What Regulation Under Ahpra Means for Audiologists
Understand what will remain the same and what changes you can expect.
Future role of Audiology Australia
What changes under Ahpra?
Audiology Australia currently provides two core functions: accreditation of audiologists according to robust minimum-practice standards and oversight of quality practice, and supporting audiologists broadly through clinical guidance, member benefits, CPD opportunities, and advocacy to government.
Under registration, Ahpra will certify clinicians, accredit university courses and set the minimum standards required for public protection. Meanwhile, Audiology Australia will provide membership support services and ensure the interests of Audiologists as a profession are protected. We will continue to support you by:
- providing the education, clinical guidance, ethical frameworks and advocacy that will help you not only meet expectations but exceed them
- representing the profession to government, policymakers and the public, advocating for workforce needs, professional recognition and improvements in health care delivery
- strengthening the profession’s voice, advancing recognition and ensuring your work is valued across the health system.
Will you be advocating for audiologists?
Yes. One of Audiology Australia’s new roles will be advocating to Ahpra for decisions to be made in the best interests of audiologists. We are committed to not only supporting a smooth transition to Ahpra, through facilitation with Ahpra and the Health Workforce Taskforce, but also ensuring that audiologists’ needs are campaigned for every step of the way.
While Audiology Australia will continue to advocate for the best outcomes for audiologists, regulatory decisions affecting the profession will ultimately be made by the newly established National Board once the transition into the National Scheme is complete. The National Board’s primary mandate will be to protect the public, meaning that in some cases its decisions may prioritise public protection even where this does not fully align with the preferences of the profession.
Process for transitioning to Ahpra
The following steps need to happen before regulation comes into effect (read more here).
1) Changing the national law
Before regulation comes into effect, there will need to be legislative changes to include the audiology profession.
2) Appointing a national board for audiology
There will be a process to advertise, shortlist and confirm new board members, either of a multi-profession board (between audiology and another profession) or a single-profession board. The role of an Ahpra National Board is to develop registration standards for ministerial approval, choose an accreditation authority, develop codes and guidelines, and propose specialist registration or advanced practice endorsements for approval by Health Ministers before they can operate.
Expected changes under Ahpra
Ahpra is expected to release further information for audiologists sometime before regulation comes into effect. Audiology Australia will link to this information once it becomes available.
Protection of title, increased professional credibility and more
As an organisation established under legislation, Ahpra regulation would bring a broad range of benefits including Protection of title, Legislated compliance with national standards, professional credibility and a robust complaints handling procedure (shifting from the Hearing Professional Conduct and Complaints Body to Ahpra). Ahpra will also oversee the accreditation of university programs and assessment of overseas-trained practitioners in some capacity.
Although Ahpra does not determine funding or policy priorities, inclusion in the scheme will place audiology alongside other regulated allied health professions which may streamline some policy priorities.
Reliable national data on the audiology workforce has been difficult to obtain. Registration will make workforce data more accurate and accessible, improving planning, research, and administration. It will also streamline processes such as provider number applications and identity verification.
Minor changes to practice standards
You can expect to adhere to new minimum practice standards, but we expect that the changes will likely be minimal.
Audiology Australia is a member of the National Alliance of Self-Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP), which sets evidence-based minimum practice standards for health professions which meet the requirements of membership.
NASRHP standards closely align with Ahpra registration, standards and both provide nationally consistent oversight of quality, including compliance with a code of conduct, and consumer safety.
The standards include:
- Scope of Practice
- Practitioner Certification Requirements
- Code of Conduct
- Professional Indemnity Insurance
- Complaints Procedure
- Mandatory Declarations
- Competency Standards
- English Language Requirements
- Course Accreditation
- Recency and Resumption of Practice
- Continuing Professional Development.
Read more about standards that 95% of Australia’s audiologists have to abide by
National Consistency
The same registration standards will apply across all states and territories for both public and private sector audiologists. The current regulatory system means that a small percentage of audiologists (3-5%) including those working in public health or in private practice where they do not offer government funded services, are not required to abide by the same national standards as 95% of Australian audiologists.
Commitment to reconciliation
Regulation will promote accountability for equitable service delivery and improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Ahpra is guided by its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety Strategy 2020–2025. Under that strategy, a key objective is to ensure that health practitioners provide culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
For registered practitioners, continuing professional development (CPD) must include cultural-safety training and awareness. The Cultural Safety Accreditation and Continuing Professional Development (ACPD) Upskilling Framework and Strategy calls for “compulsory, consistent, integrated core training and education on cultural safety for registered health practitioners throughout their career”.
Ahpra (and associated National Boards) are working to embed cultural safety into education curricula, accreditation standards, and workplace/regulatory standards, so new graduates and existing practitioners are held to those expectations.
Unable to use testimonials in your marketing
As an organisation whose core role is to protect the public, Ahpra stipulates that anyone advertising a regulated health service must not “use testimonials or purported testimonials about the service or business”.
Audiology business owners should already not be using testimonials in their marketing as it would constitute a breach of the Code of Conduct for audiologists and audiometrists as per Standard 8.2.c, which stipulates members must only make claims in advertising about their hearing services that are supported by acceptable evidence.
However, under Ahpra, such breaches may constitute a criminal offence.
Current unknowns
Many of the specifics are still unknown.
- Process of applying to Ahpra: The process for applying to Ahpra has not been confirmed. Once this information is confirmed, Audiology Australia will provide members with details about the application process and help to otherwise support you through the transition.
- Grandparenting agreements: Audiology Australia will advocate for grandparenting agreements, including for qualified audiologists to be recognised under the scheme and enable them to register with Ahpra. This will assist those audiologists who qualified in Australia prior to the introduction of postgraduate master degrees. We will also seek the inclusion of “Provisional Registration” for students completing their Clinical Internship. The decision about what qualifications are required and what categories of registration will be provided will however be a decision made by the new National Board once established under Ahpra.
- Fees: Audiology Australia is not yet aware of the proposed fee; however, most Ahpra-regulated professions currently pay higher fees than Audiology Australia. Please view the cost comparison to other professions below.
- Insurance as a requirement: PII Insurance is a mandatory requirement for all Ahpra registered professions. Initial registration for Ahpra professions requires a declaration that the practitioner will not practice unless they have appropriate PII arrangements. At this stage, Audiology Australia is unaware if audiologists will require professional indemnity insurance at a specific value or level.
- HSP requirements: We do not yet know what requirements the Hearing Service Program (HSP) will have for its practitioners.
- Specialist areas of audiology: We don’t yet know if Ahpra will introduce ‘Endorsements’ for specialist areas of audiology. Audiology Australia will continue to offer credentialling like our Advanced Paediatric Audiology Certification that may support you to meet those requirements should they be introduced.
- Impact of the NRAS Complexity Review: The NRAS Complexity Review is still being considered by government. As the inclusion of audiology in NRAS is occurring in parallel with the Government’s response to the Complexity Review, there is the possibility that any reforms arising from this work may apply to audiology as the newest addition to the scheme. At this stage, however, nothing has been confirmed; rather, audiologists should remain aware that broader system improvements may continue to evolve over the coming years.
We will update the list above and provide further information as further information becomes available.
Cost comparison to other professions
While the proposed fee structure for Audiologists under Ahpra is currently unknown, the table below highlights professions with similar numbers of practitioners to the audiology profession.
Many practitioners of registered professions will continue to require membership with a Professional Body to gain access to their services in advocacy, Continuous Professional Development, other business benefits including reduced professional indemnity insurance (PII) premiums (some member organisations include PII in their membership fee). This would be an additional fee for Audiologists.
| Profession | Practitioners | Application fee (paid on initial application) | Annual registration fee (ongoing) | Annual fee to PPB (optional, but provides benefits not provided by Ahpra) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Medicine | 4,853 | $602- $766 | $512 ($121 for new graduates) | $550 |
| Osteopathy | 3,526 | $445 ($223 provisional) | $445 ($223 provisional) | $800 |
| Podiatry | 6,135 | $215 | $431 | $550-975 |
| Chiropractic | 6,526 | $303 | $485 | $1,852 |
Ahpra (NRAS) vs AudA (NASRHP): regulation at a glance
| NRAS | AudA Through NASRHP | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual registration or accreditation fees | See cost comparison with similar sized professions above^ | Nil. Included in membership fees |
| Annual PPB membership fees | Does not offer membership services outside of registration fees^ | $670, which includes member benefits, CPD activities and advocacy |
| Standards | Mandatory Professional Standards of Practice | Mandatory Professional Standards of Practice |
| Qualified Professional | Registration to practice | Accredited to practice |
| Complaints | Notifications are made directly to the relevant Ahpra board with powers to enforce the Code of Conduct and issue prohibition orders pertaining to individual practitioners. The Health Ministers Meeting in September 2025 considered the recommendations made by the NRAS complexity review, and the Health Ministers directed Ahpra to take immediate steps to improve complaints processes.^ | Notifications made via independent Hearing Professional Conduct and Complaints Body Ltd (HPCCB) and investigated by independent panels; sanctions related to breaches of the Code of Conduct for audiologists and audiometrists made public and refers and collaborates with relevant complaints entities where applicable.^ |
| Students and accrediting courses | Ahpra works with accreditation authorities and committees to ensure graduating students are suitably qualified and skilled to apply for registration | AudA works with universities to accredit Audiology Masters programs in Australia. After completing the program and a clinical internship, graduates can apply to be an Audiology Australia Accredited Audiologist. |
| Compliance | Monitors and audits registered health practitioners to ensure they are compliant | Monitors and audits audiologists to ensure they are compliant. AudA is monitored and audited by NASRP. |
| CPD points | CPD points stipulated and audited | CPD points stipulated and audited, and managed on behalf of members^ |
| CPD learning | CPD education opportunities are not provided | CPD education opportunities provided |
| Scope of Practice | Scope of Practice is articulated | Scope of Practice is articulated |
| Public Registry | Provides a public register of Registered Practitioners | Provides a publicly available list of Audiology Australia Accredited Audiologists |
| Code of Conduct | Mandatory compliance to the profession's code of conduct. National Code of Conduct for Health Care Workers, as applied in the relevant State. | Mandatory compliance to the AudA Code of Conduct. National Code of Conduct for Health Care Workers, as applied in the relevant State. |
| Criminal history checks | Ahpra conducts national criminal history checks when practitioners first registers and relies on practitioners reporting any changes. | AudA asks members to declare their criminal history when making a membership application and each time they renew. |
| English language requirements | Minimum standards required based on demonstrated competency through education or English language testing | Minimum standards required based on demonstrated competency through education or English language testing. |
| Title protection | The titles of registered health professions are 'protected' by law. When you see someone who uses a protected title (for example, "medical practitioner"), you can expect that person is appropriately trained and qualified in that profession, registered, and that they are expected to meet safe and professional standards of practice | No formal title protection |
| Workforce mobility | Ahpra registered practitioners can work in any state or territory | AudA audiologists can work in any state or territory |
| Professional Indemnity Insurance | Ahpra registered practitioners are required by law to have PII insurance arrangements in place unless they are non-practicing. The specific amounts are decided by each respective board.^ | Members of AudA are required to have PII as mandated by the Audiology Australia Code of Conduct and the State Code of Conduct^ |
| National Board oversight | Each profession has a National Board (or a shared board) that provides oversight. Their primary role is to protect the public, but they also register practitioners and students. Boards are supported by Ahpra in the framework of a Health Profession Agreement.^ | Governed by the Board of Directors who has the responsibility of making effective decisions in the best interests of the profession. The Board sets our mission, vision, values and strategic direction and certification requirements. |
| HSP | Approved provider (assumption) | Currently eligible to obtain a QP number |
| Medicare Claims | Approved providers | Approved providers |
| NDIS | Approved providers | Approved providers |
| S&T Workers Compensation Schemes | Approved providers | Approved providers |
| Veteran Affairs | Approved providers | Approved providers |
| Private Health | Approved providers | Approved providers |
| Advertising Breaches^ | Breaches of advertising guidelines for regulated professions may constitute a criminal offence under National Law^ | Breaches of advertising guidelines may breach the Code of Conduct for audiologists and audiometrists^ |
* Registration fees are set by the relevant Board of Ahpra and vary between professions based on the cost of regulating each profession under the National Law. The fees vary depending on factors such as the size of the profession, the risks associated with practice, the level and complexity of complaints and notifications, and the capital reserves needed to ensure sustainability of the operations of the Board. The National Law requires that registration fees are reasonable having regard to the efficient and effective operation of the National Scheme. An additional application fee is payable on initial registration.
^ This point has been added or updated from the original 2024 table created for Audiologists during the consultation process, due to name changes or after receiving updates or further confirmation from relevant stakeholders.
Other frequently asked questions
What is Audiology Australia’s position on regulation?
For decades, Audiology Australia has advocated to government for registration. Until the recent enquiry, the response had always remained the same – it was determined to be a low-risk profession and didn’t meet the six criteria for registration.
Audiology Australia’s concerns throughout the Decision RIS process centred on the inaccuracies in the information informing the consultation, the fact that the discussion around regulation as a solution to the paediatric incidents in SA and Queensland was distracting government from addressing the more significant systemic issues within some public health systems and the ongoing misconceptions among some members about what Ahpra would and would not deliver for the profession.
Our objective has always been to achieve the very best outcome for audiologists and consumers.
Will protection of title include more than just the word 'Audiologist'?
Protection of title, and what it includes will be spelled out in the specific changes to the law. There are different protections for different professions. It may be that the word ‘Audiologist’ is protected for example, but the term “audiological services” is not.
This is an area that Audiology Australia will be working hard to ensure that all of the necessary inclusions are covered to afford the profession the greatest protection of title. However, it is not Audiology Australia’s decision; those decisions lie with the government who will manage the legislative changes.
The HWT will conduct a public consultation on issues such as this at some point, but the timing of that has not been advised to us.
Would there be more protection against unethical business practices and advertising under Ahpra?
The main purpose of the NRAS is to protect the public not the interests of health professions. These two aspects are often intrinsically linked, and as such the Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service have been developed under section 39 of the National Law to ensure the advisement of services provided by a registered health practitioners are appropriate.
Other legislation exists to provide protection against unethical or illegal business practices that is not related to advertisement of health services and the ACCC can investigate and can take action to enforce compliance. Similarly the TGA investigates inappropriate advertising and use of medical devices (such as hearing aids).
When it comes to unethical business practices in the current regulatory environment, the audiology sector is supported by the existing legislation and regulations under the ACCC and TGA. Audiology Australia Accredited audiologists must also meet the professional and ethical standards as set out in the Code of Conduct for audiologists and audiometrists.
Audiologists who are registered with a PPB can be investigated by the Hearing Professionals Conduct and Complaints Body (HPCCB) in relation to breaches of the code of conduct and can also be investigated by the relevant state based health complaints body.
You can read more about current rules for advertising and promotion through testimonials here.
Another important factor to note is that Ahpra regulates individuals, not businesses. The list of issues in the consultation paper with regards to commercial or business practices, also occurs in registered professions (e.g. optometry) and inclusion under the NRAS will not solve these issues for audiology. Audiology Australia is seeking advice to understand how this would occur given Ahpra has limited powers in unethical practices of businesses.
Would audiologists get automatic exemption or be excused from Jury Duty as an Ahpra registered profession?
Legislation on jury duty exemptions vary from state to state, in NSW for example, exemptions exist for 4 of the 16 registered health professions (doctors, dentists, pharmacists and paramedics). Most other states do not have specific exemptions for health practitioners. In all states exemptions usually relate to individuals who work in positions where conflict of interest is an issue such as within the Justice system or within specific government positions. Other exemptions include criminal convictions, poor English language skills and age.
Depending on which state you live in, you may also be excused from participating in jury duty if you make an application, there are many reasons that vary between states but some examples include being a sole trader or owning a small business, having caring responsibilities, university commitments, medical issues or that attending the jury duty will result in substantial financial hardship.
You can read a full list of current reasons for exemptions for each state here:
- Federal: https://www.fedcourt.gov.au/going-to-court/jury/excused
- ACT: https://www.courts.act.gov.au/supreme/coming-to-court/jurors/detailed-jury-exemption-list
- NSW: https://courts.nsw.gov.au/for-jurors/for-individuals-/being-excused-from-jury-service.html
- NT: https://supremecourt.nt.gov.au/jurors
- QLD: https://www.courts.qld.gov.au/jury-service/being-excused-from-jury-service#:~:text=(a)%20You%20can%20be%20excused,they%20elect%20to%20do%20so.
- SA: https://www.courts.sa.gov.au/going-to-court/jurors/selection/
- TAS: https://www.supremecourt.tas.gov.au/jurors/
- VIC: https://www.juriesvictoria.vic.gov.au/individuals/notice-of-selection
- WA: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-justice/excusals-and-eligibility-jury-duty
How is Audiology currently regulated?
Currently Audiology in Australia is self-regulated, however this doesn’t mean there is an absence of regulation.
To practice audiology and receive government funding through Medicare, HSP and NDIS an audiologist is required to be an accredited member of a professional practitioner body (PPB), either Audiology Australia or the Australian College of Audiology.
Audiology Australia is an approved member of the National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP), the national peak body representing self-regulating health professions in Australia. The NASRHP standards are closely modelled on NRAS standards. In addition, audiologists must adhere to the standards set in the National Code of Conduct for Health Care Workers.
To handle complaints, the Hearing Professional Conduct and Complaints Body investigates and manages breaches of the code of conduct. Any reports that hold significant concern are referred onto the relevant state-based health complaints body.
You can read more in our feature article here: Demystifying Regulation: An Overview for Audiologists — By Eleanor Hoskins, Policy Manager, Audiology Australia
Is audiometry included in regulation?
It has been confirmed that audiometrists will not be regulated under Ahpra.
The Australian College of Audiology Incorporating HAASA penned several statements on LinkedIn addressing the exclusion of audiometry:
What regulation means for clients
Clients can expect maximum positive impact, but minimal disruption to their services.