Q&As: Review Panel

Why has the Review Panel been setup?

The Review Panel was established to consider proposed support packages recommended by a Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC)/Enabling Good Lives (EGL) site.

What is the Review Panel process?

The Panel is supported by an Assurance Team that will triage NASC/EGL applications to the Review Panel.

The Assurance Team will consider applications against the criteria and may seek further information from the NASC/EGL site.

If the criteria are met, the application is considered by the Review Panel.

Who is on the Review Panel?

The Review Panel has four employees of the Ministry of Disabled People - Whaikaha, with at least one registered health professional.

When the Disability Support Services are transferred to MSD, the Review Panel members will also transfer.

What expertise will they bring?

The Review Panel will have understanding and knowledge of:

• delivery of residential care
• pricing of Whaikaha funded supports
• budget and financial management
• equity principles, including the provision of support that is culturally appropriate for tāngata whaikaha Māori and Pacific disabled people
• the NASC, EGL site and provider operating environment and processes
• clinical care for those with high needs
• any other skills and knowledge considered necessary.

What support packages need to go to the Review Panel?

• All new proposed individual rates for residential support, including any increases to existing individual rates. 
• Planned entries to residential care that the NASC or EGL site considers essential, whether they are on contract rates or individual rates.
• Proposed community packages exceeding $105,000 per annum. 

Why does the Review Panel consider planned entries to residential care?

As a general rule, the operational guidance states that planned entries are not able to be prioritised. However, where a NASC or EGL site considers that a planned entry is essential and affordable within its budget, this can be considered by the Review Panel.

What is planned entry?

Planned entries are situations where the disabled person is in the process of planning to enter residential care, as part of an upcoming life change (leaving school, parents retiring etc), but the need for residential care is not urgent.

These entries cannot be prioritised without the approval of the Review Panel.

What happens to an application when it is sent to the Review Panel?

Applications will be triaged by an Assurance Team before the Review Panel considers them. 

From 6 September 2024, all new applications must be on the correct form, which was distributed to NASCs on 3 September 2024.

Each of the following criteria must be evidenced in the application form (and have the required documents attached).

1. Full eligibility has been established in line with operational policy on eligibility.
2. The package of support requested is based on the person’s disability related needs.
3. The pricing model and funding was calculated correctly.
4. Evidence that the cost of the package can be met within the current year’s budget.
5. Evidence has been provided that all alternatives that would meet the person’s support needs have been explored, as set out in the Operational Policy and Guidance external URL.
6. The changes to supports are necessary to mitigate safety risks to the person and/or those providing support to them.

When all the criteria have been evidenced, the application will be sent to the Review Panel for consideration. Applications must have all the required information to proceed to panel.

What does the Review Panel do?

The Review Panel will:

• consider the needs of individuals, fairness and equity within the legal requirements to manage the budget for residential and community-based disability supports
• operate in ways that are consistent with the principles of good public decision making, including ensuring all relevant factors have been considered and that the decision is reasonable, transparent, consistent, and appropriately documented
• consider alternatives to residential care and higher cost community packages, in a way that is equitable and ensures overall affordability across residential and community packages.

The Review Panel then endorses (or does not endorse) the application.

How often does the Panel meet?

The Review Panel meets as often as necessary to make timely decisions on applications. They are currently meeting three times a week.

The Chair can make decisions in between meetings in urgent situations.

What is the process if the Panel endorses an application?

If endorsed, the application will be signed off by the Deputy Chief Executive (DCE) CDD, or following the transfer to MSD, by the Associate DCE, DSS.

What is the process if the Panel does not endorse an application?

If an application is not endorsed, it will return to the NASC/EGL site with an explanation.

What is the process for appealing a Review Panel decision?

Where a disabled person, their family or the NASC/EGL site involved is concerned that the Review Panel has not followed the Terms of Reference in making its recommendation, they may seek a review of the decision by the CE of the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha or, after 16 September 2024, by the DCE for DSS at MSD.

More information

Find more information about the Independent Review external URL (PDF 4.8 MB) or visit the Information for providers external URL page on our website.