Implementation start date: 01/07/2016
Implementation end date: 30/06/2017
DSS specific information:
In the Disability Services National Minimum Data Set (DS NMDS), this data element refers to the number of weeks the service type outletusually operates. It is asking about the amount of time the service type outlet is generally open for service provision to service users, not about the amount of time a service type outlet is staffed.
A service type outlet is considered to be operating whenever service is provided to service users e.g. if the service type outlet closes for only 2 weeks over the Christmas period it is considered to usually operate for 50 weeks per year.
This data element is seeking information about the usual weeks of operation of a service type outlet. For example, if a service type outlet received funding from September but intends to operate for 52 weeks per year, ‘52’ is recorded for this data item, and ‘No’ is recorded for the 'Service provider organisation—full financial year funding indicator, yes/no code N' data item.
Service type outlet should record ‘90’ (‘no regular pattern of operation through a year’) if the service type outlet does not have a regular pattern of operation; for example, a recreation/holiday program which is offered only if there are sufficient numbers (i.e. program offered on demand).
Service type outlets of service types 7.01–7.04 may record ’90’ (‘no regular pattern of operation through a year’), or, if it is possible and they wish to do so, they may record the actual number of weeks of operation.
