Tēnā koe,
Under the Official Information Act 1982, I request:

The training provided to Case Managers regarding interpretation of medical certificates and clinical information, the total hours of medical/clinical training required before a Case Manager can process Disability Allowance applications, the curriculum or learning objectives for any such training, and whether this training is delivered by registered health practitioners.
The policy or delegation that authorises MSD staff to decline a Disability Allowance application where a registered medical practitioner has certified the applicant's need, which roles have this authority, whether these roles require clinical registration, and the number of DA applications declined in 2024 where a treating practitioner had provided certification supporting the claim.
The categories of health information that Case Managers can access when processing benefit applications, whether access to sensitive health information (mental health diagnoses, addiction history, HIV status, sexual health) is restricted to clinical staff, any audit or access logging for Case Manager access to client health information, and the privacy training provided to Case Managers regarding sensitive health information.
Any training provided to Case Managers on unconscious bias in discretionary decisions.

I look forward to your response within 20 working days as required by the Act.
Ngā mihi

DOGE