Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Accident Compensation Act 1985 - SECT 55A

Referral of medical question by consent

55A. Referral of medical question by consent



(1) Without limiting any other provision of this Act, the Authority or a
self-insurer may apply to the Senior Conciliation Officer in accordance with
this section for a medical question relevant to a claim for compensation by a
worker to be referred by a Conciliation Officer to a Medical Panel.

(2) The Authority or a self-insurer can only make an application under this
section with the consent of the worker and in the absence of a dispute.

(3) If a Conciliation Officer is satisfied after considering an application
under this section that-

   (a)  the medical question is in an appropriate form; and

   (b)  the worker has given informed and genuine consent; and

   (c)  the medical question is relevant and would assist in the consideration
        and management of the worker's claim; and

   (d)  the Authority or the self-insurer, and the worker, have provided all
        the relevant documents and information-

the Conciliation Officer must refer the medical question to a Medical Panel.

(4) The Authority or a self-insurer must bear all the costs reasonably
incurred by a worker in relation to an application under this section.