The Pricing Framework for Australian Public Hospital Services 2017-18 outlines the major policy decisions which will underpin the National Efficient Price and National Efficient Cost Determinations for 2017-18.
The Chair of the Pricing Authority, Shane Solomon said, “This year the Consultation Paper seeks feedback about options for pricing and funding for safety and quality. This follows from a Direction issued to IHPA by the Minister for Heath and Aged Care following the Heads of Agreement signed at the Council of Australian Governments meeting in April 2016.
“IHPA has been working closely with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care since 2012 to review possible pricing approaches to improve the safety and quality of hospital care. This work has benefited from extensive participation by clinicians as well as input from states, territories and other stakeholders including consumers.
“The success of a safety and quality pricing and funding mechanism is dependent on national, state, and local health systems working together to support the implementation of a model and ensure that it is working to improve safety and quality across all services,” he said.
IHPA is also seeking feedback on a proposal for the future introduction of a bundled pricing approach for maternity services, as well as other areas related to IHPA’s pricing function.
“The Consultation Paper is an important opportunity for stakeholders to engage with IHPA on a number of emerging issues in relation to pricing to help improve public hospital services across Australia. We strongly encourage all interested parties to provide feedback as part of this process,” concluded Mr Solomon.
The Consultation Paper on the Pricing Framework for Australian Public Hospital Services 2017-18 is available on the IHPA website.
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