Supervised practice framework in effect

01 Feb 2022

The Supervised practice framework (the framework), developed by the Optometry Board of Australia (the Board) along with 12 other National Boards¹ and Ahpra, is in effect from today.

The framework outlines the National Boards’ expectations and supports supervisees, supervisors and employers to understand what is necessary to effectively carry out supervised practice. The framework also includes the principles that underpin supervised practice and the levels of supervised practice.

Board Chair, Judith Hannan, said: ‘We’re pleased to see the framework come into effect. The framework has been developed to support a responsive and risk-based approach to supervised practice, to support supervisees, supervisors and employers understand their requirements, and to protect the public by providing assurance about the safety and competence of practitioners being supervised. We encourage everyone involved in supervised practice to read the framework, available on our website’.

To support supervisees, supervisors and employers understand and apply the framework, the National Boards and Ahpra have developed a set of frequently asked questions and two key steps diagrams. The diagrams outline the key steps of supervised practice for registration requirements or suitability and eligibility requirements and for supervised practice following a complaint (notification).

The National Boards have also developed a Fact sheet: Supervised practice – transition arrangements to support the transition arrangements in place for supervises and supervisors who are already carrying out supervised practice or who sent documents to Ahpra or the Board before 1 February 2022.

The framework and additional information can be found on the Supervised practice page.

For more information

• Read the Supervised practice framework.
• Read the Supervision guidelines.
• Read the FAQs - Supervised practice and the supervised practice framework.
• Read the Fact sheet: Supervised practice – transition arrangements.
• Read the Key steps – a summary when using the supervised practice framework for supervised practice for registration requirements or for suitability and eligibility requirements.
• Read the Key steps – a summary when using the supervised practice framework for supervised practice following a complaint (notification).
• Lodge an online enquiry form
• For media enquiries: (03) 8708 9200
• For registration enquiries: 1300 419 495 (within Australia) or +61 8708 9009 (overseas callers)

¹ The Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (MRPBA) are reviewing the Supervised practice registration standard so the framework will not apply until the review is completed. Please see MRPBA website for more details.