What a health liaison officer does
Hospital stays are a common point where disability support breaks down. Someone is medically ready to go home, but their supports no longer fit, or they have no NDIS plan yet. Liaison officers exist to stop people waiting in hospital for the disability side to catch up.
They are NDIA employees, not hospital staff. They work with state and territory hospital teams such as social workers and discharge planners, and pass information between the hospital and the NDIA as quickly as possible.
Who they help
Liaison officers work with NDIS participants who are in hospital, and with people who may be eligible for the NDIS but have not yet applied. With your consent, they discuss:
- Why you went into hospital and how long you have been there
- When you are expected to be ready to leave
- Your health and disability support needs
- Any changes to your disability support needs since you were admitted
- Any further information the NDIA needs to plan for your discharge
How hospital discharge works with the NDIS
The NDIA has committed to contact participants, or their nominee or representative, within 4 days of being told they have been admitted to hospital. If your needs have changed, the NDIA may vary your plan or reassess it so supports are ready when you leave.
The NDIS supports list includes short term support before and immediately after hospital discharge where your disability support needs have changed. If your home is not ready, medium term accommodation can bridge the gap, generally for up to 90 days, while home modifications or a new place to live are arranged.
What the health system pays for, and what the NDIS pays for
Hospitals remain responsible for your medical treatment, rehabilitation after a recent illness or injury, Hospital in the Home and subacute care. The NDIS funds disability supports, such as support workers, assistive technology, home modifications and therapy that builds your day to day function.
The two can overlap at discharge. A liaison officer helps sort out which system funds what, so a gap between them does not keep you in hospital.
How to get help from a liaison officer
You usually do not contact a liaison officer directly. Ask the hospital social worker or discharge planner to contact the NDIA, or call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 and tell them you are in hospital. If you have a support coordinator, let them know as soon as you are admitted.
Tips for a smoother discharge
- Tell the hospital on admission that you are an NDIS participant and give them your NDIS number
- Give consent for the hospital and the NDIA to share information about your discharge
- Ask your treating team to put changes in your needs in writing, such as new equipment or more personal care
- Ask an occupational therapist to check your home before you leave if your mobility has changed
- Keep your providers informed so they can restart or change your supports on time