Consultation On Regulations For Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Introduction

The Department of Labour and ACC are consulting on behalf of the Minister for ACC on two separate regulatory proposals on how ACC responds to injury-related hearing loss claims: prescribing the proportion of the costs that ACC is liable to pay for hearing loss entitlements and updating procedures for noise-induced hearing loss assessment procedures.
Cabinet has noted (CAB min (09) 29/8) that ACC should pay entitlements (hearing aids) only for the proportion of a claimant’s hearing loss that is injury-related, and noted that this may result in regulations. This decision is consistent with the Accident Compensation Act 2001 which specifically excludes from cover personal injury caused by the ageing process (section 26(4)) or other causes excluded from the personal injury definition under the Act.
We are now consulting on the regulations that would give effect to this.

The Accident Compensation Act 2001 (sections 323 and 324) requires that the Minister consult persons or organisations he considers appropriate before making recommendations for regulations. In addition, any regulations relating to the costs or conditions of payment for rehabilitation require a recommendation from ACC. ACC intends to make its recommendation to the Minister on one of the two options for new regulations once consultation is complete.

Your opinion is sought on the proposed regulation changes. If you would like to have your views taken into consideration please respond to the questions in the consultation document.

Email:

Post:

Consultation On Regulations Relating To Hearing Loss
ACC Policy
Workplace Policy Group
Department of Labour
PO Box 3705
Wellington

Submissions open on 24 May 2010 and responses must be received by 5pm on 18 June 2010.

The Department of Labour and ACC are subject to the Official Information Act 1982, which means that your submission may be made available to those seeking information under that Act.