The Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner Program (ALPP) is a robust regulatory scheme designed and administered by the Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA), the peak body for lymphoedema in Australia and New Zealand. The Program recognises appropriately qualified and skilled health professionals - Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioners - who demonstrate they are of suitable standing, have acquired an appropriate level of lymphoedema education and professional competence, meet expectations with respect to professional indemnity insurance cover, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning enabling them to provide safe and effective lymphoedema management services. Individuals demonstrate their suitable standing by holding registration where applicable, or – where registration is not mandated - being a member of a professional association which has robust complaints and disciplinary processes. Additionally, ALA Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioners are required to adhere to the ALPP Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice, demonstrate recency of practice and comply with a range of mandatory declarations. Professional competence is achieved through holding a recognised qualification in a health discipline and completing ALA accredited lymphoedema training, and ongoing learning is demonstrated through participation in lymphoedema-related continuing professional development (CPD) activities.
Only practitioners who meet the entry requirements and demonstrate ongoing compliance with the Program's policies are ALA Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioners. And - as only ALA Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioners are eligible to appear on the National Lymphoedema Practitioners Register (NLPR, the Register) - consumers, carers and referrers can be assured that they will be accessing the best advice and care.
ALA Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioners must show they go above and beyond the requirements of other health practitioners to demonstrate their dedication, professionalism and expertise in working with people with lymphoedema. Broadly, those requirements are:
Demonstrated commitment to excellence in lymphoedema management, research and education through ongoing full membership of the ALA
Undergraduate and/or post-graduate qualification in a relevant health discipline
Registration with the relevant authority or, in the case of remedial massage therapists, membership of a recognised professional body
Successful completion of accredited lymphoedema training - click here for information
Maintain relevant skills and knowledge through participation in lymphoedema-specific continuing professional development
Current professional indemnity insurance
Compliance with the NLPR Guidelines and related policies including the ALPP's Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice.
For more information about these requirements please click here.
Maintain and promote professional standards of practice for lymphoedema management.
Maintain a current register of lymphoedema practitioners. To find a practitioner in your area, follow this link
Distribute the register to health professionals, consumers, health insurance companies, and other interested persons.
Assist lymphoedema organisations, consumers and lymphoedema therapists to advocate for better health insurance rebates for lymphoedema treatment.
Enable the ALA to provide government bodies with current information on varying access to lymphoedema treatment across the regions.
Encourage collaborative lymphoedema research and a better understanding of the prevalence of lymphoedema in Australia and New Zealand.
This page is sponsored by the 2020 Industry Platinum Partner:
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.
