Speak Out August 2020 DIGITAL EDITION

in practice

Interstate telepractice and working with children/ vulnerable

Ask SPA NDIS Do I have particular obligations under COVID?

people checks As speech pathologists increasingly engage in telepractice, interest in offering interstate telehealth services has also grown. When offering telepractice services to another state or territory it is important to consider Working with Children Check (WWCC) requirements. Each territory and state has unique background check rules that may be specific to sectors, age of clients served, or clinical populations. In some cases, a registration is also required for working with vulnerable adults. Most states apply WWCC requirements to telepractice service delivery as they would to onsite services. A speech pathologist who has obtained a WWCC in their home state or even a national police check may still be required to obtain a check in other states or territories that they serve. Speech pathologists who consider offering interstate telepractice services are advised to find information about the Working with Children/Vulnerable People checks in the territory or state where they wish to practise. In many cases, checks can be initiated by post or even online. Questions about specific situations should be directed to appropriate state agencies. Individual state and territory information can be found at the links below: Australian Capital Territory New South Wales The Northern Territory Queensland South Australia Tasmania Victoria Western Australia

Yes - the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission needs to be informed if your business, or ability to provide supports to participants is being affected. They have a specific online form they wish for providers to fill out, but you can also email registrations@ ndiscommission.gov.au or telephone 1800 035 544. Additionally the NDIA have released guidelines regarding best practice for telepractice including: • ensuring your service agreement does not prohibit telehealth, for example, check it does not specify a location or face to face, • discussing the risks and appropriate service delivery with participants, • discussing the role of the participant in telehealth and the participant confirming they have the necessary technology and/or assistance from other people to effectively engage in telehealth, • documenting a risk analysis outlining how service delivery via telehealth is appropriate and presents less risk than face-to-face service delivery, • noting on the service booking/invoice/

quote/report that the service was completed via telehealth with the participant’s permission,

• ensuring the participant is reviewed face-to- face after the restrictions have been lifted. Erin West Practice and NDIS Advisor

Nathan Cornish-Raley Professional Support Advisor

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August 2020 | Speak Out