We fund the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP), to help mental health nurses work with individuals who live with complex and severe mental illness. Mental health nurses support individuals in collaboration with their carers, doctors and other services, and provide clinical care and access to appropriate interventions.
Changes to MHNIP Referral Process April 2021
From Thursday 1 April 2021, GPs and psychiatrists will need to contact our mental health team intake line directly to make a referral to the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program:
Mental Health Intake Line
Ph: 1800 223 365
Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm
What is the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program?
The MHNIP program is at the higher level of stepped care. This program is for people with more severe or complex mental disorders during periods of significant disability. Credentialed mental health nurses work with GPs to deliver a range of services which may include monitoring a persons mental health, managing their medication and improving linkages with other health professionals.
Eligibility
- The patient has been diagnosed with a mental disorder according to the criteria defined in the World Health Organisation Diagnostic and Management Guidelines for Mental Health Disorders in Primary Care: ICD 10 Chapter V Primary Care Version; or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
- The patient’s disorder significantly impacts their social, personal or work life.
- The patient has been, or is at immediate risk of hospitalisation due to their disorder.
- The patient will likely require treatment and management for their condition for up to two years.
Patient referral
- GP ensures that a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) has been completed
- GP ensures the patient meets the entrance criteria as per the referral form
- GP contacts our Mental Health Intake Line (1800 223 365) to request an authorisation code
- GP faxes the referral form and MHTP directly to the registered mental health nurse
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