‘New’ DVA Rehabilitation Program Medical Certificate.
DVA’s new medical certificate, known as the DVA Rehabilitation Program Medical Certificate asks allied health professionals, general practitioners and other treating specialists to respond to questions that focus on supporting eligible veterans with vocational activities, tasks or programs that require further review from a medical professional.
Aligning with enhancements to DVA’s Rehabilitation Program aimed at accelerating eligible veterans’ access to services and activities as part of the program, the revised form should also mean less paperwork overall for medical providers supporting veterans to access rehabilitation services.
The changes recognise the clinical expertise and knowledge of consultants delivering services to eligible veterans participating in the DVA Rehabilitation Program, enabling them to assess the veteran’s capacity to participate in the DVA Rehabilitation Program, rather than seek endorsement from a general practitioner or other treating health professional.
Based on the consultant’s knowledge of the program and their understanding of the client’s background and individual needs, they are able to ‘kick-start’ this process using their clinical judgment.
In light of this, medical evidence (such as a medical certificate) is no longer required to demonstrate a client’s capacity to participate in the DVA Rehabilitation Program, or in activities or programs or associated with medical management and/or psychosocial rehabilitation. Only in cases where a client would like to participate in vocational activities such as a Work Trial or job seeking services, will DVA require a medical certificate.
This refined focus and specificity towards capacity for vocational rehabilitation and return to work, will allow the client to use this new medical certificate for the purposes of the DVA Rehabilitation Program and the Incapacity Support Team.
The revised DVA Rehabilitation Program Medical Certificate, and more information on the Program can be found on the DVA website.
