Submission to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety: Response to Counsel Assisting's final submissions

The APS welcomed the extremely comprehensive report by Counsel Assisting which includes at long last, recognition and recommendations to address the mental health needs of aged care recipients.

This submission primarily focuses on psychological service delivery, both as part of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and beyond.

The APS supports recommendations for MBS Better Access items to be available to aged care residents, as they are for members in the community. However, MBS items are only one strategy to address the mental health needs of aged care residents, and should be regarded as a complement to other services.

Other recommendations related to including mental health in training for aged care workers, and remunerating provisional psychologists for their work in aged care.  

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