Representation

As the peak body and leading voice for sonographers, the ASA is the only Australian organisation dedicated to protecting and advancing the interests of sonographers, with the welfare of patients and the wider community of paramount concern. All ASA’s representation efforts are underpinned by our objective to consider and work towards ensuring the profession provides high quality, safe, accessible and affordable sonographic examinations.

 

Our current priorities include:

The Competency Framework for a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer - Consultation Draft

Since the release in June 2009 of the project report entitled “Scoping study of role evolution for sonographers”, resources set aside by the ASA for the development of Professional Standards have been utilised to draft a detailed framework which seeks to identify the skills, fields of knowledge and attributes that a competent diagnostic medical sonographer utilises to perform their role at key stages of their career. This document is seen as the cornerstone for a number of key advocacy areas being explored by the ASA, including role evolution and an Award classification model.

 Before publishing the competency framework, it is important that the ASA provides an opportunity for feedback and further input. We encourage all stakeholders to review the consultation draft. Submissions received by COB 20 April 2010 will be considered during a final review phase prior to publication in mid-2010. 

 Submissions should be forwarded to Elaine Trevaskis, CEO.  

Professional Standards project

As the peak body and leading voice for sonographers, the ASA acknowledges the significant role it has in setting the standards for our profession. Funding for this project has been extended to cover:

  • The development of standards, protocols and guidelines: Advocacy Alert will be utilised to advise progress.
  • Completion of The Competency Framework for a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (now in consultation phase) by mid 2010. 

Sonographer role evolution

The completion in June 2009 of the “Scoping study of role evolution for sonographers”, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, provides us with the opportunity to advance this objective. The final report is now available.

 

The ASA acknowledged the importance of utilising a collaborative approach to move this discussion forward by seeking feedback during late 2009.  We thank all organisations and individuals who made submissions during this phase - your comments have been noted and will be taken into account as the ASA continues its work in line with the recommendations from the report.

Award classification model

In response to the issues created by a lack of recognition for the role of a sonographer in Award structures, the ASA has commenced work on an Award classification model. We are keen to develop consistency across Australia in this respect, and further work will be closely linked to the final Competency Framework which is now in consultation phase with a view to completion in mid 2010.

Registration / Professional recognition

The ASA supports formal recognition of sonographers. The National Registration and Accreditation Scheme for health workers will commence on 1 July 2010. The professions which have secured early entry into this scheme are those who currently have registration requirements in all or most Australian states or territories, as well as those in which legislated regulation is deemed to be in the public interest. Whilst sonographers are excluded from this scheme until at least 2013, the ASA will continue to advocate for admission in due course - view the ASA's Position Statement.

In the interim, the ASA is seek to enhance the profession’s standing utilising alternative models of recognition and self-regulation.  The recent approval by the members of the introduction of a Complaints Handling Process sends a strong message from sonographers to the community in this regard.

Workforce issues

There are a range of issues contributing to the continuing shortage of sonographers in Australia. ASA-funded workshops, attended by a range of stakeholders, are held regularly to discuss these issues and seek resolution. Activities by the ASA are outlined from time to time in Advocacy Alert and other member communications.

Advocacy Alert

As well as the popular Advocacy Alert in each quarterly issue of soundeffects, the ASA issues regular electronic updates to members - refer to the news section for archived issues.
 


about asa

about sonography

for sonographers

members only

membership