Provider registration requirement

Objectives

1. It is a requirement of registration with WorkSafe as a provider of services that the Provider complies with WorkSafe’s registration requirements as set out in this application and the WorkSafe Victoria Provider Registration Requirements at worksafe.vic.gov.au Definitions

2. “Provider” means a provider of services and includes a body corporate, sole trader or a partnership as registered with WorkSafe in accordance with Victorian workers compensation legislation (the legislation).

3. “Services” means services to or for workers approved by WorkSafe and for which the reasonable costs of such services are payable by WorkSafe and WorkSafe Agents as compensation to workers with an
accepted claim for a work-related injury or illness in accordance with the legislation. 

Insurance

4. The Provider must maintain at all times insurance coverage appropriate to the level of risk of the services they provide.
Minimum requirements for certain providers are detailed in the WorkSafe Victoria Provider Registration Requirements at
worksafe.vic.gov.au

5. For those services with minimum requirements, Providers must immediately notify WorkSafe should the Provider cease to have the required insurance(s). The Provider acknowledges that cessation of insurance(s) may result in WorkSafe registration as a Provider being withdrawn.
 

Confidentiality and privacy

6. The Provider and its staff must respect the confidentiality of workers at all times.

7. The Provider acknowledges that it is an offence to use information obtained under or pursuant to the legislation except as authorised.

8. The Provider must comply with the obligations imposed under the Information Privacy Act 2000 and the Health Records Act 2001 and such reasonable policies or directions relating to the collection, use, disclosure, storage, transfer or handling of personal or health information of workers as are notified by WorkSafe to the Provider from time to time. 

Standard of provider facilities

9. The Provider must comply with all relevant occupational health and safety laws, including for Victorian workplaces, the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and Regulations.

10. The Provider must provide a fully equipped and easily accessible first aid kit in a prominent location of the facility and ensure that all staff members know its location and are appropriately qualified in its use.

11. The Provider must ensure that all equipment used or proposed to be used by a worker:
a. is mechanically sound, and is installed and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and standards; and
b. is serviced as required to ensure continued user safety.

12. The Provider must ensure that the Provider and its staff can adequately instruct workers in the safe and proper use of equipment.

13. The Provider must ensure that all areas used to provide services to workers have adequate safe working space and that user numbers do not hinder the safe and effective use of equipment.

14. The Provider must ensure that all wet areas used by workers are cleaned frequently and regularly in order to maintain a high standard of safety.

Assessment criteria

15. The Provider and all relevant staff (as applicable) must satisfy therelevant WorkSafe provider requirements as specified in the WorkSafe Victoria Provider Registration Requirements on WorkSafe’s website at
worksafe.vic.gov.au

Remuneration and billing

16. Invoices of the Provider must be accurate and capable of being substantiated by WorkSafe or WorkSafe Agents on demand.

17. Invoices must be submitted by the Provider in a manner consistent with established billing processes as advised by WorkSafe or its WorkSafe Agents from time to time.

18. The Provider acknowledges that WorkSafe and WorkSafe Agents are liable only for payment of the reasonable costs of services provided to workers with accepted compensation claims for work-related injuries or illnesses in accordance with the legislation, which may not mean the full costs of the service. The Provider must clearly advise a worker of, and seek agreement from the worker for, any gap between what the Provider charges for services and what WorkSafe can pay as the reasonable costs of the services.

19. Services paid to the provider must be able to be supported by clinical records, case notes and/or attendance records.

20. The provider may be required to undergo an audit of payments made to him/her for services provided to injured workers as part of WorkSafe’s Billing Review Program at any time. 

Provider Conduct

21. The Provider must not submit invoices for services not directly related to a worker’s work-related injury or illness. The Provider acknowledges that it is an offence to obtain or attempt to obtain fraudulently any payment or to provide false or misleading information under the legislation.

22. The Provider must maintain at all times the applicable Board registration or eligibility for professional association membership for the services they are registered to provide, as detailed in the WorkSafe Victoria Provider Registration Requirements on WorkSafe’s website at worksafe.vic.gov.au

23. Providers must immediately notify WorkSafe should they cease to have the applicable Board registration or eligibility for Professional Association membership. The Provider acknowledges cessation of Board registration or eligibility for Professional Association membership may result in WorkSafe registration as a Provider being withdrawn.

24. The Provider acknowledges that should:
a. the Provider fail to comply with any part of the Provider Registration Requirements;
b. WorkSafe reasonably suspect that an offence against Victorian workers compensation legislation or the Crimes Act 1958 in connection with a worker’s claim for compensation has been committed or the Provider be convicted or found guilty by a court of such an offence; and/or
c. WorkSafe be concerned about the adequacy, appropriateness or
frequency of any services provided.