Advice on COVID-19 Vaccination of Health Care Workers

NSW Ministry of Health Mental Health Branch has provided the following advice to providers on the requirement for health care workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by 30 September 2021.

This information is provided by the Ministry regarding the Public Health (COVID-19 Vaccination of Health Care Workers) Order 2021

“In summary, we can confirm that the Order applies to Health-funded NGOs if they or their staff are delivering services for a Public Health Organisation.

The relevant clauses in the Order are:

health care worker means each of the following— (a) a person who does work, including as a member of staff of the NSW Health Service, for any of the following— (i) a public health organisation within the meaning of the Health Services Act 1997, (ii) the Health Administration Corporation, (iii) the Ambulance Service of NSW, (b) a registered paramedic who does work involving transporting, or assessing whether to transport, persons to or from a hospital or public health facility, including any treatment incidental to the work, (c) a member of staff of the Ministry of Health, (d) a person who does work at a private health facility

Work is however broadly defined: the Order stating it includes (a) work done under a contract of service or a contract for services, including work done by a visiting practitioner within the meaning of the Health Services Act 1997, and (b) work done as a volunteer or by or for a charitable organisation, and (c) work done by a student on a student placement, and (d) work done on a temporary basis, including while acting in or filling an office or other role because of a vacancy or absence.

Therefore, if someone is “working” for a Public Health Organisation, including under a contract or as a charitable organisation, they would be covered.

This means that health care workers include workers in NGO services if an NGO has a contract with NSW Health to deliver services OR the work is by or for a charitable organisation.”

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Advice on COVID-19 Vaccination of Health Care Workers