Subsection 325(1) provides that the MRCC may conduct a needs assessment at any time after it accepts liability for a service injury or disease. However subsection 325(2) states that the MRCC must conduct a needs assessment before determining that any compensation is payable.
There is no requirement to conduct a needs assessments for Death claims pursuant to section 233, or claims for the loss of or damage to medical aids pursuant to section 226.
As a matter of policy a MRCA delegate should conduct a needs assessment immediately and/or concurrently following acceptance of liability for a service injury or disease.
For the sake of continuity of client service the liability delegate is best placed to conduct the first needs assessment, given their knowledge of the person's needs emanating from the liability investigation process.