Updates have been made to the Schedule of Service Items and Fees 2026-27 to support this change
New Membership Categories
The PPBs have recently updated their membership categories and pathways, to include Restricted Scope Audiologists.
- 'Limited Scope Audiologist' Category - Audiology Australia (AudA)
- ‘Hearing Rehabilitation Audiologist’ - Australian College of Audiology inc. HAASA (ACAud)
Practitioners in these membership categories are assessed as having relevant overseas qualifications in Audiology and operate under a restricted scope of practice. They are eligible for a Qualified Practitioner (QP) number and to provide services under the Hearing Services Program.
Under the Hearing Services Program, Restricted Scope Audiologists have a scope of practice that is equivalent to an Audiometrist. As a result, specific claiming requirements apply to some program services.
Hearing Services Online Portal changes
Practitioners who are registered under one of the PPB Restricted Scope Audiologist categories are required to notify the program. The QP, or the service provider they are linked to, should email hearing@health.gov.au and provide:
- the practitioner's Qualified Practitioner number; and
- a current membership certificate.
The program will update the practitioner's classification in the portal where appropriate.
Schedule of Service Items and Fees
Several updates to the Schedule and Service Items and Fees 2026-27 have been made to include Restricted Scope Audiologists. The Schedule sets out the conditions that must be met for a provider to claim payment for services.
New definitions have been added to differentiate between the different types of Qualified Practitioner:
- Audiometrist
- Audiologist
- Restricted Scope Audiologist
The definition of Restricted Scope Audiologist has been incorporated into the claiming requirements for Assessment and Reassessment Services (items 600 and 800) and Audiological Case Management Services (items 610 and 810).
The management of non-routine clients remains outside of the scope of practice of a Restricted Scope Audiologist when delivering services independently.
What are the rules for claiming items 610/810?
Audiological case management service items 610 and 810 are intended to support the management of Non‑Routine Clients and may only be claimed where:
- an Audiometrist or Restricted Scope Audiologist seeks clinical advice from a QP Audiologist, and
- the QP Audiologist provides that advice to support completion of an Assessment (item 600) or Reassessment (item 800).
Please note, items 610 and 810:
- may only be claimed by the QP Audiologist providing the clinical advice.
- cannot be claimed by an Audiometrist or a Restricted Scope Audiologist.
- cannot be claimed by a QP Audiologist who has completed the 600 or 800 attached to the 610/810, even if the client is a Non-Routine Client.
- can only be claimed in connection with a 600/800 and cannot be claimed as a standalone item.
Possible consequences
Claims that do not meet these requirements are not consistent with the Schedule and may constitute a breach of program legislation and provider contractual obligations.
Where non-compliant claims are identified, the Department may recover payments and/or take other compliance action in accordance with the Program's compliance framework.
Recommended actions
Providers should review their claiming practices to ensure compliance with the updated Schedule requirements. Where providers identify incorrectly claimed items, they should take appropriate action, including voluntary disclosure and repayment where required.&
Providers should communicate this information and changes to practitioners and relevant staff to ensure correct 610/810 claiming.
Program website
The program website ‘Practitioner Requirements’ page provides information to stakeholders and the public on the PPBs, their approved membership categories, and which categories align with QPs or provisional practitioners.
This page has been updated to reflect the new membership categories.
Further Information
Visit the PPB websites for further information on their membership categories, scope of practice and pathways for accreditation:
Contact
