Further to my post on plans by Victoria to regulate the first aid sector (see Report on regulating first aid forum – Melbourne (May 16, 2019), a relevant discussion paper has now been released.  You can download the paper from the website of health.vic.

Submissions are invited and will be received until 28 July 2019, which is not very long for those intending to make submissions.

The website says:

This discussion paper has been prepared to inform the NEPT and first aid sectors, and other stakeholders of the likely direction of the Regulations and the thinking that has informed that direction. Feedback and further information is sought from stakeholders and the public. To that end, the discussion paper includes a number for questions. Submitters are requested to answer only those questions that are relevant. Submitters are not expected to respond to all questions.

The discussion paper does not canvas potential amendments to the Act other than those that have already been announced by the government. The only exception is the flagging of the proposal to licence first aid providers under the Act.

Feedback received from this consultation paper will inform the framing of the NEPT Regulations and the development of new First Aid Regulations…

Licencing and regulation of the first aid sector will replace stand-by accreditation of NEPT licencees.

The Regulations will be drafted to provide for the licencing scheme for NEPT and first aid providers as required by the Act. The Regulations will set minimum standards and will be drafted to ensure they are outcome-based where possible, rather than being prescriptive.

Submissions are invited and will be received until 28 July 2019.

Submissions may be made can be made via email to privatehospitals@dhhs.vic.gov.au.