IAR-DST Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can attend training?

Anyone who wishes to learn about the IAR-DST is welcome to attend national training. However, the IAR-DST should be utilised by suitably qualified and experienced clinicians. In well-supervised environments, it may be appropriate for non-clinical staff to be involved in components of the intake assessment. Please refer to page 11 of the Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) Guidance for Mental Health – Part A: General Guidance v2.0 for further information National Guidance.

2. Is the training RACGP approved?

National training is an RACGP and ACRRM approved event, 1.0 hour of education activity and 1.0 hour of reviewing performance. For further information about lodging CPD hours, please contact the national team on: Iar.dst@cesphn.com.au.

3. Will I receive a certificate if I attend training?

Certificates of attendance will be issued to all attendees to enable the claiming of relevant CPD hours. For further National Training enquiries, please follow up with CESPHN.

4. Will a new Medicare benefits schedule item be introduced for the IAR-DST?

There are no immediate plans to introduce new MBS items for the IAR-DST. However, nothing prevents a GP from administering the IAR-DST using existing MBS items – provided they meet the requirements of the MBS item descriptor and satisfy all other legislative requirements.

5. Will the IAR-DST be integrated with the mental health treatment plan?

The priority is making the IAR-DST accessible and available to GPs in a way that enables them to use it easily as part of their workflows. Future enhancements to the IAR-DST and MHTPs will be considered in the broader context, factoring in stakeholder feedback and findings from the current Better Access evaluation, IAR-DST evaluations, and further insights obtained as more GPs undertake the training and utilise the tool.

6. What is the target group that the IAR-DST is appropriate to be used with?

The IAR-DST 2.0 has age adaptations available for the following:

• Children (5-11)
• Adolescents (12-17)
• Adults (18-65)
• Older adults (65+)

The Department of Health is exploring adaptations for other priority populations.

7. Will EMPHN staff still deliver training?

EMPHN will no longer be delivering IAR training, please refer to the National training, and any update about the emodules, when they are launched. 

8. Can GPs still be renumerated for attending this training?

No, funding for GPs to attend IAR-DST training concluded in June 2025.