Comparison of key features of the NRAS and certification of speech pathologists through Speech Pathology Australia (SPA).

While regulation under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) is the established model for statutory regulation of health professionals in Australia, it is important to note that other health professional regulatory models exist internationally. No changes to the regulation of speech pathologists have been formally proposed to date. 

The table below compares the features of NRAS and certification of speech pathologists through Speech Pathology Australia (SPA). 

Feature

NRAS (framework overseeing Ahpra-registered professions)

CPSP through SPA

Mandatory certification or registration

Mandatory registration for all practicing professionals in regulated fields.

Voluntary certification. Speech pathologists may practice without CPSP status.

Membership with peak professional body required

No.

No – membership with SPA is voluntary.

Complaints and disciplinary actions
  • Robust complaints processes.
  • Legal sanctions and enforcement are managed through Ahpra and the relevant National Boards, with variations in NSW and QLD where state health complaints entities take the lead.
  • The breadth of legal sanctions is comprehensive, covering professional misconduct and other serious issues.
  • Under the National Law, individuals who, in good faith, make a notification to Ahpra or state and territory health complaints entities are protected from civil, criminal, and administrative liability.

 
  • Robust complaints processes.
  • Legal sanctions, including prohibition orders, dependent on the National Code of Conduct for Healthcare Workers.
  • SPA enforces its standards with speech pathologist members and non-members holding CPSP status.
  • Individuals making a complaint to state or territory health complaints entity are afforded some legal liability protections.
  • Individuals making complaints to SPA are not shielded from potential legal repercussions.

 

Public registry

Yes – maintained by Ahpra.

No.

Standards

Yes - developed by National Boards, enforced in partnership with Ahpra.

Yes - SPA sets standards for CPSP holders.

Title protection

Yes.

No - ‘Speech pathologist’ title not protected by law.

CPSP status required to participate in some funding schemes, e.g. Medicare.

Student registration

Yes - education providers are responsible for registering their students, there is no registration fee. The Student Register is kept private.

No.

Accreditation of programs of education

Yes - to ensure graduates are suitably qualified and skilled to apply for registration, accreditation authorities assess programs of study against accreditation standards. National Boards approve accredited programs of study that lead to general or specialist registration.

Yes - SPA accredits Australian university speech pathology programs that enable graduates to be eligible for CPSP status.

CPD points

Yes - mandatory CPD as part of ongoing registration requirements.

Yes - mandatory CPD for maintaining CPSP status.

Scope of practice

Yes - Scope of practice is articulated.

Yes - Scope of practice is articulated.

Criminal history checks

Yes - Ahpra performs national criminal history checks when practitioners initially register and relies on practitioners to self-report any subsequent changes.

Self-reported - SPA requires disclosure for CPSP holders within the Member Mandatory Declaration.

Professional indemnity insurance

Yes – mandatory.

Yes – mandatory.

The National Code of Conduct, where it applies in states and territories, requires speech pathologists to hold Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Key definitions

Find out more about the key definitions about the regulation of health professionals in Australia. 

Learn more