What is the scope of practice of an allied health assistant?

Allied health assistants must work under the direct clinical oversight and supervision of a qualified OT. They are unable to complete assessments or make recommendations to clients. As the supervising clinician you hold the legal responsibility, therefore you will need to use your clinical judgement to determine the level, and nature, of supervision and clinical oversight the AHA requires. It is important that you are confident that the AHA is working within their scope of practice and level of competence.

OTA has developed information guiding the Role of AHA in supporting OT practice. View the document here.

It is also worth reviewing supervision guides and AHA frameworks available through some state health departments:

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• South Australia
• [Western Australia](https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/Files/Corporate/general documents/Chief Health Professions Office/PDF/Supporting-and-Developing-the-Allied-Health-Assistant-Workforce-2015.pdf)
• [Australian Capital Territory](https://www.health.act.gov.au/sites/default/files/2018-09/Standards of Practice for ACTH Allied Health Professionals.pdf)

What qualifications does an AHA require?

OTA’s position is that OT’s as an employer of an AHA should require an AHA to have completed formal training to ensure basic understanding and competencies in the role, e.g. completion of Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, with electives in occupational therapy. Refer to the AHA framework for full details.

What level do I classify my AHA for NDIS clients?

The NDIA have provided a description of Level 1 & Level 2 Therapy Assistant in the Support Catalogue. Practicalities of the work environment, the therapy assistant’s experience, skill and qualifications will determine what roles they are able to undertake and the level of supervision and monitoring required. You can find more information on the NDIS webpage here.

Are allied health assistants covered under my Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII)?

This is dependent on the type of PII insurance you have taken out. OTA recommend you liaise directly with the PII company to ensure the work you delegate to the AHA is covered. You will need to ensure that your PII/or the company you work for PII, covers the AHA working under your direct supervision.

I want to hire an AHA in my private practice, what should the conditions of employment be?

It is not within OTA scope of practice to provide specific advice regarding salary scales and conditions of employment. However, OTA has a partnership with WorkplacePLUS who may be able to provide you with greater guidance on this matter. OTA members are eligible for a free initial phone consultation on HR issues. You can find more information on the partnership and WorkplacePLUS contact details here.

Other resources useful to refer to consider would be:

• Fair Work Commission website for awards and agreements
• Public Health Salaries posted on respective State Department of Health Websites