NDIA Accountability Project

Concerns regarding orthotic/prosthetic supports within the NDIS

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National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024 [Provisions]

Submission 24

THE AUSTRALIAN ORTHOTIC PROSTHETIC ASSOCIATION

“\n\nThursday 16 May 2024\n\nCommittee Secretary\nSenate Standing Committees on Community Affairs\ncommunity.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au\n\nTo the Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs,\n\nWe, the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) wish to provide feedback regarding The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No 1) Bill 2024, hereto referred to as “the Bill”.

AOPA is the peak professional body for orthotist/prosthetists in Australia and is responsible for regulating the orthotic/prosthetic profession. AOPA is a full member of the National Alliance of Self-Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP) and is recognised by the Commonwealth Government as the assessing authority responsible for conducting migration skill assessments for orthotist/prosthetists. Orthotist/prosthetists assess the physical and functional limitations of people resulting from disease, illness, trauma and disability, including limb amputation, and neuromuscular conditions, such as stroke. Orthotic and prosthetic services may involve the provision of orthoses and prostheses to restore function, prevent deterioration, and improve quality of life.

AOPA is pleased to see significant and important reform occurring under the NDIS. However, we hold several concerns regarding the Bill. Our concerns include:

  • The limitations to review CEO decisions regarding restricted or declined funding
  • A fear that the current assessment and planning framework reflects our previously held concerns regarding independent assessments
  • Similarly, AOPA has previously provided feedback on flexible and fixed budgets. Whilst we see great opportunities in the proposed flexible and stated supports, we are concerned about the challenges including appropriate assignment of orthotic/prosthetic supports, and protection of funding (a longstanding challenge)
  • The reliance on ‘foundational supports’ as an alternative to NDIS-funded supports given the current lack of foundational supports

We would like to acknowledge the submissions put forward by

  • Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA)
  • Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association (ARATA)
  • National Assistive Technology Alliance (NATA)

AOPA would welcome future involvement in workshops, roundtables, and conversations. We look forward to working together with policy makers, legislators and persons involved in ensuring the Bill is fit for purpose and does not have unintended consequences for the allied health workforce, including orthotist/prosthetists.

AOPA PO Box 1132 Hartwell VIC 3124 | admin@aopa.org.au | www.aopa.org.au

T 03 9816 4620 | F 03 9816 4305 | ABN 56 161 735 584

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDI$ Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024 [Provisions]

Submission 24

\nThe Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association

e We remain available for further comment.

Kind regards

Jessica Landers CEO AOPA

AOPA PO Box 1132 Hartwell VIC 3124 | admin@aopa.org.au | www.aopa.org.au

T 03 9816 4620 | F 03 9816 4305 | ABN 56 161 735 584