Dear Prescribers,
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has advised that the free home inspection undertaken by an Architect through the Home Renovation Service will cease as of 30 June 2016.
As you will no doubt be aware, SWEP clients have had access to an Architect through the Home Renovation Service to assist in the development of sketches for home modifications >$1,000.
SWEP have been advised that Architect sign-off for second/final inspections of home modifications that had commenced prior to, but will not be completed by July 1 will occur. Our understanding is that you should contact Archicentre to arrange inspection for these clients as you have done in the past. We have forwarded a list of all clients whose home modifications have commenced to DHHS to ensure that this happens.
Future home modifications subsidy application and approval process
SWEP have been working with DHHS regarding a new application and approval process for home modification subsidy. The new process will commence as of the 1st of July 2016 and will no longer require the use of Archicentre to provide a scope of work and sketch for home modifications over $1,000.
The new documentation outlining the process will be released shortly. This will include a Tool Kit that will guide Prescribers in submitting an application for home modifications subsidy and is based on learnings from other States where prescribers work directly with builders' drawings for home modifications. The new Tool Kit has been developed with stakeholders including Clinical Advisors, our funding body, Consumer Affairs Victoria and the Victorian Building Authority to ensure a smooth transition. Please bear with us through this transition, as not all facets of the new home modification process will be in place by July 1. We will keep you updated as the process is finalised.
In addition to the new Tool Kits, SWEP will develop a Welcome Pack for home modification applicants that provides information on consumer protection.
If you wish to provide any feedback or have questions about these changes, please contact Narelle Harrison on 03 5333 8115 or Nick Grakini on 03 5333 8128.
