MHNIP frequently asked questions

Note: On 1 July 2011, Medicare Australia was integrated into the federal Department of Human Services (Human Services). The Medicare program within Human Services will continue to look after programs such as the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP).

How does an organisation sign up to participate in the MHNIP?

The MHNIP is administered by the Department of Human Services. Organisations that meet the eligibility criteria can apply to Human Services to participate in the MHNIP at any time.

Once an eligible organisation has read and understood the MHNIP program guidelines, the organisation must complete and submit the MHNIP application form to Human Services.

What are the responsibilities of a participating organisation?

Organisations are ultimately responsible for the receipt and use of program funds in line with the MHNIP program guidelines.

Organisations can choose which bank account Human Services pays MHNIP payments into, including the payment of funds into accounts managed by third parties (such as mental health nurses). These arrangements do not diminish an organisations’ ownership of received funds, or their responsibilities as funds recipients.

How does an organisation claim the MHNIP establishment payment?

The MHNIP establishment payment is available to organisations to help them engage a mental health nurse and offset some of the initial costs. When engaging a mental health nurse, an organisation can complete and submit the MHNIP establishment payment application form with evidence of engagement of a mental health nurse. Once Human Services has approved these documents, the establishment payment will be made.

How does an organisation receive the MHNIP incentive payment?

To receive MHNIP payments, an organisation needs to complete and submit a monthly MHNIP claim form. The claim form includes organisation, patient and sessional information as outlined in the MHNIP program guidelines. 

Claim forms will be accepted up to six months following the date of the session being claimed.

How are the incentive payments made?

Incentive payments are paid monthly, via electronic transfer, into a designated bank account nominated by the organisation. Payments will reflect the number of sessions detailed in the monthly MHNIP claim form.

See also What are the responsibilities of a participating organisation? (above)

Do the incentive and establishment payments need to be declared for tax purposes?

Human Services recommends organisations seek independent financial advice in respect to any taxation implications of receiving funding under the MHNIP.

Do the incentive and establishment payments attract GST?

The MHNIP incentive and establishment payments are GST Free.

Are statements of sessions conducted sent to participating organisations?

Human Services will send monthly statements to the authorised contact person at the postal address nominated by the organisation.

What is an authorised contact person?

An authorised contact person is an individual authorised in writing by the owner of the organisation to advise Human Services of any changes to the organisation and/or the organisation’s services and payments relating to the MHNIP. Human Services will send all mail, including statements, to the authorised contact person. 

What if the authorised contact person leaves the organisation?

If there is a change to the authorised contact person, an organisation must complete and submit the MHNIP change to authorised contact person(s) form to Human Services as soon as practical.

What if the organisation's address changes?

Organisations must notify Human Services of any changes to their eligibility within 14 calendar days, by completing and submitting the MHNIP change of organisation details form.

Who will be audited by Human Services?

Every year Human Services undertakes program audits on organisations who are participating in the MHNIP. The audits make sure all participating organisations stay aware of the current guidelines and requirements of the MHNIP.

Audits are conducted on participating organisations who receive payments, not on individual mental health nurses. Organisations are the responsible entities for the administration of any funding received under the MHNIP.

It is the organisation’s responsibility to make sure documentary evidence of all MHNIP eligibility requirements, including nurse insurance and credentialing, is kept within the organisation.

Are there any requirements when employing/contracting a nurse?

All arrangements must be in line with the requirements in the MHNIP guidelines which include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Organisations must engage the services of a mental health nurse credentialed with the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN).  
• Organisations can engage more than one mental health nurse. Employment agreements are negotiated between participating nurses and organisations, based on the organisations’ circumstances and each nurses’ specialist expertise and experience.

Where are the MHNIP forms and guidelines?

Organisations and nurses can access the MHNIP forms and guidelines here.

For more information

Online: MHNIP

Email: mhnip@humanservices.gov.au

Write:

Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program
Medicare
GPO Box 2572
Adelaide SA 5001

Call: 1800 222 032**

Fax: 1300 581 573*

* Call charges apply.
** Call charges apply from mobile and pay phones only.

Last updated: 18 September, 2012

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