Advice Support Tool

Theme: Assistive Technology

Sub-Theme(s): Communication Devices

References:* NDIS Act 2013* NDIS Support for Participant Rules 2013 Assistive Technology Operational Guideline Assessment and/or recommendation of a communication device s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies

s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies

NOTE: s4/7E(d) - certain operations of agencies

All recommendations for a communication device from a Speech Pathologist need to be considered on an individual basis. S47E(@)Serain Sperations of agencies

The prescription of communication devices is dependent on a wide range of clinical factors and considerations.

Criteria for reasonable and necessary supports

Has the Speech Pathologist provided an overview of any present AAC that has been used by the participant?

34.1(b) Assist the participant’s social and economic participation (supports will assist the participant to undertake activities to facilitate their social and economic participation)

| Yes | Has the Speech Pathologist explained how the communication device will support the participants participation s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies

s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies

34.1(c) Value for money (supports represents value for money, ie the costs of support are reasonable, both in terms of the benefits achieved and the cost of alternative support) Consider NDIS Support for Participant Rules 2013 Part 3.1 (a) — (f); s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies

| Yes | LOWER COST ALTERNATIVES s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies

Has the Speech Pathologist considered, trialled or implemented lower cost alternatives

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Criteria for reasonable and necessary supports

Is criteria met?

s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies

• Are there comparable support options which would achieve the same outcome at a substantially lower cost? What alternative supports were considered?
• Is there evidence that the support will substantially improve the life stage outcomes and be of long-term benefit to the participant?
• Is there evidence that funding support is likely to increase independence and reduce funded support costs in the long-term?
• Is there evidence the support will increase the participant’s independence and reduce the participant’s need for other kinds of supports?

Considerations (including evidence used)

s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies

Has the Speech Pathologist documented the functional communication outcomes that the participant achieved on the s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies AAC?

s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies

Has the Speech Pathologist explained why the same outcomes cannot be achieved on a lower cost alternative for the participant s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies?

CONSIDERATION OF OPTIONS

s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies

Is there evidence the quoted support cost is comparable to expected cost of same kind

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Criteria for reasonable and necessary supports

Is criteria met?

Considerations (including evidence used)

• Has the Speech Pathologist provided a list of all assistive technology currently being used by the participant redacted

34.1(d) Support is effective or beneficial for the participant

(supports will be, or are likely to be, effective for desired effect and beneficial for the participant, having regard to current good practice)

Consider NDIS Support for Participant Rules 2013 Part 3.2 and 3.3

• What are the expected benefits of the support provision?
• How will effectiveness of achieved outcome be measured?
• When will effectiveness of achieved outcome be achieved?
• Are there other supports required to achieve or maximise the reported support outcomes for participant?

OUTCOMES

• Has the communication device redacted been tested or trialled directly with the participant?

• Has the Speech Pathologist provided details of the trials redacted

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Criteria for reasonable and necessary supports

Is criteria met? Considerations (including evidence used) s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies If more than one communication device was reported to have been tested/trialled with the participant, has the Speech Pathologist provided s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies to compare the results between different types of hardware and software? 34.1(e) Support coordinates with but does not replace informal support (funding or provision of supports takes account of what it is reasonable to expect families, carers, informal networks and the community to provide) Consider NDIS Support for Participant Rules 2013 Part 3.4 Is criteria met? Has the Speech Pathologist confirmed that the device being requested is a communication device for the purpose of AAC related to the participant’s disability and as such is not a reasonable expectation for informal support networks to provide for the participant?

Criteria for reasonable and necessary supports

| ☐ No → |

| Support will not cause harm (Supports will not be funded if it is likely to cause harm to the participant or pose a risk to others, or the support would be contrary to a law of a jurisdiction) Consider NDIS Support for Participant Rules 2013 Part 5.1 and 5.3 | ☐ Yes → | s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies

| ☐ No → |

| Support is directly related to the participant’s disability (supports will not be funded under the NDIS if they do not relate to the participant’s disability or are day-to-day expenses or income replacement) Consider NDIS Support for Participant Rules 2013 Part 5.1 and 5.2 | ☐ Yes → | Is the device being requested intended for the purpose of AAC to support the participant’s communication goals/needs that are related to their disability?

| ☐ No → |

| Support does not duplicate other supports (supports do not duplicate other supports delivered under alternative funding through the NDIS such as Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) funding.) | ☐ Yes → | N/A to Communication AT

| ☐ No → |

Version Control

Note: Document uncontrolled in hard copy

Advice Support Tool

Theme: Respiratory supports Sub-Theme(s): Oxygen and Portable Oxygen Concentrator support considerations

References: [include any relevant referenced documents] NDIS Act 2013 Section 34 1. (a) - (f) and 2. NDIS Support for Participant Rules 2013 PG RespiratorySupports.docx

Note: All criteria need to be met for the supports to be funded through the NDIS.

s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies | | 34.1(b) Assist the participant’s social and economic participation (supports will assist the participant to undertake activities to facilitate their social and economic participation) | Yes | If funding of a portable oxygen concentrator is requested, consider how the provision of funding this support will assist the participant in social and economic participation.

To be considered for funding a portable oxygen concentrator the participant must meet the eligibility criteria for home oxygen and be receiving this support state-based scheme.

s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies | | 34.1(c) Value for money | Yes | When assessing the request to ensure the requested device is reflective of |

MR25/00038 | FOI 24/25-0317

(supports represents value for money, ie the costs of support are reasonable, both in terms of the benefits achieved and the cost of alternative support) Consider NDIS Support for Participant Rules 2013 Part 3.1 (a) – (f); S47E(d)-certain operations of agency

Are there comparable support options which would achieve the same outcome at a substantially lower cost? What alternative supports were considered? Is there evidence that the support will substantially improve the life stage outcomes and be of long-term benefit to the participant? Is there evidence that funding support is likely to increase independence and reduce funded support costs in the long-term? Is there evidence the support will increase the participant’s independence and reduce the participant’s need for other kinds of supports? S47E(d)-certain operations of agency

Is there evidence the quoted support cost is comparable to expected cost of same kind of supports?

34.1(d) Support is effective or beneficial for the participant (supports will be, or are likely to be, effective for desired effect and beneficial for the participant, having regard to current good practice) Consider NDIS Support for Participant Rules 2013 Part 3.2 and 3.3

What are the expected benefits of the support provision?

market pricing, this is easily achieved by accessing online resources. Has the prescriber/provider considered potential changes to the participant’s respiratory function s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies In the situation such as the examples outlined above consideration to the cost of renting a device opposed to purchasing should be considered and evaluated.

In a participant who is dependent on supplemental oxygen s47E(d)-certain operations of agencies A clear oxygen prescription from the participants respiratory physician is required to support this request. This is discussed further below.

MR25/00038 | FOI 24/25-0317

| How will effectiveness of achieved outcome be measured? When will the effectiveness of achieved outcome be achieved? Are there other supports required to achieve or maximise the reported support outcomes for participant? | The expected benefits from the support provision include s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies

The effectiveness of this support should be seen instantaneously once implemented.

With regards to other supports options to maximise the support outcomes this is dependent on the participants underlying cause and treatment options available to the participant. As there are many different portable concentrators on the market each with different features, s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies

This can usually be organized through the supplier/provider. s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies

34.1(e) Support coordinates with but does not replace informal support (funding or provision of supports takes account of what it is reasonable to expect families, carers, informal networks and the community to provide) Consider NDIS Support for Participant Rules 2013 Part 3.4

34.1(f) Support is most appropriately funded by the NDIS (supports are not more appropriately funded or provided through other general service systems or universal service obligations Consider NDIS Support for Participant Rules 2013 Schedule 1.

In some state-based schemes such as enable funding of a portable oxygen cylinder MAY be provided on the prescriber’s request if the participant meets the eligibility criteria. Adult Home Oxygen Funding Criteria (nsw.gov.au). See links for other state-based schemes below.

Provision of a s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies and the prescriber should consider if this is appropriate for the participant, aligning with their goals and objectives and in the relevant state. The NDIS does not typically fund oxygen cylinders.

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MR25/00038 | FOI 24/25-0317

Support will not cause harm

(Supports will not be funded if it is likely to cause harm to the participant or pose a risk to others, or the support would be contrary to a law of a jurisdiction) Consider NDIS Support for Participant Rules 2013 Part 5.1 and 5.3

Presentation of supporting evidence and a current clear prescription from a Respiratory Physician is mandatory when funding portable oxygen concentrators. s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies

and this is an indicator for further evaluation of the requested device. It is essential that the provider/supplier of the respiratory equipment provides the participant, informal and/or formal supports training to ensure its safe use. The participant or their representative is to be made aware they must engage a suitably skilled and competent provider (with applicable experience in respiratory device use) to implement the care prescribed by their treating Practitioner. Providers need to ensure direct delivery and clinical oversight of respiratory supports will be met when they are providing these services The participant must remain engaged with their Respiratory Physician to regularly review their respiratory needs to ensure the equipment and prescribed settings continue to meet their needs. Any change to participant respiratory status must be documented by a treating Practitioner and communicated to the provider of services, including any change required to equipment, settings or support needs. A copy of this information should be provided to NDIA for the Participant’s record.

Support is directly related to the participant’s disability (supports will not be funded under the NDIS if they do not relate to the participant’s disability or are day-to-day expenses or income replacement)

Consider NDIS Support for Participant Rules 2013 Part 5.1 and 5.2

Is the request for a portable oxygen concentrator directly related to the participant disability in which they made access to the scheme? s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies

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MR25/00038 | FOI 24/25-0317

Although the participant oxygen requirement is an ongoing/daily issue for the participant, it is not related to their primary/functional impairment and therefore typically NOT funded by the NDIS.

Sometimes you may need to assess current literature/research when considering if the participants request is disability related. The Lung Foundation Australia is a valuable resource with regards to respiratory conditions.

Other lung conditions - Lung Foundation Australia. s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies

Support does not duplicate other supports (supports do not duplicate other supports delivered under alternative funding through the NDIS such as Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) funding.) Consider NDIS Support for Participant Rules 2013 Part 5.1

| ☒ Yes | The provision of home oxygen is the responsibility of the participant’s state. | ☐ No | Home oxygen is provided to the participant by their state-based scheme and NOT funded by the NDIS.

Further information in regard to state-based oxygen schemes can be found via the attached hyperlinks. Including information with regards to eligibility, inclusions and the application process.

MR25/00038 | FOI! 24/25-0317

This is a helpful resource to provide a Delegate if you receive a request for home 02.

Home oxygen | Queensland Health Home Respiratory Program - EnableNSW Victorian Aids and Equipment Program Home oxygen therapy | SA Health Tasmanian Government Concessions WA Respiratory Health Network Equipment loan and supply - Canberra Health Services (act.gov.au) Territory Equipment Program (TEP) and the Seating Equipment and Technical Service (SEAT) | NT Health s47E(d) - certain operations of agencies

The request must be accompanied with medical evidence and current prescription for the requested support. As well as evidence that the participant has trialed the device.

Are all of the above criteria met for all supports? → ☐ Yes → ☐ No

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