Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00188:clause:1_30:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00188
Segment Type: clause
Provision Reference: sch 1 cl 30 (pt 2/2)
Character Range: 59519–62006

used where the person suffers a mental health impairment resulting from previous alcohol, drug or other harmful substance use.

       * The use of drugs or alcohol does not in itself constitute or necessarily indicate a functional impairment.

       * 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 substance use disorder;

         * a report from a medical specialist (such as a general practitioner, addiction medicine specialist or psychiatrist with experience in diagnosis or treatment of substance use disorders) confirming diagnosis of substance use disorder and resulting impairment of other body systems or functions;

         * a report from an allied health practitioner (such as a psychologist) confirming the person's functional impairment;

         * results of investigations (such as liver function tests, alcohol and substance use assessment scales);

         * interviews with the person and those who provide care or support to the person;

         * reports or other records of participation in treatment programs;

         * work or training attendance records.

       * In using Table 6, 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 substance use disorder 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 substance use disorder may vary over time. The person's presentation on the day of the assessment should not be solely 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 only 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