Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—I move opposition amendments (1) and (2) on sheet 3150:

(1) Clause 7, page 30 (after line 25), after the definition of System Governor, insert:

telehealth consultation means a consultation conducted (other than in person) by videoconference, telephone or other technology.

(2) Clause 175, page 181 (after line 20), after paragraph (2)(a), insert:

(aa) the System Governor determines that the registered provider intends to provide the highest level of clinical care with the available workforce, which may include measures for the support of clinical care by enrolled nurses and through telehealth consultations with registered nurses; or

What we're seeking to do with these amendments is to recognise the shallowness in markets—particularly rural, regional and remote markets—around workforce and make sure that we are providing the best possible care for older Australians within the resources that are available within a community. Of course, nobody wants to see any older Australians not being able to get the care that they absolutely deserve at the highest possible standard, but we are recommending that greater flexibility in the use of care minutes in residential aged care can often deliver individuals fit-for-purpose care that still ensures the highest possible care is delivered.

Just quickly, Minister, I have a couple of questions on this one before we go to a vote. How many aged-care homes have an exemption for 24/7 RNs at the moment?