|
NZ Government
March 27, 2002
Code to ensure the rights of ACC claimants
Press Release
A new draft code setting
out ACC's obligations in dealing with claimants was released by ACC Minister
Lianne Dalziel today.
Lianne Dalziel welcomed the draft as an important milestone in the
development of the Code of ACC Claimants' Rights.
"The purpose of the Code is to give ACC claimants, for the first time, a
rights-based framework for their dealings with ACC. The draft Code clearly states that ACC is
obliged to treat claimants with dignity and respect, and that people can expect
to be treated in a timely and fair way by ACC.
"This document is a key component in the restoration of the founding
principles of ACC, as promised prior to the last election. We are delivering on that promise,"
Lianne Dalziel said.
"The Code is intended to help restore some of the faith people have lost
in the system over the last decade.
Under the draft Code, claimants have the right:
· to be treated with dignity and
respect and to have
their views considered
· to be treated fairly
· to have culture, values and
beliefs respected
· to have a support person or
persons
· to effective communication
· to be fully informed
· to have privacy respected
· to an environment of co-operative
and effective work
"It also complements the improved rehabilitation model required under
the Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Compensation Act 2001 which takes
effect on 1 April.
"Effective rehabilitation of injured people requires a positive working
relationship where all parties know they need to work co-operatively and
effectively together. The Code will support this happening," said Lianne
Dalziel.
Consultation on the draft Code begins tomorrow after it has been gazetted and
it runs until 15 May 2002. Copies of the Code are being sent to advocacy
groups and interested parties, many of whom were involved in developing the
draft. Copies are also available by
phoning 0508 489 489 or by visiting the ACC website www.acc.co.nz.
|
