❓ Question on Notice regarding the requirement for Home and Community Care (HACC) service providers to obtain $5m professional indemnity insurance and the potential financial burden on community-based agencies. The Minister acknowledges the issue but states that additional funding will not be provided and insurance amount is negotiable.
AnsweredQoN 498Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to a new clause in the home and community care contracts which requires service providers to obtain professional indemnity insurance cover of $5m, and ask - (1) Given that some agencies estimate that the cost of coverage of $5m could be as much as $10 000 per annum, will additional funding be provided so service providers can cover the cost of such a requirement? (2) If not, why not? (3) Is the minister aware that community-based agencies are more likely to be affected by these costs than service providers that operate under the jurisdiction of a local government authority which already has this type of coverage? (4) What steps will be taken to address this inequity? (5) Is it true that some community-based agencies are being advised by the Health Department of WA that insurance coverage at existing levels will be sufficient if the agency cannot cover the extra cost? (6) If so, why is this advice being given? Hon PETER FOSS
AnswerView source ↗
(1) No. (2) The professional indemnity insurance amount of $5m is negotiable. Professional indemnity insurance has been a requirement in previous HACC contracts. The 2000 contract further clarifies the agency responsibilities by specifying an amount of insurance. (3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(1) Given that some agencies estimate that the cost of coverage of $5m could be as much as $10 000 per annum, will additional funding be provided so service providers can cover the cost of such a requirement? (2) If not, why not? (3) Is the minister aware that community-based agencies are more likely to be affected by these costs than service providers that operate under the jurisdiction of a local government authority which already has this type of coverage? (4) What steps will be taken to address this inequity? (5) Is it true that some community-based agencies are being advised by the Health Department of WA that insurance coverage at existing levels will be sufficient if the agency cannot cover the extra cost? (6) If so, why is this advice being given? Hon PETER FOSS replied: (1) No. (2) The professional indemnity insurance amount of $5m is negotiable. Professional indemnity insurance has been a requirement in previous HACC contracts. The 2000 contract further clarifies the agency responsibilities by specifying an amount of insurance. (3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(2) If not, why not? (3) Is the minister aware that community-based agencies are more likely to be affected by these costs than service providers that operate under the jurisdiction of a local government authority which already has this type of coverage? (4) What steps will be taken to address this inequity? (5) Is it true that some community-based agencies are being advised by the Health Department of WA that insurance coverage at existing levels will be sufficient if the agency cannot cover the extra cost? (6) If so, why is this advice being given? Hon PETER FOSS replied: (1) No. (2) The professional indemnity insurance amount of $5m is negotiable. Professional indemnity insurance has been a requirement in previous HACC contracts. The 2000 contract further clarifies the agency responsibilities by specifying an amount of insurance. (3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(3) Is the minister aware that community-based agencies are more likely to be affected by these costs than service providers that operate under the jurisdiction of a local government authority which already has this type of coverage? (4) What steps will be taken to address this inequity? (5) Is it true that some community-based agencies are being advised by the Health Department of WA that insurance coverage at existing levels will be sufficient if the agency cannot cover the extra cost? (6) If so, why is this advice being given? Hon PETER FOSS replied: (1) No. (2) The professional indemnity insurance amount of $5m is negotiable. Professional indemnity insurance has been a requirement in previous HACC contracts. The 2000 contract further clarifies the agency responsibilities by specifying an amount of insurance. (3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(4) What steps will be taken to address this inequity? (5) Is it true that some community-based agencies are being advised by the Health Department of WA that insurance coverage at existing levels will be sufficient if the agency cannot cover the extra cost? (6) If so, why is this advice being given? Hon PETER FOSS replied: (1) No. (2) The professional indemnity insurance amount of $5m is negotiable. Professional indemnity insurance has been a requirement in previous HACC contracts. The 2000 contract further clarifies the agency responsibilities by specifying an amount of insurance. (3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(5) Is it true that some community-based agencies are being advised by the Health Department of WA that insurance coverage at existing levels will be sufficient if the agency cannot cover the extra cost? (6) If so, why is this advice being given? Hon PETER FOSS replied: (1) No. (2) The professional indemnity insurance amount of $5m is negotiable. Professional indemnity insurance has been a requirement in previous HACC contracts. The 2000 contract further clarifies the agency responsibilities by specifying an amount of insurance. (3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(6) If so, why is this advice being given? Hon PETER FOSS replied: (1) No. (2) The professional indemnity insurance amount of $5m is negotiable. Professional indemnity insurance has been a requirement in previous HACC contracts. The 2000 contract further clarifies the agency responsibilities by specifying an amount of insurance. (3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
Hon PETER FOSS replied: (1) No. (2) The professional indemnity insurance amount of $5m is negotiable. Professional indemnity insurance has been a requirement in previous HACC contracts. The 2000 contract further clarifies the agency responsibilities by specifying an amount of insurance. (3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(1) No. (2) The professional indemnity insurance amount of $5m is negotiable. Professional indemnity insurance has been a requirement in previous HACC contracts. The 2000 contract further clarifies the agency responsibilities by specifying an amount of insurance. (3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(2) The professional indemnity insurance amount of $5m is negotiable. Professional indemnity insurance has been a requirement in previous HACC contracts. The 2000 contract further clarifies the agency responsibilities by specifying an amount of insurance. (3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(6) Not applicable.
(1) Given that some agencies estimate that the cost of coverage of $5m could be as much as $10 000 per annum, will additional funding be provided so service providers can cover the cost of such a requirement? (2) If not, why not? (3) Is the minister aware that community-based agencies are more likely to be affected by these costs than service providers that operate under the jurisdiction of a local government authority which already has this type of coverage? (4) What steps will be taken to address this inequity? (5) Is it true that some community-based agencies are being advised by the Health Department of WA that insurance coverage at existing levels will be sufficient if the agency cannot cover the extra cost? (6) If so, why is this advice being given? Hon PETER FOSS replied: (1) No. (2) The professional indemnity insurance amount of $5m is negotiable. Professional indemnity insurance has been a requirement in previous HACC contracts. The 2000 contract further clarifies the agency responsibilities by specifying an amount of insurance. (3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(2) If not, why not? (3) Is the minister aware that community-based agencies are more likely to be affected by these costs than service providers that operate under the jurisdiction of a local government authority which already has this type of coverage? (4) What steps will be taken to address this inequity? (5) Is it true that some community-based agencies are being advised by the Health Department of WA that insurance coverage at existing levels will be sufficient if the agency cannot cover the extra cost? (6) If so, why is this advice being given? Hon PETER FOSS replied: (1) No. (2) The professional indemnity insurance amount of $5m is negotiable. Professional indemnity insurance has been a requirement in previous HACC contracts. The 2000 contract further clarifies the agency responsibilities by specifying an amount of insurance. (3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(3) Is the minister aware that community-based agencies are more likely to be affected by these costs than service providers that operate under the jurisdiction of a local government authority which already has this type of coverage? (4) What steps will be taken to address this inequity? (5) Is it true that some community-based agencies are being advised by the Health Department of WA that insurance coverage at existing levels will be sufficient if the agency cannot cover the extra cost? (6) If so, why is this advice being given? Hon PETER FOSS replied: (1) No. (2) The professional indemnity insurance amount of $5m is negotiable. Professional indemnity insurance has been a requirement in previous HACC contracts. The 2000 contract further clarifies the agency responsibilities by specifying an amount of insurance. (3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(4) What steps will be taken to address this inequity? (5) Is it true that some community-based agencies are being advised by the Health Department of WA that insurance coverage at existing levels will be sufficient if the agency cannot cover the extra cost? (6) If so, why is this advice being given? Hon PETER FOSS replied: (1) No. (2) The professional indemnity insurance amount of $5m is negotiable. Professional indemnity insurance has been a requirement in previous HACC contracts. The 2000 contract further clarifies the agency responsibilities by specifying an amount of insurance. (3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(5) Is it true that some community-based agencies are being advised by the Health Department of WA that insurance coverage at existing levels will be sufficient if the agency cannot cover the extra cost? (6) If so, why is this advice being given? Hon PETER FOSS replied: (1) No. (2) The professional indemnity insurance amount of $5m is negotiable. Professional indemnity insurance has been a requirement in previous HACC contracts. The 2000 contract further clarifies the agency responsibilities by specifying an amount of insurance. (3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(6) If so, why is this advice being given? Hon PETER FOSS replied: (1) No. (2) The professional indemnity insurance amount of $5m is negotiable. Professional indemnity insurance has been a requirement in previous HACC contracts. The 2000 contract further clarifies the agency responsibilities by specifying an amount of insurance. (3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
Hon PETER FOSS replied: (1) No. (2) The professional indemnity insurance amount of $5m is negotiable. Professional indemnity insurance has been a requirement in previous HACC contracts. The 2000 contract further clarifies the agency responsibilities by specifying an amount of insurance. (3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(1) No. (2) The professional indemnity insurance amount of $5m is negotiable. Professional indemnity insurance has been a requirement in previous HACC contracts. The 2000 contract further clarifies the agency responsibilities by specifying an amount of insurance. (3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(2) The professional indemnity insurance amount of $5m is negotiable. Professional indemnity insurance has been a requirement in previous HACC contracts. The 2000 contract further clarifies the agency responsibilities by specifying an amount of insurance. (3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(3) Yes. (4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(4) The negotiated price of the contract incorporates such costs. (5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(5) HACC agencies are able to negotiate with the Health Department on an individual basis regarding insurance coverage, taking into account the risk factors associated with the size and complexity of the contract. (6) Not applicable.
(6) Not applicable.
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