PSR Panel Newsletter - April 2025

Director’s message

Welcome to the Autumn 2025 edition of the PSR newsletter!

Caretaker 

During the period preceding an election, the Government assumes a ‘caretaker role’. During the caretaker period, the business of government continues, and ordinary matters of administration still need to be addressed, however, successive governments have followed a series of practices – the ‘caretaker conventions’ – which aim to ensure that their actions do not bind the incoming government and limit its freedom of action.

Caretaker period doesn’t generally have an impact on the decisions that we make at PSR, however we are required to exercise caution when committing to external meetings and events, and unless critical, statutory appointments will not made until after the election. 

Ms Karen Garner-Hamilton

It is with deep sadness that I write to inform you of the passing of Mrs Karen Garner-Hamilton, who served as an optometrist member on the Determining Authority with distinction and dedication.

Our thoughts are with Mrs Garner- Hamilton’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Mrs Garner-Hamilton made a significant contribution to the Determining Authority and her commitment and advice will be sincerely missed.

Wellbeing Reminder

As health professionals and statutory office holders, the responsibilities we carry are significant and often demanding. While serving the public and upholding our duties, it's vital to remember the importance of our own mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.

Please remember that support is always available. Some resources are available below:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au – 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. 

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 www.beyondblue.org.au – Mental health support for anxiety, depression, and stress.

Drs4Drs: 1300 374 377 www.drs4drs.com.au - national not for profit organisation dedicated to the well-being of doctors and medical students.

Medicare Mental Health: www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au – Australian Government mental health resource hub.

There is strength in reaching out. Let’s continue to support one another as we navigate the challenges and responsibilities of our roles, and promote a workplace culture where wellbeing is a shared priority.

PSR Panel Member Training Framework

Phase 1 of the PSR Panel Member Training Framework (PMTF) has been rolled out. Thank you to everyone who has engaged in this work so far including attending the online information, induction and ‘Ask and Associate Director’ sessions, asking questions and watching any of the online modules. 

If you have any questions or feedback on the framework, webinars, modules or information provided on GovTEAMS, please complete the feedback form.

The GovTEAMS Official Community includes a series of factsheets, general resources, publications and guides, reimbursement forms and copies of the remuneration determinations. 

The Determining Authority have their own GovTEAMS Community which all members should also have access to.

You will all also receive periodic reminders to verify your email address. Please action these to ensure your access to GovTEAMS remains current and you can access the PSR material.

If you have any issues accessing or logging into your existing account, please contact PanelAndDA@psr.gov.au. Our staff will review and resolve where possible or refer you to the GovTEAMS Helpdesk where appropriate. 

The GovTEAMS support page may also assist in troubleshooting issues. 

Upcoming PMTF events

Quarterly Webinar 

The quarterly webinar for Autumn will be held at 6pm (AEST) on Wednesday 30 April 2025. Each of these webinars will cover a specific PSR topic, this quarter it will cover the extrapolation formula that is used to determine potential repayment amounts, and how this one formula can have big impact on a Committee’s process. 

For anyone who likes to pre-read you can look up the formula for yourself in the Health Insurance (Professional Services Review – Sampling Methodology) Determination 2017.

If you would like to attend, please register here.

Nurse Practitioner Masterclass

We are currently planning for a masterclass specifically for the nurse practitioners appointed to the Panel. This will be scheduled for May 2025. Stay tuned for more information, including the link to register.

Deputy Director Training 

Relevant only to members appointed as a Deputy Director

Invitations have been circulated to Deputy Directors regarding the training session scheduled in August in Sydney. Similar to the panel training sessions, this will be an opportunity for all Deputy Directors to come together and meet, learn from each other, and undertake training from PSR specifically relevant to being a Committee Chair.

Additional information regarding this, including RSVP information will be provided shortly. 

PSR conference attendance 

Attending conferences relating to PSR’s outcome, and hosting exhibition booths are a key element of PSR’s Stakeholder Engagement Framework to strengthen the relationships PSR has with its stakeholders and build trust within the health and medical community. 

In 2025, PSR will attend the following conferences:

• Practice Owner’s Conference in May 2025 
• Skin2 Skin Cancer Conference in June 2025
• Australian College of Nurse Practitioners National Conference in August 2025
• International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA) Conference in September. 
• GP25 Conference in November 2025.

Agency activity

PSR operations this financial year continue to keep us busy with 88 new referrals and 96 cases finalised by 17 April 2025.

There are currently 26 matters at the Committee stage. Thank you to all Committee members who are travelling, reviewing records, preparing reports and undergoing all the other work that goes along with these hearings. We know a few of you haven’t heard from PSR in a while, but rest assured we are keeping you in mind.

There are 96 (and counting) matters currently at the Director’s/Associate Director’s stage. This also takes a lot of work from PSR staff, consultants and the decision-makers. 

Outcomes

PSR continues to post monthly summaries on the website regarding all finalised matters. These are available on the Case Outcomes page of the PSR website. I encourage you to take the time to read as they reveal outcomes across all PSR cases including those resolved by negotiated agreements and those which have progressed to Committee stage. The case outcomes provide an overview of commonly reviewed items and common themes emerging. 

Certification of work completed for PSR

If you have completed work for PSR and require certification for professional development purposes, please complete the request form and a member of our staff will be in contact.

Want more information? 

PSR posts regularly on LinkedIn about a range of topics, including agency events, recruitment, publications, and significant appointments. 

To stay informed, follow PSR on LinkedIn!