Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Disability Act 2006 - SECT 24

Functions of the Senior Practitioner

24. Functions of the Senior Practitioner



(1) The functions of the Senior Practitioner are-

   (a)  to develop guidelines and standards with respect to restrictive
        interventions and compulsory treatment;

Note The guidelines and standards may include clinical matters.

   (b)  to provide education and information with respect to restrictive
        interventions and compulsory treatment to disability
        service providers;

   (c)  to provide information with respect to the rights of persons with a
        disability who may be subject to the use of restrictive interventions
        or compulsory treatment;

   (d)  to provide advice to disability service providers to improve practice
        in relation to restrictive interventions and compulsory treatment;

   (e)  to give directions to disability service providers in relation to
        restrictive interventions and compulsory treatment and behaviour
        management plans and treatment plans;

   (f)  to develop links and access to professionals, professional bodies and
        academic institutions for the purpose of facilitating knowledge and
        training in clinical practice for persons working with persons with a
        disability;

   (g)  to undertake research into restrictive interventions and compulsory
        treatment and provide information on practice options to disability
        service providers;

   (h)  to evaluate and monitor the use of restrictive interventions across
        disability services and to recommend improvements in practice to the
        Minister and the Secretary;

        (i)    to undertake any other function relating to persons with a
               disability as may be directed in writing by the Secretary;

   (j)  any other functions specified by or under this Act.

(2) The Senior Practitioner must publish annually-

   (a)  information on the performance of the functions of the Senior
        Practitioner;

   (b)  data relating to the use of restrictive interventions and compulsory
        treatment.