This webpage outlines the regulatory landscape for health professionals in Australia, highlighting the differences between the CPSP self-regulatory model and the statutory NRAS model. Understanding these frameworks helps clarify the regulatory environment and the protections in place for both practitioners and the public.
Professional standards for speech pathologists
Australia’s speech pathologists maintain high professional and ethical standards through daily practice, Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) status and Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) membership. The CPSP program is voluntary and aims to protect the public, ensure high-quality healthcare, and uphold the profession’s reputation.
More information about the CPSP program can be found in the key definitions page.
Self-regulation vs. statutory regulation
Self-regulation
Several health professions in Australia use self-regulation to protect the public and maintain standards. As a full member of the National Alliance of Self-Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP), SPA ensures that its independently set standards align with NASRHP's framework. NASRHP’s framework is closely modelled on the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS), the regulatory framework administered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).
More information about statutory regulation, NASRHP, NRAS, and Ahpra can be found in the Key Definitions page.
Statutory regulation
Sixteen other health professions are subject to mandatory statutory regulation under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS). Ahpra provides administrative support to the National Boards to implement NRAS. Practitioners included in NRAS are required to register with and are regulated by their National Board. Health professionals may understand this as being ‘Ahpra registered’.
More information about statutory regulation, NRAS, and Ahpra can be found in the Key Definitions page.
Criteria for NRAS inclusion
Admission of a health profession to NRAS requires six criteria to be met, with a key factor being whether the profession’s activities are deemed to pose a significant public risk. NRAS is established by the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (the National Law). This law is in force in each state and territory, not at the Commonwealth level, with the primary goal of protecting the public.
More information about SPA’s previous applications to be included as an Ahpra-registered profession under NRAS can be found in the SPA advocacy on regulation FAQ page.
Recent consultations and regulatory developments
These consultations have catalysed discussion about regulation among the self-regulated allied health professions.
Consultations of relevance to speech pathologists
Recent national consultations, including on Scope of Practice, NDIS Provider Registration and the National Allied Health Workforce Strategy, discussed health professional regulation. SPA actively participates in these consultations, representing our members’ views and those with communication and swallowing needs.
Consultation on the regulation of audiologists
Another consultation, initiated by Australia’s Health Ministers, examined audiologist regulation. Undertaken in response to concerns about adverse outcomes experienced by patients within pediatric diagnostic audiology and cochlear implant care services, consultation outcomes are yet to be published.
More Information
Download the 'Overview of the regulation of health professionals in Australia' below.
Download the pdf