AHANA defines an Allied Health Assistant (AHA) as (Schedule 1, By-law 2022-01):
...a healthcare worker who has demonstrated competencies to provide person-centred, evidence-informed therapy and support to individuals and groups, to help protect, restore and maintain optimal function, and promote independence and well-being.
An Allied Health Assistant works:
within a defined scope of practice and in a variety of settings, where they actively foster a safe and inclusive environment; and
​under the delegation and supervision of an Allied Health Professional.
The level of supervision may be direct, indirect or remote and is dependent on the Allied Health Assistant’s demonstrated competencies, capabilities and experience.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) regulates nine Allied Health professions.
Allied Health Professions Australia recognises a further thirteen self-regulating Allied Health professions but there are more Allied Health professions which are not currently recognised by the Commonwealth (but may be recognised overseas or be emerging).
AHANA has compiled links to some of the Allied Health professional peak bodies and some discipline-specific information available online, below. These resources are provided as part of AHANA's mission to support, inform and advocate for the AHA workforce and are not an exhaustive list of Allied Health professions or the resources available online.