Speak Out February 2021 DIGITAL EDITION

FAQs

My specific area of practice isn’t listed in the Professional Standards During the CBOS review, consultation with speech pathologists revealed that range of practice areas (speech, language, voice, fluency, swallowing and multi- modal communication) were generally considered to be limiting when describing the diversity and breadth of contemporary speech pathology practice. Speech pathology practice has now been described as that which supports every individual’s right to optimal communication and swallowing. All areas of practice are therefore encompassed in the description of communication and swallowing needs. See also: ‘The speech pathology role’ on p6 of the Professional Standards Will there be any changes to the annual renewal requirements for membership of SPA? As in previous years, when you renew or join SPA for the first time, you will sign a declaration to say you will abide by SPA policies, Professional Standards and the Code of Ethics. As the Professional Standards come into effect on 1 January 2021, there is an expectation that at the time of renewal you are familiar with the Professional Standards and know how the Standards relate to your context and role. How will SPA monitor

domains and have twenty standards. Each standard has its own set of elements. There are no performance criteria or cues, but rather, Elements written as "we" statements. Standards that address services and professional practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities are integrated into each Domain. The Professional Standards recognise the breadth of speech pathology practice, and consequently broadly define the work of speech pathologists in terms of communication and swallowing across the lifespan, rather than specifying distinct range of practice areas. Speech pathology practice encompasses work with communities and individuals and can occur in a range of settings. Refer: 'The Speech Pathology Role' on p6 in the Professional Standards When will the Professional Standards replace the CBOS? The Professional Standards (SPA, 2020) were socialised with stakeholders between August and December 2020. This period enabled stakeholders to familiarise, discuss and ask questions about the Professional Standards, and speech pathologists could consider how the Professional Standards will apply to their context and role. The Professional Standards apply to practising speech pathologists from 1 January 2021. The Competency Based Occupational Standards (CBOS) are currently used as a reference document for many core functions of SPA. This includes university accreditation, overseas qualification assessment and the re-entry program. For now, all these functions will continue to reference the CBOS, as CBOS provides entry level descriptors of competency. There are currently projects underway that will address how to implement the Professional Standards in areas where defined measures of competency are required. SPA will liaise with relevant parties as the various projects progress.

my compliance with the Professional Standards?

SPA will continue to require all members to sign a declaration that they will abide by the Association’s policies, professional standards and Code of Ethics at the time of joining or renewal. It is also explicit in the Code of Ethics that members are responsible for ensuring they are competent to practise and meet the minimum professional standards of the profession.

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February 2021 | Speak Out