The Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia (SPA,  2020a) detail the knowledge, skills and attributes a speech pathologist practising in Australia must demonstrate and apply (including graduate speech pathology students in order to enter the profession).  The Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) Code of Ethics (SPA, 2020b) informs speech pathologists’ everyday professional practice. When undertaking this work, we do so with an awareness of the broader context of human rights of the individual.

1.4.1 Professional standards for speech pathologists in australia

The Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia (Professional Standards) detail:

• the knowledge, skills and attributes a speech pathologist practising in Australia must demonstrate and apply, at any point in their career (from entry to the profession and throughout their career), across the spectrum of activities as relevant to their speech pathology role and work context;
• the knowledge, skills and attributes a graduating speech pathology student must demonstrate and be able to apply by the time they complete their entry-level degree.

Speech pathologists must use their knowledge, skills and attributes to practise lawfully, safely and effectively and in a way that meets the Professional Standards.

The Professional Standards includes three Domains, with associated standards and elements:

1. Professional conduct.
2. Reflective practice and life-long learning
3. Speech pathology practice

This video provides an introduction and outline to the Professional Standards.

^{Professional Standards – Introduction by Speech Pathology Australia}

^{Professional Standards – Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples by Speech Pathology Australia}

1.4.2 National code of coduct

The National Code of Conduct for Health Care Workers (the Code) is a minimum set of standards of conduct for all health service providers who are not regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Speech pathologists are included in this group of health professionals. SPA is a full member of the National Alliance of Self-Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP). Other health providers the Code will apply to include dietitians, social workers, audiologists, allied health assistants and personal care workers. The Code sets national standards against which disciplinary action can be taken. In serious cases registration and right to practice can be withdrawn.

SPA ensures that its independently set standards align with NASRHP’s framework. NASRHP’s framework is closely modelled on the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS), the regulatory framework administered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). A Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) is a speech pathologist who has demonstrated they meet specific standards of practice in the field of speech pathology, as specified by SPA.  This includes meeting the SPA Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Requirements.

1.4.3 Code of ethics

“Ethical conduct is a hallmark of professional practice, essential for safe and quality clinical care and upholding the reputation of healthcare professions” (Kenny et al.,  2023, p. 60).  It is essential that speech pathologists observe the highest standards of ethical practice. The Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics (SPA, 2020b) guides and informs our everyday professional practice and should be used by Speech Pathology Australia Members proactively.  The Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics (SPA, 2020b) must be considered along with relevant legislation, policies and procedures (e.g. The Privacy Act 1988, SPA National Code of Conduct).

“A code of ethics is not, however, designed as an instruction manual for SLPs to manage specific ethical issues that occur within their workplaces. Nor will a code address ethically complex professional scenarios where there may not be a sole ‘right’ response or when no options are perceived ideal. When ethical dilemmas occur, ethics education resources provide an essential bridge between an aspirational code and professional practice” (Kenny et al.,  2023, p. 60).

This video provides and introduction and overview of the Code of Ethics.

^{Overview of the 2020 Code of Ethics by Speech Pathology Australia} 

The model of speech pathology ethical practice (figure 1) outlines how three underpinning elements (values, principles and standards of ethical practice) guide how speech pathologists practice and make ethical decisions.  Practice and decision-making is also informed by culturally responsive practice and person-centredness.

Speech Pathology Australia ethics education resources

Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) have developed a range of online resources and education packages to support Speech Pathology Australia members (including speech pathology students who are student members of SPA).  You are encouraged to explore and familiarise yourself with these resources [note: you will only be able to access these online education packages if you are a SPA member]:

1. Ethics Education Package (EEP)
   • This is a self-directed education resource that guides members to reflect upon their ethical practice and apply a deductive decision-making model to identify, analyse, and manage ethical issues presented in authentic case scenarios.
2. Ethics in Professional and Clinical Practice
   • This is the first of two SPA online ethics learning modules. This module focused on developing knowledge about the application of ethics in the workplace.
3. Enhancing Ethical Practice, Avoiding Snakes and Building Ladders
   • This is the second module in SPA’s online ethics learning resources and presented as an extension module. This module introduces alternative approaches to ethical reasoning, including narrative and ethics of care approaches.

(Kenny et al., 2023, p. 61)