Commonwealth Consolidated Acts Commonwealth Consolidated ActsNo. 41, 2008
Compilation No. 13
Compilation date: 14 October 2024
Includes amendments: Act No. 38, 2024
About this compilation
This compilation
This is a compilation of the Dental Benefits Act 2008 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 14 October 2024 (the compilation date).
The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.
Uncommenced amendments
The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the Register for the compiled law.
Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments
If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.
Editorial changes
For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.
Modifications
If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the Register for the compiled law.
Self-repealing provisions
If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.
Contents
Part 1--Preliminary
1 Short title
2 Commencement
3 Simplified outline
4 Definitions
5 Meaning of eligible dental patient
6 Meaning of dental provider
7 Meaning of rendered on behalf of a dental provider
7A Extension to external Territories
Part 2--Entitlement to dental benefits
8 Simplified outline
9 Entitlement to dental benefits
Part 3--Payment of dental benefits
Division 1--Introduction
10 Simplified outline
Division 2--Payment of dental benefits
11 Payment of dental benefits to persons who incur dental expenses
12 Assignment of dental benefits
13 Payment of assigned dental benefits
14 Payment of dental benefits to dental providers if a request is made
Division 3--Claims for dental benefits
15 Claims for dental benefits
16 Application for a longer period to lodge claims for assigned dental benefits
Division 4--When dental benefit is not payable
17 Dental benefit is not payable unless particulars are recorded on the account etc.
18 Dental benefit is not payable unless conditions specified in the Dental Benefits Rules are satisfied
19 Dental benefit is not payable if a benefit has been received etc. under a complying health insurance policy
20 Dental benefit is not payable in respect of a dental service rendered as part of an episode of hospital treatment etc.
20A Dental benefit is not payable in respect of a dental service rendered by a disqualified practitioner
20B Minister may direct disqualified practitioner to give notice of disqualification
20C Strict liability offence--failure to comply with direction to give notice of disqualification
20D Minister may direct disqualified practitioner to display notice of disqualification
20E Strict liability offence--failure to comply with direction to display notice of disqualification
21 Dental Benefits Rules may provide that dental benefit is not payable
Part 4--Dental benefits vouchers
Division 1--Introduction
22 Simplified outline
Division 2--Qualification for vouchers
23 Qualification for a voucher
24 When a person satisfies the means test
25 Dental Benefits Rules must specify certain matters
26 Qualification for a voucher--other persons
Division 3--Issue of vouchers and other matters
27 Chief Executive Medicare must issue vouchers
28 When voucher is not required to be issued--person dies
29 When voucher is not required to be issued--circumstances specified in the Dental Benefit Rules
30 Voucher must specify dental service
31 Voucher remains in effect until the end of a calendar year
32 Dental Benefits Rules may provide for other matters
Part 4A--Power to obtain documents etc. relevant to ascertaining whether amounts should have been paid
32A Simplified outline
32B When this Part applies
32C Chief Executive Medicare may require person to produce documents etc.
32D Civil penalty--failure to comply with requirement in notice
32E Self-incrimination etc.
32F Chief Executive Medicare or Human Services employee may deal with documents etc. produced
Part 5--Disclosure of protected information
Division 1--Introduction
33 Simplified outline
Division 2--Disclosure of protected information
34 Prohibition on disclosure of protected information
35 Authorised disclosure--official duties
36 Authorised disclosure--public interest
37 Authorised disclosure--authorisation by affected person
38 Authorised disclosure--enforcement of the criminal law etc.
39 Authorised disclosure--preventing or lessening a serious and imminent threat to the life or health of a person
40 Authorised disclosure--professional body
41 Authorised disclosure--administration of this Act
42 Disclosure of protected information to courts or tribunals
Division 3--Offences relating to the disclosure etc. of protected information
43 Offence--disclosure of protected information obtained in the public interest
44 Offence--soliciting disclosure of protected information
45 Offence--use etc. of protected information
46 Offence--offering to supply protected information
Part 6--General offences and recovery provisions
Division 1--Introduction
47 Simplified outline
Division 2--Offences relating to assignment agreements
48 Strict liability offence--particulars not set out in assignment agreement
49 Strict liability offence--copy of assignment agreement not given
Division 3--Offences relating to the giving of information
50 Strict liability offence--false or misleading statements relating to dental benefit
51 Strict liability offence--false or misleading statements by employees etc.
52 Offence--statement that person knows is false or misleading
53 Offence--statement based on statement that employee etc. knows is false or misleading
54 False statements etc.
55 Prosecution of certain offences
Division 4--Recovery of amounts paid under this Act
56 Recovery of amounts paid: false or misleading information
56A Recovery of amounts paid: notices to produce documents and administrative penalties
56B Notice of decision that document etc. produced substantiates that amount paid should have been paid
56C Notice of decision to claim amount as debt
56D Review of decision to claim amounts as debt
56E Liability for administrative penalty
56F Amount of administrative penalty
56G Notice of administrative penalty and review of assessments
56H Power to obtain information relating to a debt
57 Interest payable on recoverable amounts
58 Recovering amounts by reducing future payments
58AA Garnishee notices
58AB Failure to comply with garnishee notice
58A Amounts recoverable once only
Part 7--Dental Benefits Rules
59 Simplified outline
60 Minister may make Dental Benefits Rules
61 Dental Benefits Schedule
62 Specification of items in Dental Benefits Schedule may be conditional
Part 8--Other matters
63 Simplified outline
64 Additional functions of the Chief Executive Medicare
64A Obligations not affected by State or Territory laws
65 Appropriation
66 Delegation
67 Regulations
68 Review of operation of Act
Endnotes
Endnote 1--About the endnotes
Endnote 2--Abbreviation key
Endnote 3--Legislation history
Endnote 4--Amendment history
Endnotes
The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.
The following endnotes are included in every compilation:
Endnote 1--About the endnotes
Endnote 2--Abbreviation key
Endnote 3--Legislation history
Endnote 4--Amendment history
Abbreviation key--Endnote 2
The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.
Legislation history and amendment history--Endnotes 3 and 4
Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.
The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.
The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.
Editorial changes
The Legislation Act 2003 authorises First Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial and presentational changes to a compiled law in preparing a compilation of the law for registration. The changes must not change the effect of the law. Editorial changes take effect from the compilation registration date.
If the compilation includes editorial changes, the endnotes include a brief outline of the changes in general terms. Full details of any changes can be obtained from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.
Misdescribed amendments
A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under section 15V of the Legislation Act 2003.
If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and "(md not incorp)" is added to the amendment history.
ad = added or inserted | o = order(s) |
am = amended | Ord = Ordinance |
amdt = amendment | orig = original |
c = clause(s) | par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s) |
C[x] = Compilation No. x | /sub-subparagraph(s) |
Ch = Chapter(s) | pres = present |
def = definition(s) | prev = previous |
Dict = Dictionary | (prev ... ) = previously |
disallowed = disallowed by Parliament | Pt = Part(s) |
Div = Division(s) | r = regulation(s)/rule(s) |
ed = editorial change | reloc = relocated |
exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have | renum = renumbered |
effect | rep = repealed |
F = Federal Register of Legislation | rs = repealed and substituted |
gaz = gazette | s = section(s)/subsection(s) |
LA = Legislation Act 2003 | Sch = Schedule(s) |
Sdiv = Subdivision(s) | |
(md) = misdescribed amendment can be given | SLI = Select Legislative Instrument |
effect | SR = Statutory Rules |
(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment | Sub-Ch = Sub-Chapter(s) |
cannot be given effect | SubPt = Subpart(s) |
mod = modified/modification | underlining = whole or part not |
No. = Number(s) | commenced or to be commenced |
Endnote 3--Legislation history
Act | Number and year | Assent | Commencement | Application, saving and transitional provisions |
41, 2008 | 25 June 2008 | 26 June 2008 (s 2) |
| |
32, 2011 | 25 May 2011 | Sch 4 (items 68-94): 1 July 2011 (s 2(1) item 3) | -- | |
46, 2011 | 27 June 2011 | Sch 2 (items 530, 531) and Sch 3 (items 10, 11): 27 Dec 2011 (s 2(1) items 3, 12) | Sch 3 (items 10, 11) | |
183, 2012 | 10 Dec 2012 | 1 Jan 2014 (s 2) | -- | |
115, 2014 | 3 Nov 2014 | Sch 1 (items 1-4, 27, 29-51): 4 Nov 2014 (s 2) | Sch 1 (items 27, 46) | |
59, 2015 | 26 May 2015 | Sch 2 (items 122-125): 1 July 2016 (s 2(1) item 5) | Sch 2 (items 356-396) | |
as amended by |
|
|
|
|
33, 2016 | 23 Mar 2016 | Sch 2: 24 Mar 2016 (s 2(1) item 2) | -- | |
Acts and Instruments (Framework Reform) (Consequential Provisions) Act 2015 | 126, 2015 | 10 Sept 2015 | Sch 1 (items 170, 171): 5 Mar 2016 (s 2(1) item 2) | -- |
Health Legislation Amendment (Improved Medicare Compliance and Other Measures) Act 2018 | 64, 2018 | 29 June 2018 | Sch 4: 1 July 2018 (s 2(1) item 3) | Sch 4 (items 15-17) |
104, 2020 | 20 Nov 2020 | Sch 1 (items 20, 21, 66): 1 Feb 2020 (s 2(1) item 2) | Sch 1 (item 66) | |
118, 2021 | 2 Dec 2021 | 1 Jan 2022 (s 2(1) item 1) | -- | |
Health Legislation Amendment (Medicare Compliance and Other Measures) Act 2022 | 77, 2022 | 5 Dec 2022 | Sch 1 (items 50, 51, 57-70, 97-102, 108): 6 Dec 2022 (s 2(1) item 1) | Sch 1 (items 57, 97, 108) |
Administrative Review Tribunal (Consequential and Transitional Provisions No. 1) Act 2024 | 38, 2024 | 31 May 2024 | Sch 12 (items 8, 9, 38): 14 Oct 2024 (s 2(1) item 2) | -- |
Provision affected | How affected |
Part 1 |
|
s 3..................... | am No 32, 2011; No 115, 2014 |
s 4..................... | am No 32, 2011; No 183, 2012; No 115, 2014; No 59, 2015; No 104, 2020 |
s 6..................... | am No 115, 2014 |
s 7A.................... | ad No 59, 2015 |
Part 3 |
|
Division 1 |
|
s 10.................... | am No 32, 2011; No 115, 2014 |
Division 2 |
|
s 11.................... | am No 32, 2011 |
s 13.................... | am No 32, 2011 |
s 14.................... | am No 32, 2011 |
Division 3 |
|
s 15.................... | am No 32, 2011 |
s 16.................... | am No 32, 2011 |
Division 4 |
|
s 18.................... | am No 59, 2015; No 126, 2015 |
s 20A................... | ad No 115, 2014 |
s 20B................... | ad No 115, 2014 |
s 20C................... | ad No 115, 2014 |
s 20D................... | ad No 115, 2014 |
s 20E................... | ad No 115, 2014 |
s 21.................... | am No 59, 2015; No 126, 2015 |
Part 4 |
|
Division 1 |
|
s 22.................... | am No 32, 2011; No 183, 2012; No 118, 2021 |
Division 2 |
|
s 23.................... | am No 183, 2012; No 118, 2021 |
s 24.................... | am No 183, 2012 |
s 25.................... | am No 183, 2012 |
Division 3 |
|
s 27.................... | am No 32, 2011 |
s 29.................... | am No 32, 2011 |
Part 4A |
|
Part 4A.................. | ad No 115, 2014 |
s 32A................... | ad No 115, 2014 |
s 32B................... | ad No 115, 2014 |
s 32C................... | ad No 115, 2014 |
| am No 64, 2018 |
s 32D................... | ad No 115, 2014 |
s 32E................... | ad No 115, 2014 |
s 32F................... | ad No 115, 2014 |
Part 5 |
|
Division 2 |
|
s 34.................... | am No 32, 2011; No 115, 2014 |
s 35.................... | am No 115, 2014 |
s 41.................... | am No 32, 2011; No 46, 2011; No 115, 2014 |
Part 6 |
|
Division 1 |
|
s 47.................... | am No 115, 2014 |
Division 4 |
|
Division 4 heading.......... | rs No 115, 2014 |
s 56.................... | am No 115, 2014; No 77, 2022 |
s 56A................... | ad No 115, 2014 |
| am No 64, 2018 |
s 56B................... | ad No 115, 2014 |
s 56C................... | ad No 115, 2014 |
| am No 64, 2018 |
s 56D................... | ad No 115, 2014 |
| am No 64, 2018; No 77, 2022; No 38, 2024 |
s 56E................... | ad No 64, 2018 |
s 56F................... | ad No 64, 2018 |
s 56G................... | ad No 64, 2018 |
| am No 77, 2022; No 38, 2024 |
s 56H................... | ad No 64, 2018 |
| am No 77, 2022 |
s 57.................... | am No 32, 2011; No 115, 2014 |
s 58.................... | am No 32, 2011; No 115, 2014; No 77, 2022 |
s 58AA.................. | ad No 64, 2018 |
| am No 77, 2022; No 38, 2024 |
s 58AB.................. | ad No 64, 2018 |
s 58A................... | ad No 115, 2014 |
Part 7 |
|
s 60.................... | am No 32, 2011; No 126, 2015 |
s 62.................... | am No 183, 2012 |
Part 8 |
|
s 63.................... | am No 32, 2011; No 115, 2014; No 64, 2018 |
s 64.................... | am No 32, 2011 |
s 64A................... | ad No 64, 2018 |
s 66.................... | am No 46, 2011; No 115, 2014 |