MEDICARE BILLING

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite) (15:06): I have a supplementary question. If, given the minister's answer, the doctors have choices and it is not mandated, why is the policy directive prepared by the department's finance and administration division and approved on 17 November 2001, titled 'Medicare billing for private non-admitted patients in SA Health local health network outpatients clinics', stamped 'compliance is mandatory'? If it is voluntary, why is it stamped 'compliance is mandatory'?

The Hon. J.D. HILL (Kaurna—Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Arts) (15:07): Obviously, our policy is mandatory on the department but that policy might contain an option and the option could have a range of possibilities. So, the policy is a mandatory policy and compliance with that policy is mandatory for the department. It does not mean an individual officer is obliged to do a particular part. As I say, I am happy to have another look at it and get back to you.