Commonwealth Numbered Regulations Commonwealth Numbered Regulations(1) A health assessment for a person with an intellectual disability is an assessment of:
(a) the patient's physical, psychological and social function; and
(b) whether any medical intervention and preventive health care is required.
(2) The health assessment for a person with an intellectual disability must include the following matters to the extent that they are relevant to the patient:
(a) checking dental health (including dentition);
(b) conducting an aural examination (including arranging a formal audiometry if an audiometry has not been conducted within the last 5 years);
(c) assessing ocular health (arrange review by an ophthalmologist or optometrist if a comprehensive eye examination has not been conducted within the last 5 years);
(d) assessing nutritional status (including weight and height measurements) and a review of growth and development;
(e) assessing bowel and bladder function (particularly for incontinence or chronic constipation);
(f) assessing medications including:
(i) non‑prescription medicines taken by the patient, prescriptions from other doctors, medications prescribed but not taken, interactions, side effects and review of indications; and
(ii) advice to carers on the common side-effects and interactions; and
(iii) consideration of the need for a formal medication review;
(g) checking immunisation status (including influenza, tetanus, hepatitis A and B, measles, mumps, rubella and pneumococcal vaccinations) with reference to the Australian Immunisation Handbook , for appropriate vaccination schedules;
Note The Australian Immunisation Handbook can be viewed at http://www.health.gov.au .
(h) checking exercise opportunities (with the aim of moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes each day);
(i) checking whether the support provided for activities of daily living adequately and appropriately meets the patient's needs, and considering formal review if required;
(j) considering the need for breast examination, mammography, papanicolaou smears, testicular examination, lipid measurement and prostate assessment as for the general population;
(k) checking for dysphagia and gastro‑oesophageal disease (especially for patients with cerebral palsy) and arranging for investigation or treatment as required;
(l) assessing risk factors for osteoporosis (including diet, exercise, Vitamin D deficiency, hormonal status, family history, medication and fracture history) and arranging for investigation or treatment as required;
(m) for a patient diagnosed with epilepsy -- reviewing seizure control (including anticonvulsant drugs) and considering referral to a neurologist at appropriate intervals;
(n) screening for thyroid disease at least every 2 years (or yearly for patients with Down syndrome);
(o) for a patient without a definitive aetiological diagnosis -- considering referral to a genetic clinic every 5 years;
(p) assessing or reviewing treatment for co-morbid mental health issues;
(q) considering timing of puberty and management of sexual development, sexual activity and reproductive health;
(r) considering whether there are any signs of physical, psychological or sexual abuse.
(3) A health assessment for a person with an intellectual disability must also include:
(a) keeping a record of the health assessment; and
(b) offering the patient a written report on the health assessment; and
(c) offering the patient's carer (if any, and if the medical practitioner considers it appropriate and the patient agrees) a copy of the report or extracts of the report; and
(d) offering relevant disability professionals (if the medical practitioner considers it appropriate and the patient or, if appropriate, the patient's carer, agrees) a copy of the report or extracts of the report.
(4) A health assessment for a person with an intellectual disability must not be provided more than once every 12 months to an eligible person.