Senate Backs Review Of Healthcare Digital Imaging Rules

The need for nationally-consistent regulations for the ownership and use of digital imaging equipment used in healthcare has been recognised by an Australian Senate inquiry reviewing red-tape in the healthcare system.

Following representations by the Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA), the peak business organisation representing manufacturers and suppliers of innovative dental products, the Senate’s red-tape committee recommended that the Australian Government place licensing requirements for the supply, ownership and operation of diagnostic imaging equipment on the agenda for consideration by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).

“ADIA has been a long-term proponent for the introduction of nationally consistent legislation in this regard. We advised Senators inconsistencies between state and territory legislation make it difficult for the dental industry to furnish dental and oral healthcare professionals across the country with the latest innovations,” said Troy Williams, ADIA Chief Executive Officer.

The ADIA Chief Executive Officer gave evidence to the senate committee when it held public hearings during February 2018 in Parliament House, Canberra. As a consequence the Senate Committee acknowledged that, with respect to diagnostic imaging equipment, there is a significant and ongoing concern for dental practitioners. The committee agreed that there is clear scope to reduce red-tape in the licensing of this equipment.

“It’s great that the Senate’s red tape committee recognised that the regulatory variations between states and territories increases the compliance burden on business. These costs are passed on to patients and governments in the form of increased diagnostic imaging costs, something that ultimately restricts access to this important diagnostic tool,” Mr Williams said.

In response to ADIA’s representations, the Senate Committee acknowledged that, with respect to diagnostic imaging equipment, there is a significant and ongoing concern for dental practitioners. The committee agreed with ADIA's view that there is clear scope to reduce red-tape in the licensing of this equipment. The Senate Committee therefore recommended that the Australian Government place licensing requirements for the supply, ownership and operation of diagnostic imaging equipment on the agenda for consideration by COAG.

ADIA has written to the Minister for Health, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, and his state / territory counterparts asking that COAG consider the matter with urgency.

This most recent Senate Committee report follows an inquiry undertaken in late 2017 by the Senate that reviewed the availability and accessibility of diagnostic imaging equipment around Australia.

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Photograph & Images —

■. Troy Williams - ADIA Chief Executive Officer [.JPG]

Media Contact —
ADIA Communications Officer
t: 1300 943 094.....m: 0450 013 446.....e: media@adia.org.au

ADIA Background Information —

Founded in 1925, the Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA) is the peak business organisation representing innovative manufacturers and suppliers of dental products.  Active in each mainland state and with a strong presence in Canberra, ADIA is a strong advocate for policy reforms that allow member businesses to grow, create jobs and operate sustainably.  ADIA's vision is for an industry that empowers oral health professionals to advance the health and well-being of all Australians.  The services offered by ADIA that support member businesses include industry statistics, training programmes and trade shows including ADX Sydney, the nation's largest healthcare exhibition that attracts some 10,000 stakeholders from across the oral healthcare community.

For further information on ADIA visit the website at:
www.adia.org.au 
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