CVC COVID-19 Update
DVA wish to advise that the delivery of services through telehealth arrangements has been extended to include the CVC Program.
As is the case for any services delivered under telehealth, services under the CVC Program should only be delivered by telehealth if the full service can be delivered safely and in accordance with all relevant professional standards and clinical guidelines. Telephone services may only be delivered where a video service is not available.
Providers are required to determine whether it is clinically appropriate to deliver a service via telehealth, and should include the following factors in their considerations:
- Can the client access and successfully use the technology?
- How practical is it to provide the required treatment or therapy via telehealth?
- Is the physical location in which a client is accessing telehealth safe and effective for the treatment?
- Does the health professional have a plan in place to address and mitigate any potential risk to the client?
- Has the client provided informed consent to participate in the telehealth service?
Providers delivering services via telehealth should ensure the technology platform they use:
- provides adequate video or telephone quality for the service being provided; and
- is secure enough to ensure normal privacy and confidentiality requirements are met.
On 13 December 2021, the Government announced permanent telehealth arrangements will be introduced from 1 January 2022. These arrangements will flow through to DVA health care arrangements. Permanent telehealth arrangements will benefit DVA clients by enabling flexible access to health care delivered both in person and by telehealth services.