DVA Community Nursing referral checklist

A one-page guide to what to confirm and include so a veteran's referral is actioned promptly — not returned for missing information.

Prefer it on file? Add your details and we'll email you this checklist plus our one-page referral pack (eligibility guide, secure referral method and a named clinical contact). No patient information required here.

🔒 We'll only use this to send the resources and follow up about referrals.

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Before you send the referral — confirm

• The person is a DVA client with current entitlement (Gold Card, or White Card for an accepted condition). If unsure, refer anyway — Carehaven checks eligibility.
• There is a clinical reason for community nursing or personal care in the home.
• The veteran's home address is within the service area (Melbourne's outer north → Mitchell / Macedon Ranges → Greater Bendigo).
• You are an authorised referrer (GP, treating hospital doctor, hospital discharge planner, or community nurse practitioner).

Include on the referral

• Veteran's full name, date of birth and DVA file number.
• Home address and best contact number (veteran and/or carer).
• Referring practitioner name, provider number and contact.
• Reason for referral and relevant diagnosis / clinical background.
• Specific nursing needs — e.g. wound care (site, stage, dressing), medication support, diabetes, continence / catheter / stoma, palliative needs, post-discharge nursing.
• Relevant risks (falls, cognition, infection, isolation) and any access notes.
• Preferred start and urgency (e.g. post-discharge date).

How to send it

• Complete the DVA Community Nursing referral form (D9389). D9389 form (dva.gov.au)
• Send it by Carehaven's secure referral method to the named clinical contact.
• Referrals go directly to the provider you choose — nominate Carehaven.

What Carehaven does next

• Same business day: confirm we've received the referral.
• Check DVA eligibility and that the need sits within our contracted services.
• Contact the veteran (and carer) to arrange an RN assessment.
• Commence care under the DVA standard Schedule of Fees once referral and eligibility are in place — no separate DVA approval required to begin.
• Keep the referrer informed at assessment and commencement.

Carehaven — DVA contracted Community Nursing provider.
Named clinical contact: Carehaven Clinical Intake · Intake: 1300 310 605 · Secure referrals: admin@carehaven.com.au · After hours: 1300 310 605

Have a veteran who needs nursing at home?

Send the referral now — we'll confirm receipt the same business day.

Refer a veteran →

More for referrers

How to refer a veteran for DVA Community Nursing → Who can refer to DVA Community Nursing? → What DVA Community Nursing can cover at home →

General information for health professionals, not clinical, legal or funding advice. Confirm current requirements with DVA. Sources: DVA Community Nursing provider & referral information (dva.gov.au).