The Ministry of Social Development has announced nurse practitioners will be able to complete medical assessments for patients applying for Work and Income benefits.
From tomorrow, people on the Disability Allowance, Child Disability Allowance or the Supported Living Payment will be able to have assessments completed by nurses. The change is part of the new Social Security Act 2018.
"The new legislation allows nurse practitioners to conduct medical assessments and complete medical certificates for all MSD benefit and assistance related assessments," Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni said. “This is about making services easier to access, particularly for disabled people or those with health conditions.” Nurse Practitioners are authorised to practise at an advanced level, prescribe medicines and manage common and complex health conditions. “MSD clients that already use a nurse practitioner for their primary healthcare, will be able to see the same nurse when applying for, or renewing, their benefit assistance for their medical conditions, instead of having to see a doctor. “The changes are especially helpful for those living in small towns or rural communities where the closest doctor may be miles away. It will cut out extra travel costs and doctor fees and time spent waiting for a doctor’s appointment. It also makes better use of our health workforce," Ms Sepuloni said.
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