The State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) has issued updated Workers Compensation Guidelines, taking effect from 1 October 2026.
Key Guideline Changes
- Reimbursement entitlement for primary psychological injury claims involving relevant conduct events (Part 4.6)
A new section has been added applying only to primary psychological injuries caused by bullying, sexual harassment, racial harassment or excessive work demands.
Where an insurer accepts such a claim, the worker is entitled to reimbursement of reasonable and necessary medical treatment expenses paid before the claim was accepted, consistent with the existing reimbursement framework under Division 3, Part 3 of the 1987 Act.
- Applicable test for compensable medical and related treatment expenses updated
The wording of the applicable test for compensable medical and related treatment expenses in the Guidelines has been updated from "reasonably necessary" to "reasonable and necessary" throughout Part 4 and Part 7.1 to reflect amendments which commenced on 1 October 2026.
Significantly, the detailed criteria previously set out in the Guidelines for determining reasonably necessary treatment have been removed and replaced with a cross-reference to clause 8P of the 2016 Regulation, with clause 8Q of the Regulation now listing treatments and services for which employers are not liable.
- Allied health consultation limits reduced (Table 4.2)
The number of consultations available without insurer pre-approval has been reduced from up to 8 to up to 4, both for new episodes of care commenced within three months of injury and for continuing treatment under an Allied Health Treatment Request where the insurer has not responded within 5 working days.
Practical Implications
Insurers should review claims handling procedures to ensure compliance with the updated Guidelines.
Turks will continue to monitor developments and support clients navigating these changes.
