< Previous | Table of Contents | Next >
Central to the SOPs Regime is the concept of SMSE. Both the RMA and the SMRC must base their decisions on SMSE as defined in s 370CA of the MRCA.
Evaluation of sound medical-scientific evidence
The RMA can only make a SOP about a particular kind of injury, disease or death where there is sufficient SMSE to justify the making of the SOP. The SMRC when reviewing a decision made by the RMA must base its decision on the SMSE available to and obtained by the RMA6.
The RMA and the SMRC are required to assess material against certain epidemiological criteria. The criteria set out below are not exhaustive and may not be relevant in all cases. They are a guide to the material that is acceptable to the RMA and the SMRC.
Quality of evidence
In assessing studies, the RMA establishes the available evidence (that which is used by the SMRC) according to the RMA Practices and Procedures manual. The manual can be found on the RMA website at: www.rma.gov.au/assets/What-we-do/RMA-Practices-and-Procedures-2021.pdf
See the RMA website for the process of SOP determination.
The RMA writes the SOPs, but does not consider individual claims for pension, nor specify the ways in which factors in a SOP may be related to service.
Investigations and reviews are undertaken on request from eligible parties7, at direction by the SMRC, or on the RMA’s own initiative. The Legislative Instruments Act 2003 (LIA) requires the RMA to review and reissue each SOP at least every 10 years, failing which a SOP ceases to have legal effect.
< Previous | Table of Contents | Next >