Membership Requirements

Membership

Click Here to download the membership application form SAPCA

ACA have received some queries from members as to the processes for renewal of membership and documentation requested with annual renewals and why we need such documentation.

ACA must be able to pass a third party (external) audit process to maintain creditability with the government and public and we also need to ensure we meet the new guidelines of the new Allied Health Private Provider Funds legislation that will be introduced on 1 July 2008. This auditing process requires that at any time any external auditor can either randomly select a quantity of files or even conduct a 100% audit of ACA member files. This process is confidential. However, ACA must be able to show two processes have been strictly adhered to.

Each membership application establishes through supplied documentation they meet eligibility criteria for membership within there assigned category.
That each registered member has supplied with each annual renewal;
1. documents that show they have maintained OPD, and
2. documents that show Supervision requirements have been met.

A filled in and signed returned ACA log book is the easiest and most resource efficient way of doing this.

There is no exemption from this process. Letters or documents supplied in one annual renewal year cannot be carried over into the next. The requirement is that new documentation must be supplied with each renewal each year: no exceptions. These documents must show the required annual amount of OPD and supervision has been met. Scribbled messages on renewals do not meet this requirement. ACA log books are acceptable for this purpose and are also the easiest way to keep track of your requirements. Members may request in writing an exemption due to unforseen circumstances for OPD or supervision. These documents are also kept on file.

Members who return renewals without the required documentation will not have their renewals processed until all documentation is received. There are no exceptions, all members must meet the requirements of their category of membership. All practicing registered members except Fellows but including Honorary members must show through documentary evidence

25 points of OPD through receipts, certificates of attendance or their ACA log books
A original letter on letter head from their supervisor showing a minimum of 10 hours of professional supervision or their log book signed off by supervisor

ACA is aware that this can be onerous, which is why we have introduced the log books to keep these requirements as simple and time efficient as possible for members. However, it is the responsibility of members to meet these requirements. ACA must be able to demonstrate at the third party level that as the Peak National Body for Counsellors we are diligent in our processes and ensure that accountability and quality control systems within our administration processes are accountable. This in turn reflects the standing of your membership. ACA is the only National counselling body in Australia that can meet third party accountability criteria of all its members. This has given us considerable leverage in regard to working with the government towards formal recognition and possible access to Medicare rebates.

Regards

Philip Armstrong

CEO (ACA)

1300 784 333