Speak Out June 2021

Conducting international telepractice

One of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the increased experience that health professionals and their clients have with telehealth. As speech pathologists become more comfortable with this method of service delivery with clients in Australia, they may consider the opportunities that telepractice creates to practise overseas.

Privacy Speech pathologists must comply with relevant privacy laws. In Australia, members should understand implications of the Privacy Act and Australian Privacy Principles to the services they provide. SPA’s FAQ document on Technology, Privacy and Security for Telepractice contains information that is helpful to consider. Speech pathologists may also have obligations under the privacy laws of the country where the client resides, and they should understand and comply with these. Core documents The speech pathology profession is regulated and even conceptualised differently in various countries. It is important for members who practise overseas to understand the scope of practice, code of ethics, and other relevant guidelines in the country where the client is located. Members of Speech Pathology Australia remain subject to the Association’s Code of Ethics, Scope of Practice and Parameters of Practice , and Professional Standards whilst providing services to clients located overseas. Where conflicts exist between these core documents and the professional or ethical standards of the client’s location, members should contact SPA National Office for guidance. Funding Sometimes clients who have received services under Australian funding streams, (including Medicare, DVA, NDIS, or private health funds), move overseas but wish to continue receiving services from an Australian speech pathologist. In many cases, there are residency requirements that could impact a client’s eligibility for those funds. Clients should contact the relevant organisation to determine their continued eligibility prior to engaging in services. Culture and language Clients who live in other countries may operate in social, cultural, and linguistic contexts that are different than those in Australia. Speech pathologists should provide services that are culturally safe and responsive to the client’s environment and needs. SPA’s Position Paper and Clinical Guideline on Working in a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Society may help members consider how they can best support clients in their current context. Nathan Cornish-Raley Professional Support Advisor

The Association does not have a policy specific to speech pathologists in Australia who wish to offer services to clients in other countries through telehealth. However, there are important considerations that practitioners would need to make. These are detailed in the FAQ document located on the Telepractice Resources webpage and include the following points: Licence or registration Some countries require a licence or registration to practise speech pathology. This may be administered at a national or local level. Speech pathologists should contact relevant government agencies or professional associations for guidance on practice requirements in the client’s location. Insurance The National Code of Conduct for Healthcare Worker s (the Code) requires speech pathologists to be covered by appropriate insurance. Where this has been implemented, members should have insurance that covers complaints that may be filed in Australia or in the country where the client is located. Speech pathologists should speak with their insurer about their individual circumstances and, in some cases, may need to find another provider who will cover services provided overseas.

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Speak Out | June 2021