New Therapy Qualifications & Definitions for Providers

There were a few major changes when the NDIS announced its revised Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, including the introduction of new support item codes for therapeutic supports. Previously, there were  only three categories for OG codes: psychology, physiotherapy, and "other professional," but there are now many more! 

Read on to learn about the new therapeutic supports mentioned and the NDIA's eligibility requirements. 

Growth of therapeutic supports 

While the number of therapeutic supports for NDIS participants over the age of seven has grown from three types to sixteen, the range of supports for those under the age of seven receiving Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) has stayed constant. 

For individuals with disabilities, therapy assistance can be vital in developing their capacity and independence in daily life. This covers elements like speech and interaction, movement and mobility, personal care, social interactions, and communal life. 

Although the NDIA's list extension may have come as a surprise, it might help participants understand their support more clearly. 

Qualifications & definitions for new therapy 

There are several new therapeutic supports and support items specified in the most recent Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, along with the qualifications required to be regarded as a provider in that sector. 

· Art Therapist – A person who is a Professional Member of the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA). 

· Audiologist – A person who is either currently certified as an Audiology Australia Accredited Audiologist by Audiology Australia or as a Full Member as an audiologist with the Australian College of Audiology. 

· Counsellor – A person who is either a member of the Australian Counselling Association or an accredited Registrant with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia. 

· Developmental Educator – A person who is a Full Member of Developmental Educators Australia Inc. 

· Dietitian – A person who is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with the Dietitians Australia. 

· Exercise Physiologist – A person who is an Accredited exercise physiologist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia. 

· Music Therapist – A person who is an Active “Registered Music Therapist” with the Australian Music Therapy Association. 

· Occupational Therapist – A person who has a current Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Registration as an Occupational Therapist. 

· Orthoptist – A person who has current registration with the Australian Orthoptic Board. 

· Physiotherapist – A person who has a current AHPRA Registration as a Physiotherapist. 

· Podiatrist – A person who has a current AHPRA Registration as a Podiatrist. 

· Psychologist – A person who has a current AHPRA Registration as a Psychologist. 

· Rehabilitation Counsellor – A person who is a member of the Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors Inc. or equivalent. 

· Social Worker – A person who is a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers. 

· Speech Pathologist – A person who is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) as approved by Speech Pathology Australia. 

· Other Professional – A professional the provider considers appropriate to administer therapeutic support in accordance with the standards set out by the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission for the Therapeutic Supports Registration Group but who does not fit into any of the categories of professions. 

Plan administrators have the right to ask for proof that a practitioner has the qualifications listed above if:  

• your invoice is unclear about the sort of therapy provided and/or 

• there is cause to suspect that a provider is billing inappropriately about their qualifications.  

Structure your invoice to clearly reflect the sort of service provided to minimise misunderstanding. 

It is crucial to think about your qualifications and make sure they are sufficient for fulfilling the standards of the NDIS Commission with reference to the Therapeutic Supports Registration Group (whether you are registered or unregistered with the NDIS).

Moreover, the NDIA states that if a therapy assistant provides support, the therapy assistant must be covered by the supervising therapist's (or the therapist's or therapy assistant's employing provider's) professional indemnity insurance. 
 

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