Information about Office of the Senior Practitioner Reviews
Information about requesting a review.
Purpose
This information outlines the process of request for a review by the Office of Senior Practitioner (the Office) on matters regarding:
- a person with a disability subject to restrictive interventions or compulsory treatment
- who may present with a behaviour of concern
- who may potentially be subject to restrictive interventions
- review of a registered disability service performing the above function.
A particular focus of the review is to ensure that the rights of the person are protected.
The Disability Act 2006
The Disability Act 2006 (s27) provides the Senior Practitioner with powers in respect of the use of restrictive interventions or compulsory treatment by disability service providers. These include:
- seeing any person with a disability who is subject to restrictive interventions or
- investigating the use of restrictive interventions and accessing information about the person with a disability
The Senior Practitioner may also direct disability service providers to discontinue or report on the use of other restrictive interventions other than restraint and seclusion.
What is a review?
A review may take the form of a clinical review, practice review or service system review, and can include an examination of behaviour support plans, restrictive interventions or compulsory treatment being used, or other relevant material.
A review may also include an audit of restrictive interventions or compulsory treatment of an individual or group of people with a disability. The review process may also involve conducting case file reviews, interviews and visiting and inspecting services.
How do you request a review?
A request for a review can be made by completing the attached application form. If you need support to do this, please contact the Office (see application form for contact details).
Who can request a review?
A request can be made by:
- A person with a disability, a parent/guardian, an advocate
- The Public Advocate, the Disability Services Commissioner
- A registered disability service provider or other interested parties
What is considered when the Office conducts a review?
A review can consider:
- Any matter in respect to:
- the use of restrictive interventions or compulsory treatment by a disability service provider
- behaviours of concern
- Compliance with the Disability Act (Part 3, 7 and 8), and other relevant sections
- Whether the matter has been previously investigated by a disability service provider or an equivalent function
Who conducts the review?
Reviews are conducted by a Practice Leader or Practice Advisor from the Office or an independent person/service engaged by the Senior Practitioner.
What can happen as a result of a review?
The Senior Practitioner can make recommendations or provide direction to disability service providers on the findings of the review. Disability service providers are expected to prepare an action plan on how and when they will implement the recommendations or direction.
Disability service providers will be expected to provide a 'Review Implementation Report' to the Office within six months after the review (or a period specified by the Office).
