ACC sex claims review

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The way ACC manages the claims such as those by sexual abuse victims is being reviewed, ACC Minister Nick Smith announced today.

ACC changed the way it handled such claims - known as sensitive claims - last October but the guidelines were developed and launched in March 2008 by the previous Labour government.

"These changes have never been about costs savings," Dr Smith said.

"I have repeatedly stressed to the corporation that the focus must be on delivering to victims of sexual abuse or assault that have a mental injury the best help available to achieve a timely and successful recovery."

Figures released last month showed just 32 sexual abuse claims for counselling were approved in the first two months of this year, compared with 472 in January and February 2009.

Dr Smith said he had been hesitant to interfere in clinical decisions but that the changes had been controversial.

"That is why I have initiated this independent clinical review to ensure best possible practice in this sensitive area," he said.

Former Mental Health Commissioner Barbara Disley would lead the review, with clinical psychologist Clive Banks, consultant Ruth Herbert and psychiatrist Professor Graham Mellsop completing the panel.

They were expected to report back to Dr Smith by July.

- NZPA