Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards 2020

PRACTICE

Speech pathology practice A diverse and evolving profession

Speech pathology practice is continually evolving. Speech pathologists practise in a wide range of contexts and with diverse people and communities in roles such as clinicians, managers, researchers, educators, policy advisers, advocates, consultants and community development professionals. The profession has grown and developed in response to community needs and research evidence and continues to respond flexibly to changes in technology, community expectations, demographics, evidence, government policies and funding models. These factors, among others, are also driving change in the scope of practice for speech pathologists. Scope of practice Speech pathology scope of practice aligns with the principles of practice established and followed by other health professions—that is, ‘the full spectrum of roles, functions, responsibilities, activities and decision-making capacity that individuals within that profession are educated, competent and authorised to perform’ 2 . An individual’s scope of practice may be more circumscribed than the profession’s scope of practice and will be ‘directly influenced by the service and client needs’ 3 ; however, the individual’s scope of practice will only include that which the individual is educated, authorised and competent to perform.

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Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia