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The Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA) is the national peak body for Hand Therapy in Australia.
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COVID-19

The Credentialing Council acknowledges the serious impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on our everyday lives, including the way in which we are able to practice hand therapy. Notwithstanding the necessity to uphold standards of practice, our priority is to the well-being of all members. We are therefore recommending the following changes to accreditation and reaccreditation for 2021 and 2022:
 
Accreditation
AHT candidates will receive an extension of up to 12 months to complete the requirements for accreditation by providing documentary evidence of any of the following:

  • Reduction in employment hours in hand therapy since March 1, 2020
  • Disruption to the mentoring relationship since March 1, 2020
  • Cancellation of AHTA courses in which they were enrolled since March 1, 2020
  • Financial hardship as a result of Covid-19
  • Other extenuating circumstances related to Covid-19.


Reaccreditation
For all current AHT’s, and those awarded AHT before August 31, 2020, the time period over which CPD hours and clinical practice hours must be completed will be extended by 6 months. i.e. reaccreditation will now be due 5 years and 6 months from the date of accreditation. You will have 5 years and 6 months to accrue 2000 hours of clinical practice and 150 hours of CPD up to your expiry date.

It is incumbent upon all members (Associate and AHT) to comply with AHPRA requirements for maintenance of registration during this time.

AHT members who have been able to complete the requirements for reaccreditation, despite disruptions to professional development opportunities and work practice may apply for reaccreditation from 4 years and 9 months from the date of accreditation. 
 
Thank you everyone for continuing your contributions to the profession during this challenging time. The Board and Committees have all been working overtime in response to the health crisis. It’s so encouraging to see members sharing their designs for protective equipment and suggestions for ways to continue service provision. Keep a log and a screenshot of these contributions for your reaccreditation applications. Evidence for telehealth training or Covid-19 infection control training can also be used for your CPD.