MAT Quarterly

The Queensland Government is adopting the 5^th Edition of the American Medical Association Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA 5) as the method for assessing permanent impairment in Queensland's Worker's compensation system. 

 

This will align the Queensland workers' compensation scheme with other personal injury schemes within the state and also align Queensland with the majority of Australian jurisdictions that use AMA 5 in their workers' compensations schemes.

 

The Department of Justice and Attorney-General has established a stakeholder working group to assist with the implementation of AMA 5.

 

The role of the working group will be to facilitate the implementation of AMA 5 by:

• Analysing the impacts of implementing AMA 5 and what it means for the stakeholders in the scheme;
• Identifying current issues and any barriers to implementation;
• Reviewing and simplifying the approach taken to regulating the calculation of permanent impairment; and
• Recommending a framework for implementation

 

The working group will report back to the Minister with its recommendations.

 

Michael Francis attended the first meeting of the AMA5 Implementation, Stakeholder Working Group on 31 August 2011.

 

The early work will focus on the development of a Queensland-specific guideline to accompany AMA5 and potentially replace the Table of Injuries.  The New South Wales WorkCover Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment will provide a basis for this document. 

 

At this stage there is no indication of a prospective implementation date.  Please feel free to call Michael any time if you have any questions about what is happening. Michael's direct number is 3020 6401.