Non-nutritional thickened fluid products are available through DVA’s Rehabilitation Appliances Program

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has made it easier for clients with swallowing difficulties to access non-nutritional thickened fluid products through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) Schedule

Non-nutritional thickened products are either powders used to thicken fluids such as tea, coffee, juice and water, or single serve cups of pre thickened fluids. These fluids come in water and a range of flavoured cordials and juices to aid hydration and have little to no kilojoule value associated with their consumption.

Non-nutritional thickened fluid products can now be directly ordered through contracted DVA RAP suppliers, ensuring the efficient provision of these products to DVA clients. These products were previously only supplied under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Nutritional thickened fluid products will still be supplied through the Veterans’ Affairs Pharmaceutical Advisory Centre (VAPAC) in consultation with a Dietitian.

How to arrange non-nutritional thickened fluids for eligible DVA clients

Speech Pathologists and GPs can request up to three months’ supply of non-nutritional thickened fluid products by completing the D9166 Direct Order Form using item number BA16 on the RAP Schedule.

Once completed, the order form can be sent to one of the contracted suppliers listed on the request form. Non-nutritional thickened fluid products are available from contracted suppliers through the DVA Continence and other products contract arrangement.

DVA regularly reviews the RAP National Schedule of Equipment to ensure that RAP keeps pace with advances in technology and clinical best practice. If you have any questions or require assistance please call the DVA provider helpline on 1800 550 457 or email RAP.Program.Management [at] dva.gov.au (RAP[dot]Program[dot]Management[at]dva[dot]gov[dot]au).