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professional practice news

Private Practice – 2014 in Review

February Private Practitioners (PPs) geared up for another busy year! And so were we here at Speech Pathology Australia!

November Webinars for speech pathologists launched by Medicare Medicare ran a number of free webinars aimed at supporting speech pathologists that provide Medicare rebateable services. The webinars were well attended and it is hoped that they will become a regular feature. SPA will also run a number of webinars for members working in PP in 2014. Details to follow. December Many PPs look forward to a well- earned rest over January! We hope you have had a successful year and wish you all the very best for 2015. Don’t forget to renew your SPA membership by 1 January to maintain your eligibility to provide Medicare rebateable services.

• For more information contact SPA or read the information sheets on consent, privacy etc in the resources section of the website. • For free legal advice (available to SPA members with PI insurance with Guild) contact Kellie Dell’Oro at Meridian Lawyers by phoning 03 9810 6775 . June SPA’s Private Speech Pathology Practice Policy and Procedure Manual added to the website A sample Policy and Procedure Manual (including templates) was added to the Resources section of the website. PPs are encouraged to use this resource as a starting point for developing their own manual. The P&P manual will be reviewed during 2015 so if you have any feedback please let us know. September and October PP Seminars held in QLD and WA The seminars were a great opportunity for PPs to get together to learn, share and support each other in a relaxed and comfortable environment. PP Seminars will be held in VIC, QLD, WA, SA and NSW in 2015. Keep an eye out for dates and online registration info in the Events eNews.

Don’t forget that you can contact Nichola by phoning 03 9642 4899 or emailing advisor@

speechpathologyaustralia.org.au if you have queries related to Private Practice. March Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012 came into effect The amended Privacy Act contains 13 new Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) that all PPs must adhere to. SPA’s Privacy Guide 2014 contains general information about the APPs as well as a privacy policy and consent form template or for more information go to www.oaic.gov.au . May SPA National Conference presentation on managing challenging clients and situations Take home messages? • “Think Risk” so that you may set in place policies and procedures prior to an issues arising. • Make sure you have professional indemnity insurance.

Christine Lyons Senior Advisor Professional Practice Nichola Harris Professional and Clinical Support Advisor

Does your advertising comply with SPA’s Code of Ethics?

For more information, including a checklist that you can use to audit your advertising , refer to SPA’s FAQs document – Advertising in the Resources section of the website. Don’t forget members can advertise their SPA membership and CPSP status by using an approved, high quality logo obtained from SPA. Copies of the logo can be obtained from Lana Busby (Publications Officer) by emailing pubs@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au .

All advertising materials must contain information that is: √ accurate √ truthful √ based on evidence

Advertising must not: × guarantee results × misrepresent the profession × contain testimonials × contain the words “expert” or “specialist”

Trish Johnson Senior Advisor Ethics and Professional Issues

20 Speak Out December 2014

Speech Pathology Australia