2008 saw great changes within ARM.
2009 will see great changes within the Massage Therapy Industry.
The Code of Conduct, which came into effect on 1 st August 2008, overrides some of the rules of our Association. The rules concerned relate to the ARMs requirements for membership. As of 1 st August 2008, all unregistered Health Practitioners are required to have current Professional Indemnity Insurance, current first aid and maintain necessary competence, evidenced by CPE points.
The NSW Health Care Commission drafted the code, and maintains its rules with disciplinary action if a practitioner is in breach of the Code.
The disciplinary action can be as severe as being issued prohibition orders. This means you can no longer work in the industry, possibly for a set time; possibly permanently. It is an offence for a practitioner to continue to provide a health service, in breach of a prohibition order.
Not only is there NSW State Legislation that forces the ARM to change its rules of membership; the Federal Government passed the Private Health Insurance (Accreditation) Rules 2008, in Parliament June 2008.
Clause 10 of this amendment, directly effects our Association, as it requires Health Funds to have providers that belong to Associations that have a continuing professional development scheme as a condition of membership. This comes into effect 1 July 2009.
Our Association Rules will be changed to meet the requirements of this new legislation at a Special Meeting on 24 May 2009. The ARM has always encouraged Members to continue their professional education, and supported this with regular, very affordable workshops.
To date the ARM has allowed members to choose if they wanted to have a career as a practitioner and provide health care for the Health Funds; or work amongst their family and friends. This meant some members chose not to accrue CPE points, learning at their own pace. However, to respond to the needs of the time, the ARM has to change its rules so the government requirements are met, and our members are not in breach of the Code.
You will find a pull-out copy of the Code of Conduct poster in the centre of this Journal. All Health Care Practitioners are required by law to display this Code, and the Complaints procedures that are also on the same poster.
A.R.M. Journal Feb 2009 plaints Procedures begins on page 9.
It is imperative all ARM members read and understand the impact and directives of these documents. You're ARM membership and your very livelihood depends on it.
It is also clearly stated in the Code that practitioners must be aware of the Privacy Act and the obligation they have to maintain work practices in keeping with the Privacy Principles.
These include: Privacy Policy Statement, Staff Confidentiality, Consent Statement, Incident Record and a Disclosure Register.
The dates for the 2009 Meetings are: 22 February, 24 May, 30 August, and 22 November. We will continue to try our new venue at 18 Margaret Street Strathfield for the next 2 meetings, to see how it fits.
On a lighter note, ARM Members will have the opportunity to display their company or professional logo on our website directory. For an extra cost, members can email their digital logo to the Head Office to be included on our website. This will mean your listing can be more distinctive and eye-catching.
Every member's website directory listing will have the potential to click through to their own profile page. This is to be used as your own advertising space on our website. We will notify everyone as soon as this feature is developed and ready to go. Meanwhile you can consider your page; you will have the opportunity to have a photograph, a logo and text. This profile page is a free service to all our members.
Student Insurance is available from OAMPS and details of this policy are available on our website.
I hope it's not too late to wish you all a very prosperous 2009, bring you opportunities to realise your dreams and follow your heart.
Gal Herne
National President