In 2018, following an organisation-wide risk assessment, the ALA engaged an external company to consult with members, consumers and stakeholders as part of a broad review of the ALA Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner Program (Program) and National Lymphoedema Practitioners Register (NLPR). While confirming the high regard and value of the Program and Register and providing overwhelming support for their continuation, it was also widely acknowledged that simplification and streamlining was required. The final report outlined 11 recommendations.
The ALA Board of Directors determined that implementation of these recommendations – which cover governance, guidelines including eligibility criteria and structure as well as criteria for renewal/re-accreditation, the online ‘find a practitioner’ directory and recognition of training courses - is essential to address the inherent risks in operating a regulation program. The primary focus of the work to streamline the ALA Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner Program and NLPR is to ensure that the ALA meets its core objective of supporting excellence in lymphoedema management by operating a regulation program which:
With Stage 1 of the work to streamline the Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner Program (ALPP) and National Lymphoedema Practitioners Register (NLPR) now complete and launched, it is timely that we provide ALA members with an update on next steps.
Following work on Stage 2 of the project by the NLPR Implementation Working Group, the NLPR Committee and ALA Board, as well as the ALA's governance and legal advisors, have reviewed the proposed documentation which addresses the key issue of eligibility to become an ALA Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner as well as aligning the ALA’s governance structure with recognised good governance principles. Members will understand that this extensive process has been necessary to protect the interests of the ALA, our members, accredited lymphoedema practitioners and, most critically, the community. Members are also reminded that the ALA Board currently classifies the risk of non-adoption of the revised Constitution at the highest ranking on its Risk Register.
Stage 2 comprises updates to four key documents - the proposed updated versions are now available for you to review:
*ALA members are reminded that implementation of Stage 2 relies on adoption of a revised Constitution via a special resolution at the 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The other documents are provided for transparency only.
In addition to this work, updating of references to the renamed NLPR Committee and renamed policies in other ALA documentation will be required.
A webinar detailing the proposed changes in Stage 2 was held on Monday 27 April 2020 - click here to view the recording of this session.
All ALA members are strongly encouraged to engage in this important project. Responses to the small number of questions received prior to the AGM are provided here. This will be updated regularly as questions are received so please check these first to see if your query has already been covered.
Working within the existing ALA Constitution, this stage comprised the reviewing, updating and restructuring of the NLPR Guidelines and the development of additional supporting policies to comply with recommended documentation principles as follows:
In line with the recommendations of ALA members and stakeholders via the 2018 review, development of this documentation was informed by the existing NLPR Guidelines, feedback received as part of the review and benchmarking to existing regulatory frameworks such as AHPRA as well as similar regulation models.
Documents marked * are new requirements to fill gaps identified through the review, benchmarking and the ALA’s risk assessment processes.
The documents were prepared either by the NLPR Implementation Working Group (IWG) or by external consultants under the guidance of the NLPR IWG. They were then submitted for rigorous review by the NLPR Committee and ALA Board prior to approval. Documentation pertaining to the accreditation of training courses was also reviewed by the training providers.
Implementation of this stage was seen as critical to the ALA’s core objective of supporting excellence in lymphoedema management and did not require any changes to the ALA Constitution.
Now completed and launched, the next steps over coming weeks include:
In line with the recommendations of ALA members and stakeholders via the 2018 review, as well as benchmarking and ALA risk assessment processes, this stage will address the key issue of eligibility to become an ALA Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner as well as aligning the ALA’s governance structure with recognised good governance principles. This stage will commence in January 2020 and, subject to the outcome of the 2020 Annual General Meeting, conclude by 30 June 2020.
Elaine Trevaskis
Company Secretary
Australasian Lymphology Association
admin@lymphoedema.org.au
The Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA) is committed to promoting the development of lymphology in Australasia. The Association will strive to improve the management of those with, or at risk of developing lymphoedema and enhance communication between health professionals, educators, relevant authorities and government in regard to oedemas and lymphoedema.
