This page answers common questions about Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) in Australia, including scope of practice, supervision, qualifications, employment, and AHANA membership.
About Allied Health Assistants | Scope of Practice | Delegation and Supervision | Professional Practice | About AHANA | Membership
If you're new to the Allied Health Assistant profession, these are some of the questions we are most often asked.
Allied Health Assistants support allied health professionals by carrying out delegated clinical and non-clinical tasks as part of a healthcare team. They play an important role in improving access to allied health services across hospitals, community services, disability supports and private practices.
AHAs assist clinicians by carrying out tasks that have been appropriately delegated and fall within their training, competence and supervision arrangements. The specific tasks vary depending on the profession, workplace and service setting.
AHAs may work directly with clients without the supervising clinician being present, provided the tasks have been appropriately delegated and supervision arrangements are in place. The supervising clinician remains responsible for clinical decisions.
Clinical assessments are generally conducted by qualified allied health professionals. However, elements of an assessment process may be delegated to an AHA where appropriate training, supervision and governance arrangements exist.
Supervision arrangements depend on the complexity of the work, the experience of the assistant and the workplace setting. Regular communication and clear delegation between clinicians and assistants are essential.
Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) are health workers who support allied health professionals by carrying out delegated clinical and non-clinical tasks as part of a healthcare team. Their work enables clinicians to focus on more complex care while improving the efficiency and reach of allied health services.
AHAs may work with a single profession, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology or social work, or support multiple allied health disciplines depending on the service setting.
There is currently no universally recognised national definition of an AHA in Australia, which has contributed to inconsistency in how the role is understood and used. AHANA has developed a definition to support greater recognition and consistency across the workforce.
Related page: What is an Allied Health Assistant?
Allied Health Assistants support clinicians by carrying out tasks that have been delegated by an allied health professional and that fall within the assistant’s training, competence and supervision arrangements.
Tasks may include supporting therapy programs, assisting with rehabilitation exercises, preparing equipment, documenting information, supporting group programs, and assisting with service delivery.
The exact tasks an AHA performs depend on the profession they support, the workplace setting, and the supervision arrangements in place.
Allied Health Assistants can perform a range of delegated clinical and non-clinical tasks that fall within their competence, training and supervision arrangements. The specific tasks vary depending on the profession, service model, client needs and workplace governance.
Examples may include assisting with therapy programs, running delegated activities, preparing equipment, supporting groups, documenting service information, and contributing to efficient service delivery under clinician oversight.
They play an important role in improving access to allied health services in both metropolitan and regional communities.
Scope of practice refers to the tasks and responsibilities that an individual is trained, competent and authorised to perform.
For AHAs, scope of practice is influenced by:
Clear delegation and communication between clinicians and assistants are essential to ensure safe and effective care.
In most circumstances, clinical assessments are conducted by qualified allied health professionals.
However, elements of an assessment process may be delegated to an AHA where appropriate training, supervision and governance arrangements are in place. The supervising clinician retains responsibility for clinical decisions and interpretation of assessment findings.
AHAs may work directly with clients without the supervising clinician being physically present, provided the activities have been appropriately delegated and the assistant has the required competence and supervision arrangements.
The supervising clinician remains responsible for clinical decision-making and oversight of the care being delivered.
If a task has not been clearly delegated, is not supported by appropriate training or supervision, or requires independent clinical judgement beyond the AHA role, it may be outside scope.
If there is uncertainty, the task should be discussed with the supervising allied health professional and clarified before proceeding.
Delegation occurs when an allied health professional assigns specific tasks to an Allied Health Assistant while retaining responsibility for overall clinical care.
Effective delegation requires:
Delegation is a key mechanism for enabling clinicians to work at top of scope while maintaining safe, high-quality care.
The level and frequency of supervision depends on factors such as:
Supervision may include regular meetings, review of documentation, observation of practice, and ongoing communication between the clinician and assistant.
Not necessarily. AHAs may carry out delegated activities without the supervising clinician being physically present, provided the assistant is competent to perform the task and appropriate supervision and governance arrangements are in place.
The supervising clinician remains responsible for clinical oversight and decision-making.
In many employment settings, AHAs are covered by the professional indemnity insurance of their employer or supervising organisation.
However, arrangements can vary depending on the workplace and employment model. It is important for AHAs and employers to understand what insurance arrangements are in place and ensure that appropriate coverage exists.
Some AHAs may work in independent or contracted roles. However, because AHAs work under delegation from allied health professionals, clear governance, supervision and insurance arrangements are essential.
Both the AHA and the supervising clinician must ensure that appropriate professional responsibilities, supervision structures and insurance coverage are in place.
If an AHA is concerned that a task may be outside their competence or has not been appropriately delegated, they should raise the concern with their supervising clinician or employer and seek clarification before proceeding.
Clear communication and documented delegation are important for safe practice and professional protection.
AHANA stands for the Allied Health Assistants National Association Ltd (ABN 83 658 609 173).
AHANA is the national peak body representing Allied Health Assistants in Australia. It supports the development, recognition and professionalisation of the AHA workforce.
AHANA is a not-for-profit organisation. Funds generated through membership and activities are used to support the association’s work on behalf of its members and the broader profession.
Related page: What is AHANA?
Self-regulation occurs when a profession develops and maintains its own standards rather than being subject to mandatory government regulation.
Key elements of self-regulation include:
AHANA supports the development of professional standards and guidance for Allied Health Assistants as part of the ongoing development of the profession.
Membership of AHANA is currently voluntary.
However, joining AHANA supports the development of a recognised national voice for the AHA profession and contributes to improving professional standards, recognition and opportunities for the workforce.
Membership fees support the work required to develop and maintain a professional association for Allied Health Assistants. This includes activities such as:
Membership may also provide access to events, education and professional resources. In some circumstances membership fees may be tax deductible.
Qualifications and experience across the AHA workforce can vary. In many settings, employers look for relevant training such as Certificate-level qualifications or equivalent experience, depending on the role and service context.
AHANA recognises that the workforce is diverse and provides membership pathways for practising AHAs, students and others connected to the profession.
Pay rates vary depending on the employer, industrial award or enterprise agreement, classification level, experience, qualifications and the nature of the role.
AHANA encourages employers and workers to check the relevant award, agreement or HR advice when determining pay levels.
AHANA offers several membership options depending on eligibility, including practising membership, student membership and associate membership.
Current pricing and eligibility criteria are available on the Membership Classes and Fees page. Membership runs for 12 months from the date of joining.
AHANA membership is open to a range of people connected to the Allied Health Assistant workforce, including:
Further information is available on the Membership Classes and Fees page.
Some support workers may meet the AHANA definition of an Allied Health Assistant depending on their experience, training and the nature of the work they perform.
Eligibility for membership is assessed against AHANA’s membership criteria.
If you cannot find the information you need here, you can contact AHANA for further information or submit a question for inclusion in future FAQs.
Where can I get guidance on the Allied Health Assistant role?
The Allied Health Assistants National Association (AHANA) provides professional guidance, resources and support for Allied Health Assistants and employers across Australia.