Last week AAPi made a submission to the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework, advocating to reduce duplication of regulation within the scheme. This would allow those providers already subject to rigorous regulatory requirements to reduce registration costs within the scheme, increase access and reduce costs to participants who require support. Psychologists who work within NDIS have completed extensive education and training in assessing and treating clients with disabilities and have an in-depth knowledge of the participants functioning and support needs and are already subject to high levels of regulation by Ahpra, reducing the need for additional regulation from the NDIS.
AAPi staff have also attended information sessions directly from those involved in guiding the direction of the scheme about how the scheme may need to change to more effectively meet the needs of participants. Several consultations are still to come, with information on these to be circulated to AAPi members. With much conjecture at present regarding pricing for therapeutic services, it is crucial to ensure that those conducting the review understand the issues facing participants in accessing psychologists and the implications for psychologists.
AAPi has also taken a lead role in advocacy for changing the Autism CRC guidelines restricting lead clinician diagnosis. All psychologists with appropriate training and experience should have their diagnosis recognised.
AAPi is also working with other allied health peak bodies to create collaborative resources to increase the NDIS planning office’s ability to accurately determine the scope of practice of each profession providing therapeutic supports, so that fewer participants are declined services because planners have confused the roles of different professional groups. We are also building resources to assist you in writing your supporting evidence and review of plan letters so that they more effectively communicate client support needs when participants are applying to the scheme or having a review. We will have these guides out to you soon.
Along with my role at AAPi, I also provided NDIS services to clients in my private practice, so my perspectives are based on consultations with members, my own current experience and those of my clients. Now is a pivotal time for advocacy for psychology within the NDIS, and I am proud to represent our community.