WANADA & WAAMH Submission: Esther Foundation Inquiry.pdf

WANADA and WAAMH, peak bodies for alcohol and other drug, and mental health sectors in WA, submit to the Education and Health Standing Committee's inquiry into the Esther Foundation and unregulated health facilities. They focus on Term of Reference 3, exploring options to regulate facilities not covered by existing legislation.

- Background: Government-funded services meet only a small portion of community demand, leading to unregulated organizations addressing the gap. This lack of regulation and accountability impacts community confidence in the broader sectors.
- Quality Framework: They endorse the National Quality Framework for Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services, emphasizing organizational and clinical governance, planning, collaboration, workforce development, information systems, compliance, continuous improvement, and health and safety.
- Current Gaps: While there are mechanisms for quality assurance, gaps remain for services not funded by government. A targeted approach is needed to ensure continual quality improvement and accountability without duplication for government-funded services.
- Challenges and Recommendations: Quality regulation is complex due to multiple sectors and potential service re-labelling. They recommend significant consultation across affected sectors to design an appropriate regulatory framework that addresses quality and accountability, builds community confidence, and is targeted effectively.