3.10 Plan Closure

​The Delegate may, in response to a client's written request, notice from a rehabilitation provider or based on information available to them determine that a rehabilitation program should cease. Examples of when this may occur include, but is not limited to when:

• a client returns to work (with optimal hours & duties) and no longer requires services;
• a client withdraws, or fails to participate in their rehabilitation program;
• rehabilitation is not considered appropriate, or is considered to no longer have value for the client (at a certain point in time) for medical or other reasons, and/or
• for administrative purposes (such as the client relocating or a change in provider);
• a client advises they wish to undertake paid parental leave as described in Chapter 13.6 of this library. In this instance it is important for the Delegate to advise the client of the implications of closing their plan, including the need to be reassessed when recommencing a rehabilitation plan or the risk of an overpayment. The Delegate could suggest a pause in the rehabilitation plan rather than closure.

Prior to determining a rehabilitation plan is to close, the Delegate must:

• be aware, through an assessment, of the client’s capacity to undertake rehabilitation (if they are not already doing so),
• consider if other supports, such as streamlined access to incapacity payments are required; and
• have consulted the client regarding the proposed action to close the rehabilitation plan.

In circumstances where a proposed plan closure is prompted by concerns regarding a client’s participation in their rehabilitation program, the Delegate is solely responsible for consultation with the client.  In all other circumstances, either the Rehabilitation Provider and/or Delegate may consult with the client regarding the proposed closure.

A plan closure report must be completed in consultation with the client and, submitted to the Delegate.  Minimum standards for the closure report, inclusive of timeframes and outcome indicators must be met.

Variance may exist between elements of the closure procedures for those who undertook VVRS rehabilitation in comparison with that of DVA Rehabilitation (MRCA/DRCA).

The determination for plan closure, combined with the plan closure report constitutes a formal determination under section 37 of DRCA, section 53 of MRCA, and the VVRS Instrument and as such is a reviewable decision.

Post closure contact

Contact will the client will be attempted by the Delegate after a rehabilitation plan is closed.  This is to ensure any arising and unforeseen issues may be addressed through the provision of additional DVA support and to review the sustainability of any achieved rehabilitation goals.