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professional practice news

Private practice speech pathology – no place for dabblers, charities or cottage industries

Over the past six months National Office has received a steady stream of emails and calls from members seeking advice about setting up a private practice. The members enquiring fit into three categories: • New graduates – by far the most numerous; • Early career speech pathologists who are wanting to branch out on their own; and • Mid or late career members who see an opportunity to work privately in their area of experience or

examples of misinformation and/or misperceptions. We know that running a business takes a lot of time and effort and that it’s not for everyone. We also know that some of you feel like you have no other option but to go into private practice. Most importantly, however, we know that if we want to continue to be respected as an ethical, high quality, evidence based and professional allied health service then all private practitioners have to uphold very high standards. The onus to achieve these standards rests squarely with the individual practitioner or business owner and no matter how many hours you work, or how few or how many clients you see, your legal, ethical and professional responsibilities are the PP query: I can’t afford to buy assessment tools. Is there anywhere I can loan or hire assessment tools from? And what do I do about record forms. I know that other people photocopy them, is that legal? SPA’s response: Pearson and ACER assessment tools cannot be on-sold, loaned or gifted so you need to buy them if you need them. Purchasing the necessary tools and equipment to run a business is essential. It is illegal to photocopy record forms. SPA does not endorse this practice at all. SPs loaning or hiring out assessment tools or photocopying record forms should be reported to the supplier of the assessment tool. Resources: Pearson and ACER Terms and Conditions of Sale; SPA’s Information Sheet – Minimum Standards for Speech Pathology Equipment, Resources and Tools.

same. Hence the reference in the title to dabblers, charities and cottage industries – there is no place in private speech pathology for any of these types of businesses. The mindset from the outset has to be that you are now running a business and that your customers deserve the same quality of service no matter how large or small your business is. Speech Pathology Australia plays a vital and active role in supporting members to achieve high standards in private practice. We do that by providing guidelines, resources, seminars, Conference sessions, professional development and internal and external support. Here’s a range of queries that we have received and a summary of the advice provided. PP query: I’m not going to charge for my service or I’m going to charge a nominal fee because I’m a new graduate and I want to gain experience but what do I do about clients who have a Medicare referral or want to claim from their private health fund (PHF). SPA’s response: Not charging for a service is not illegal, however, SPA strongly recommends against this practice. You should not be using private practice as an opportunity to gain experience. You should be charging a fee commensurate with what it costs to provide the service and the amount of profit you need to make to gain an income. Your clients cannot claim a Medicare or PHF rebate unless they have paid a fee the same or greater than the rebate claimable and you must have a Medicare and/or PHF provider number. SPs must have their own Medicare provider number if they are going to provide a service to Medicare clients. Resources: SPA’s Guide to Establishing a Fee Schedule; SPA’s Information Sheet – Medicare Provider Numbers.

interest or whose current position is ceasing or under threat due to funding cuts or restrictions.

Some enquiries and subsequent conversations have highlighted

PP query: There is already a private practitioner working at the school or nursing home I want to work at. Can I offer my services too? SPA’s response: It is a free market, however, how you approach a business to offer your service has to be respectful and courteous to your colleague and should not deliberately undermine their business in any way. You can provide an overview of your service and fee schedule. Do not say disparaging things about the other business or comment on the other businesses’ fees. The school or nursing home is free to make a decision based on the facts and should not be coerced in any way to change practitioners. If you ever have concerns about a businesses’ practices they should be discussed with the business owner or SPA. Resources: Read SPA’s Code of Ethics (2010) or contact Christina Wilson, SPA’s Senior Advisor Professional Issues 1300 368 835 or cwilson@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au .

16 Speak Out June 2014

Speech Pathology Australia