Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00188:clause:1_30
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00188
Segment Type: clause
Provision Reference: sch 1 cl 30
Character Range: 45988–48502

30      There is an extreme functional impact on activities involving spinal function.

             (1) The person cannot perform activities involving spinal function.

Table 5 – Mental Health Function

Introduction to Table 5

       * Table 5 is to be used to assess the functional impact of a diagnosed mental health condition (including recurring episodes of mental health impairment).

       * The diagnosis of the condition causing the impairment must be made by an appropriately qualified medical practitioner (such as a general practitioner or a psychiatrist) with evidence from a registered psychologist (if the diagnosis has not been made by a psychiatrist).

       * Diagnosis and evidence should make appropriate reference to the diagnostic tool used.

       * There must be corroborating evidence of the person's impairment.

       * Self-report of symptoms must be supported by corroborating medical evidence.

       * Examples of corroborating evidence for the purposes of this Table include, but are not limited to, the following:

         * a report from the person's treating doctor;

         * supporting letters, reports or assessments relating to the person's mental health or psychiatric condition;

         * interviews with the person and those providing care or support to the person.

       * In using Table 5 evidence from a range of sources should be considered in determining which rating applies to the person being assessed.

       * The person may not have sufficient self-awareness of their mental health impairment or may not be able to accurately describe its effects. This is to be kept in mind when discussing issues with the person and reading supporting evidence.

       * The signs and symptoms of mental health impairment may vary over time. The person's presentation on the day of the assessment should not solely be relied upon.

       * When determining whether a descriptor applies that involves a person performing an activity, the descriptor applies if that person can do the activity when they would be expected to do so and not once or rarely.

       * When assessing episodic or fluctuating impairments and conditions, a rating must be assigned which reflects the overall functional impact of those impairments, taking into account the severity, duration and frequency of the episodes or fluctuations as appropriate.

       * The examples used in descriptors are not an exhaustive list and are to be used only as a guide.

Points  Descriptors