NDIA Accountability Project

Suggestions regarding ‘credentials’ for Registered providers

National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012

January 2013

The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) is the national association of the dietetic profession with over 5000 members, and branches in each state and territory. DAA is a leader in nutrition and advocates for better food, better health, and wellbeing for all. The DAA appreciates the opportunity to provide feedback on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012 (NDIS Bill 2012).

Contact Person: Annette Byron Position: Senior Policy Officer Organisation: Dietitians Association of Australia Address: 1/8 Phipps Close, Deakin ACT 2600 Facsimile: 02 6282 9888

  • DAA supports the Objects and Principles outlined in Part 2 of the exposure draft of the NDIS Bill 2012. Apart from the issue raised in point 2 below, we have no further comment to make on the NDIS Bill 2012. DAA will be interested to learn more about the detailed operational aspects of the scheme when the NDIS Rules are made public.

  • DAA suggests adding the word ‘credentials’ in the wording under Part 3 – Registered providers of supports 73 (1) (c) qualifications of persons or entities or employees of persons or entities i.e. 73 (1) (c) qualifications or credentials of persons or entities or employees of persons or entities.

DAA assumes that the term ‘registered’ is intended broadly in the NDIS Bill 2012 and is not referring specifically to registered professions. However, the introduction of national registration under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has led to inappropriate interpretation of registration leading to unintended consequences for self-regulated professions such as dietetics. Credentials such as ‘Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD)’ rather than qualifications or membership are used to recognise practitioners for the purpose of Medicare, DVA, and awarding of Healthcare Provider Identifier - Individual status for the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record. It is for this reason that DAA suggests including credentials in the wording of the NDIS Bill 2012.