19 March Important changes to the Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme – commencing 1 March 2019 March 19, 2019 By Coal Mine Workers' Health Scheme 0 The Queensland Government has made important changes to the Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme that came into effect on 1 March 2019. These changes affect medical providers who provide examinations or health assessments for Queensland’s coal mine workers From 1 March 2019, only providers who have been approved by the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (DNRME) may perform particular functions under the Scheme. These functions are: carrying out, supervising or reporting on health assessments providing spirometry testing taking or examining chest X-rays to the ILO International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses. Only approved spirometry training providers can provide training for those persons who perform spirometry testing for the scheme. It is an offence to carry out these functions if you are not approved by DNRME. Medical providers should check with presenting workers to see if they are a current or former coal mine worker. If so, providers should determine whether they can undertake the examination or assessment and what requirements apply. Detailed information about the Scheme is available on the DNRME website. If you have any questions in relation to this, please contact the Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme team on (07) 3199 7967 or email minehealthregister@dnrme.qld.gov.au. Related Articles My Health Record – Australians to decide on a smarter and safer way to share their important healthcare information By the end of 2018, a My Health Record will be created for every Australian, unless they choose not to have one. If people choose not to have a My Health Record, they will be able to opt out of having one created for them during a three-month period, starting on Monday 16 July and ending on October 15 2018 Increased use of My Health Record by healthcare providers Important reminder not to put your health on hold Legislative changes to tighten privacy and security protections for My Health Record In response to a growing privacy backlash, the Federal Government has announced legislative changes to My Health Record to restrict access by law enforcement and government agencies and allow records to be deleted by those who choose to withdraw from the system, with the opt out period also expected to be extended. My Health Record kits being distributed to Australian healthcare providers The Australian Digital Health Agency is pleased to announce nearly 20,000 My Health Record education kits are being distributed to healthcare providers and Australia Post offices across Australia. The kits will equip providers and Agency partners with information and resources to help them advise all Australians about My Health Record Temporary changes to Medicare Program requirements under s19AA and 19AB of the Health Insurance Act Comments are closed.