The transition period has begun for health services to align to the new Purchasing Policies released by HealthShare Victoria (HSV).
Health services identified under the Health Services Act 1988 (Vic) (The Act) as schedule 1 or schedule 5 services must fully transition by 1 January 2024.
The Self-Assessment is due by 31 May 2023 and now accessible on the CPO Compliance Portal for completion for the 2022-2023 financial year. The assessment completes a gap analysis and assists in the transition.
The updated purchasing policies will replace the 2017 Health Purchasing Policies, effective from 1 January 2024.
There has been a change to the structure of the Policies with a lot of detail that was previously mandated moving to supplementary or guidance material. There has also been a more official distinction between the requirements for metro versus regional health services.
You can find the comparison documents and new requirements in the summary of key changes document and download the updated policies below.
The amendments to the HSV PPs are intended to align to the Victorian Government Purchasing Board (VGPB) Supply Policies and to implement areas for improvement that have been identified. General information provided by HSV has indicated that areas of compliance with the 2017 PPs will remain compliant under the new policies.
Health services are required to have an internal audit performed over their compliance at minimum every three years.
AFS internal auditors have vast experience in the health services sector. Please contact us on 03 5443 0344 or email afs@afsbendigo.com.au to find out more.