The way that custom-made medical devices are regulated is changing.
A new framework for regulating personalised medical devices will commence on 25 February 2021. Under the new framework most custom-made medical devices that are currently supplied in Australia will no longer be exempt from inclusion in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Any devices that will continue to be exempt will need to meet new requirements. If you manufacture, import or supply a custom-made medical device, you will be impacted by the changes and should review the guidance available on the TGA's website.
What's new?
The Victorian Aids and Equipment Program (VA&EP) provides eligible people with subsidised Assistive Technology (AT) to enhance independence in their home, facilitate community participation and support families and carers in their role.
The State-wide Equipment Program (SWEP) is pleased to announce that Pedorthists can now access this funding for eligible consumers in recognition of their expertise in the provision of customised and medical grade footwear, shoe modifications and orthoses in line with other funding agencies. This arrangement commences on 21st December 2020.
Over recent years there has been an increase in the type of mattresses advertised to have pressure relief or pressure prevention properties. SWEP would like to confirm the type of mattresses we can provide a funding subsidy towards.
Under the Victorian Aids & Equipment Program Operational Policies, for all AT categories, SWEP does not fund what would be considered normal household items, including standard mattresses for standard beds. What we do fund is pressure reducing mattresses for hospital beds.
SWEP recently completed our annual Consumer Survey, which identifies how satisfied our consumers are with the equipment/products they have received and their overall experience with SWEP and our services.
We sincerely thank all survey participants and are delighted to share with you our results here
Dear Practitioner,
SWEP have been reviewing our Practitioner online Portal and have made some changes to the Practitioner home page. These changes will take effect on 8th August. The link to login, how to log in and the application process will all remain the same and none of your registration details will change.
The Application tab from the top right hand tool bar has moved and your applications can now be accessed by clicking on the tab on the front home page titled 'Complete and Manage Applications for Assistive Technology'.
Dear Practitioners
SWEP have been working with our Clinical Advisors to ensure we have measures in place to support our consumers and practitioners as we navigate the challenges presenting with the COVID virus.
Wherever possible, compliance to TSANZ Position Paper recommendations for home oxygen supply should be maintained. We do understand that some services are now being prioritized around COVID-19 and are implementing processes to ensure your patients are not at risk and that we ensure continuity of supply with oxygen equipment.
Dear Practitioners
SWEP have been working to ensure we have measures in place to support our consumers and Practitioners as we navigate the challenges presenting with the COVID pandemic.
Wherever possible, compliance with SWEP normal processes should be adhered to. SWEP recognises that many organisations will not be operating within business as usual practice.
SWEP are implementing processes to ensure our consumers are not compromised and that we ensure continuity of supply for continence items where we can.
Dear AT Practitioner
This communique includes information for you about:
This communique follows on from the information we provided to you in late November 2019. We
received valuable feedback at that time and wish to provide some further updates. We hope this makes
it clearer to understand what you can apply for and who is eligible for assistance through VA&EP. SWEP
is committed to providing equitable access to eligible Victorians across all equipment categories and
these changes have been made accordingly.
Annually we ask consumers, after they have received and used their Assistive Technology, to tell us how satisfied they are overall with their SWEP experience
We have again exceeded our target of at least 85% satisfaction rate as set by the Department of Health and Human Services and this has been our best year ever!
Click here to see the full results
The Lymphoedema Practitioners Education Group of Victoria
Invites you to a Continuing Professional Development event.
