Speech Pathology Australia Annual Report 2020

Review of the Code of Ethics After an extensive review and consultative process, the Association developed the revised Code of Ethics 2020, which was formal ly launched in October 2020. The new 'Code' contains updated values, principles and standards for speech pathology professional practice in Austral ia. professional practice now and across the next 10 years. It takes into account the changing internal and external environments for speech pathology practice, including changes to models of service del ivery, access to services consumer engagement with speech pathology, the employment context of speech pathologists and with consideration of the eight core aspirations of the Speech Pathology 2030 report. The Association conducts a major review of its Code of Ethics at least once every 10 years. The new code has been al igned with contemporary practice to ensure it supports and reflects On 23 March 2020 the Association’s national office closed, and al l staff commenced working from home in l ine with government guidel ines and protocols in place at that time to address the coronavirus pandemic. Despite working remotely, national office continued to keep members informed about the pandemic and its impact on the profession. To this end, materials were developed to support the move to telehealth practice; al l professional development events were moved onl ine (via a new Learning Hub); and new guides, tools and resources were developed for members. These included: a new Infection Prevention and Control Guidel ine for Speech Pathologists; Guidance for service del ivery, cl inical procedures and infection control during COVID-19 pandemic; and a Risk Assessment Tool. In addition, a dedicated COVID-19 eNewsletter went out each Friday during the height of the pandemic, and information and content was added regularly to the Association’s website about PPE use and access; Medicare, private health insurance and DVA rebates; and redeployment. National office pivots in response to coronavirus pandemic

Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics 2020

Speech Pathology Australia COVID Advisory Group In response to the chal lenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Association establ ished the COVID Advisory Group, drawing on the experience of speech pathologists from a range of cl inical areas and practice settings. Sincere thanks goes to fol lowing members involved with the advisory group for their advice and expertise: Cate Barrett, Patricia Bradd, Jul ie Cichero, Michel le Cimol i , Amanda Dansky, Gaenor Dixon, Bernadette Dutton, Shari Ful ler, Nicky Graham, Bronwyn Hemsley, Tracy Kel ly, Christine Kendal l, Barbara Lyndon , Cate Madi l l , Stel la Martin, Kathryn McKinley, Emma McLaughl in, Andrea Murray, Bernadette O’Connor, David O'Connor , Christopher Payten, Debra Phyland, Gloria Staios, Hannah Thompson, Liz Ward, Kel ly Weir, and Denise West. Thanks must also go to the Association’s staff who assisted the workings of the advisory group: Gai l Mulcair, Stacey Baldac, Nichola Harris, Trish Johnson, and Kym Torresi.

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2020 ANNUAL REPORT Speech Pathology Australia