Medical review and reassessments

Medical reassessments determine whether a client's condition or work capacity has changed.

A client's registered medical practitioner or nurse practitioner (or dentist or midwife where relevant) will indicate on a medical certificate when they consider a client's capacity for work should next be reassessed (medical coverage). This provides useful information to help MSD work with the client.

Generally, MSD will accept the recommended reassessment period made by the client's registered medical practitioner or nurse practitioner (or dentist or midwife where relevant) unless there is any inconsistency.

For example, if the information on the client's capacity to work section of the medical certificate indicates the client is available for full-time employment but another question states they are unable to work full-time.

If it is past the date the registered medical practitioner or nurse practitioner (or dentist or midwife where relevant) assessed that the client is expected to be fit for work, or their capacity to work should be reviewed, there should be a further check on the client's progress.

When MSD is uncertain about the registered medical practitioner or nurse practitioner (or dentist or midwife where relevant) recommendation for reassessment, MSD should seek advice from the Regional Health Advisor or Regional Disability Advisor.

They may recommend the client is referred to a designated health practitioner for a second opinion.

A client's medical coverage determined by a registered medical practitioner or nurse practitioner could be 2 years or longer, which may indicate their health condition, injury or disability is permanent. In such cases, MSD should consider whether the client would qualify for the Supported Living Payment.

For more information see:

• Supported Living Payment Medical qualifications

Some clients getting Jobseeker Support because of a permanent health condition, disability or injury will not qualify for a Supported Living Payment because their work capacity is not severely restricted.

For example, a client's health condition, injury or disability may be expected to continue for at least 2 years (permanently), but they may not be severely restricted in their capacity for work (i.e. they could regularly work more than 15 hours a week but less than 30 hours a week). In these cases, Jobseeker Support is the correct benefit for a client.

Information provided by a registered medical practitioner or nurse practitioner on a medical certificate regarding a client's work capacity should be used to help MSD determine if a client may qualify for Supported Living Payment. MSD can also contact the Regional Health Advisor or Regional Disability Advisor for advice.