•   This Chapter sets up the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority.

•   The main functions of the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority in relation to public hospitals and health care pricing and costing are as follows:

  (a)   to determine the national efficient price for health care services provided by public hospitals where the services are funded on an activity basis;

  (b)   to determine the efficient cost for health care services provided by public hospitals where the services are block funded;

  (c)   to publish this, and other information, in a report each year for the purpose of informing decision makers in relation to the funding of public hospitals;

  (d)   if requested by the Minister or the Secretary, to advise the Commonwealth in relation to health care pricing and costing matters.

•   The main functions of the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority in relation to aged care are as follows:

  (a)   to advise each relevant Commonwealth Minister in relation to aged care pricing and costing matters;

  (b)   to perform such functions as are conferred on the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority by the Aged Care Act.

•   This Chapter also sets up the following committees to assist the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority:

  (a)   the Clinical Advisory Committee;

  (b)   the Jurisdictional Advisory Committee;

  (c)   the Aged Care Advisory Committee.