutic Assessment and Planning Report. This form should be received by ACC no later than eight weeks after counselling starts.

• On receipt of the ACC720, ACC determines the next steps after considering the report’s recommendations. Up to 16 sessions of treatment counselling can be approved at this point.

• Progress reports are required mid-way and on completion of the approved treatment counselling sessions. Use the ACC291 Progress/Completion Report form for these progress reports.

• The Completion report is reviewed by ACC’s Sensitive Claims Unit and further treatment may be approved. Internal peer review may be requested to help determine the next steps in the recovery process.

Click here to read more.

25 June 2011

Help is there for sexual abuse victims

An article from the Manawatu Standard by Stacey Kirk

Changes to the way ACC manages the claims of sexual abuse sufferers "are an encouraging step", says a Palmerston North sexual abuse counsellor. Counsellor Paulette Berryman, who sits on the Sensitive Claims Advisory Group (SCAG), said she "couldn't be more pleased" with rule changes making it easier for sexual abuse victims to gain support, but she was concerned that abuse victims were not aware of the help to which they were now entitled.
ACC tightened up the process for accessing counselling in October 2009, which triggered protest marches, intense lobbying and media scrutiny.
A report was ordered six months ago which recommended changes including a rule that new claimants and people waiting for a decision on whether they qualify for treatment could now get 16 hours' "support". Only some of the recommendations have been implemented, with the rest being carried out over the next year.
An independent report for the ACC board carried out last month found ACC was making "good progress" in changing the way it manages sensitive claims. Dr Barbara Disley, who also chaired the review in 2010, said the report found ACC had done a good job prioritising the more important tasks.
Mrs Berryman said it felt like the hard work of her and her colleagues across the country had paid off. She said she used to receive four or five inquiries a week about sexual abuse counselling, but those numbers rapidly dropped when claimants found their requests for counselling were being denied. Now, they are entitled to up 16 free sessions.
But Mrs Berryman said that she wasn't sure the information had filtered through to abuse victims. She is hoping to get the message out that help is out there for sexual abuse victims "and don't be afraid to ask".
ACC claims management general manager Denise Cosgrove said ACC recognised the importance of providing support to sexual abuse victims. "We recognise we have some way to go before delivering all the recommended changes but we were pleased to note Dr Disley's acknowledgement of our progress," she said.