Physiotherapy services report released

ACC Minister Maryan Street has released the report into the “Review of the Way in Which Physiotherapy Services are Funded and Accredited by ACC”.

The review forms part of the Labour-led Government’s Confidence and Supply agreement with New Zealand First. The report makes recommendations regarding the funding and accreditation arrangements for physiotherapists, the relationship between ACC and the physiotherapy profession, and ACC processes relating to monitoring, audit and investigation activities.

“The government will work promptly with ACC and physiotherapists on the recommendations related to non-fiscal measures. Other recommendations which have funding implications will need to be considered in conjunction with other budget priorities. A formal government response to the report will now be developed and considered.

“The Labour-led government’s priorities for the ACC scheme are to maintain it as a fully public social insurance scheme which focuses on injury prevention, along with fair and effective treatment and rehabilitation provisions.

“I am grateful to David Goddard QC for the excellent work he has done to produce this report and to New Zealand First deputy leader Peter Brown for his commitment and cooperation,” Maryan Street said.

New Zealand First deputy leader Peter Brown said, “This is an issue which has been of particular concern to New Zealand First since physiotherapists first raised it, which is why we negotiated it into the Confidence and Supply Agreement.

“Having said that I must compliment the Government, particularly former ACC Minister Ruth Dyson, for encouraging and implementing a thorough review. David Goddard QC and all those who assisted have done an excellent job. The issues have been properly and thoroughly identified, the report recommends reasonable and practical solutions and I look forward to working with the new ACC Minister Maryan Street on them”, said Peter Brown.

The full report and associated documents are available in the Department of Labour's Consultation Section