Special Tasks
The Special Tasks section coordinates the effective, uniform implementation of the AI/IV across Switzerland.
It also concludes target agreements with each AI/IV office and submits these to AI/IV management. It represents the domain in interdepartmental working groups and in dealings with other federal offices (Seco, SERI, SEM, FOPH), the Swiss Conferences of Cantonal Ministers of Education, Public Health and Social Affairs (CDIP/EDK, CDS/GDK, CDAS/SODK), insofar as these dealings do not specifically concern implementation-related matters. Centralised coordination with the AI/IV Committee and the Conference of IV Offices is also part of the section's remit, as are the management of the AI/IV research programme and issue management.
In addition, the section carries out internal audits, manages the process of ongoing improvement. It performs these functions independently from the other sections of the domain.
All communication with the AI/IV offices and the issuing of directives is centrally managed by the section.
Head: Doris Lüthi
Occupational Integration
The Occupational Integration section further develops occupational integration services such as (integration-oriented) counselling, early intervention, integration measures and vocational measures (vocational training and job placement) as well as the entire AI/IV vocational integration process. Social, economic and socio-political issues and trends are analysed in inter-institutional cooperation with the relevant stakeholders (e.g. SERI, SECO and SEM). New approaches to the integration of people with health restrictions can be examined as part of pilot projects in accordance with Art. 68quater IVG/LAI or cooperation agreements with umbrella organisations in the world of work (Art. 68sexies IVG/LAI).
Furthermore, the Occupational Integration section is responsible for the supervision - management and control - of the cantonal implementing bodies with regard to occupational integration in order to ensure equal rights for insured persons throughout Switzerland as far as possible, without neglecting the individual needs of the people concerned. It regularly analyses (financial) key figures and impact indicators and discusses specific issues in depth with the IV/AI offices.
Findings in the context of the further development of occupational integration benefits and from the division's supervisory activities are incorporated into revisions to laws or ordinances or lead to amendments to directives, depending on the need for regulation. Any need for action that does not require regulation is discussed directly in close cooperation with the implementing bodies so that occupational integration benefits and the integration process are continuously improved.
Head: Monika Tschumi
Medical and Monetary Benefits SGL
The Cash and In-Kind Benefits section is responsible for managing the list of congenital defects, verifying, on a case-by-cases basis, AI/IV coverage of the costs of as-yet unapproved drugs or other medical measures, as well as negotiating tariffs with suppliers of auxiliary equipment and with providers of medical measures. Its supervisory responsibilities include representing the AI/IV domain in tariff committees, issuing the AI/IV offices with directives, monitoring the use of in-kind benefits. The section also ensures accounting control in relation to the AI/IV offices.
The section's remit also covers the ongoing development and monitoring of cash benefits, namely helplessness allowances, personal assistance allowances, as well as accompanying benefits such as daily cash benefits and the reimbursement of travel costs.
Issues related to AI/IV procedural matters have grown in prominence at policy level and as a result of several legislative revisions. Almost all AI/IV sections have to deal with these issues in their day-to-day work. Effective coordination is therefore essential and is done informally between the sections and often involves the AI/IV domain management. Coordinating efforts in relation to procedural matters is substantial. The section deals with the following issues relating to the claim investigation procedure of the AI/IV offices: legislation/legal affairs, in-kind and cash benefits, and occupational integration. It also oversees AI/IV pension reviews and degree-of-invalidity assessments.
In addition, the section is responsible for the accreditation and commissioning of experts (tender platform: SuisseMED@P), and for ensuring a uniform and effective approach to combating AI/IV-related insurance fraud.
Head: Serge Brélaz
Procedures and Pensions
Issues related to AI/IV procedural matters have grown in prominence at policy level and as a result of several legislative revisions. Almost all AI/IV sections have to deal with these issues in their day-to-day work. Effective coordination is therefore essential and is done informally between the sections and often involves the AI/IV domain management. Coordinating efforts in relation to procedural matters is substantial. The section deals with the following issues relating to the claim investigation procedure of the AI/IV offices: legislation/legal affairs, in-kind and cash benefits, and occupational integration. It also oversees AI/IV pension reviews and degree-of-invalidity assessments. Moreover, the section is also responsible for the pension evaluation process including invalidity assessments. Moreover, the section is also responsible for the pension evaluation process including invalidity assessments. It also coordinates and deals with international matters relating to invalidity insurance together with the “International Affairs” Division.
In addition, the section is responsible for the accreditation and commissioning of experts (tender platform: SuisseMED@P), and for ensuring a uniform and effective approach to combating AI/IV-related insurance fraud.
Head: Ralf Kocher
Legislation/Legal Affairs
The Legislation/Legal Affairs section is responsible for the ongoing development of AI/IV-relevant legislation. It also deals with parliamentary business pertaining to the AI/IV. It draws up amendments to constitutional, legislative and ordinance provisions, formulates responses to parliamentary interventions and initiatives, is in charge of Federal Council business relating to the AI/IV, and represents the domain's interests as against other authorities, in particular in the context of interdepartmental consultations on their legislative projects.
The section's remit also includes handling appeals before the Federal Supreme Court and evaluating rulings issued by the cantonal courts. It also processes requests under the Freedom of Information Act in collaboration with the PPR Legal Affairs Unit. Within the AI/IV domain itself, the section advises the other sections on benefit types and contractual issues.
Head: Cornelia Jorns-Ruchti
Audit
The Audit section is responsible for reviewing the effectiveness, quality and consistency of the work carried out by the AI/IV implementing offices. It also oversees their compliance with federal provisions.
It procures and analyses the relevant information on AI/IV and uses it to derive recommendations for optimising the system and the work of the individual implementing offices. Its work results in reports submitted to the AI/IV offices and the AI/IV domain.
The section is also tasked with the annual audits of the AI/IV offices and those organisations (service providers) that are subsidised based on Art. 74 LAI/IVG.
Head: Pascal Dufey
Controlling, Resources and Subsidies
The Controlling, Resources and Subsidies section collaborates with the Mathematics, Analyses and Statistics Domain (MAS) in processing and interpreting the controlling data of the AI/IV offices. It also monitors AI/IV benefit types. It develops and analyses performance indicators used by the FSIO and the AI/IV offices, and manages the process for the coding of AI/IV benefits.
The section's remit also covers the approval of AI/IV offices budgets and final accounts. This includes reviewing and authorising investments (e. g. in IT systems) by the AI/IV offices and ensuring that these implementing agencies follow procurement procedures in accordance with the law. Within the FSIO itself, the section manages the finances of the AI/IV domain.
From here on in, the section will be responsible for negotiating service level agreements with organisations that provide private assistance to the disabled, as under Art. 74 LAI/IVG, these constitute a form of subsidy.
Head: Thomas Bhend
Assistance
AI/IV Management Support ensures the performance of general secretariat tasks as well as the compilation and preparation of HR controlling.
Head: Evelyne Schär
