Speak Out August 2013

Other QLD organisations and employers may also implement this.

What do I need to do if I work with adults with a disability? You will need to apply to the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services for a Yellow Card or exemption notice. The Act provides a period of three months from the cessation date of the registration scheme to obtain a Yellow Card ( http://www. communities.qld.gov.au/disability/key-projects/criminal- history-screening/forms/application-for-criminal-history- screening-prescribed-notice-yellow-card-form-10-1 ). Please check with your line manager to determine if a Yellow Card is required. As an employee of a State Government agency, your health service may undertake this application on your behalf and meet the associated costs. Please seek advice from your line manager or human resource contact officer. What do I need to do if I wish to obtain health insurance rebates for eligible speech pathology services? You will need to obtain Practising membership of SPA if you have not already done so. The Commonwealth Department of Health has amended the Health Insurance (Allied Health Services) Determination 2011 from 1 May 2012. This will allow a four month transition period until 31 August 2013 in which affected speech pathologists can obtain practising membership. Hospital and Health Services will be amending job descriptions by: • removing “proof of registration” as a requirement for employment, and for speech pathologists insert “The possession of a tertiary degree in Speech Pathology providing eligibility for practising membership to Speech Pathology Australia” as a requirement for employment.

Credentialing for Queensland Employers? SPA does not provide this service for employers in Queensland. This is not offered in any other state of Australia. SPA can confirm if a speech pathologist is a member, their member type and CPSP stauts but no further details can be provided especially if they have requested not to be displayed on our ‘Find a speech pathologist’ search. Further information can be obtained by contacting SPA on 1300 368 835 or membership@speechpathology australia.org.au

T hank you to all the volunteers who gave up their time to help out at our Speech Pathology Australia stall at the Pregnancy, Babies and Children Expo. It was a very successful event, with over 4,000 people attending the expo each day. Our colourful blue and white stand was very popular, with many parents stopping by for a chat. Everyone who volunteered was enthusiastic and ready to talk to parents about a variety of topics such as how to find a speech pathologist, language and literacy, speech development, and how to join the speech pathology profession. A big thank you to everyone who helped out – it would not have been possible without your support, and I think I speak for everyone when I say it was a pleasure to work with such a lovely, happy bunch of people! Anna Follent PA Portfolio Co-Leader

Pregnancy, Babies and Children Expo

Volunteers at SPA’s stand at the QLD Pregnancy, Babies and Children Expo.

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Speak Out August 2013

Speech Pathology Australia