The SWEP eligibility requirements and credentialing Standard for Lymphoedema Practitioners (compression garments) has changed to support consumer access and choice, as well as to align with changes to the Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA) Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner Program, and new competency standards that underpin ALA endorsed training programs.
The eligibility of established professions in this category
for SWEP has not changed
If you are seeking registration and credentialing with SWEP, as a Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Medical Practitioner, Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist, you remain eligible providing you have current AHPRA registration and have completed an ALA endorsed course (consistent with the scope of practice of your primary health profession, your role and chosen scope of practice).
Emerging eligible practitioners
can now apply for registration and credentialing with SWEP (from April 2022)
for an initial six-month period
Practitioners from
professions that were not previously eligible for SWEP registration and
credentialing, can now apply, providing they are current Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioners with the ALA and meet the requirements of
The Standard.
If you are now eligible, you are encouraged to register with SWEP here as soon as possible. As with
the introduction of any change to a credentialing standard, SWEP will trial and
monitor any impact this has on consumer demand and waitlists over the next six
months.
Experience and CPD
requirements must relate to ' measure and fit " for lymphoedema
When you provide us with information regarding experience and
continuing professional development to support a credentialing application as
an experienced clinician, or to upgrade your credentialing level, please ensure
this information relates and is clearly linked to the measure and fit of
compression garments/ adjustable wrap systems for lymphoedema, rather than
lymphoedema practice in general. Refer to The Standard for
further details related to your specific type of credentialing application.
The consumer eligibility criteria for access to subsidies through
the Lymphoedema Compression Garments Program, has not changed and is available for
consumers who have been medically assessed as having either primary, secondary
or sub-clinical lymphoedema and require garments for limbs only. The
Standard for registration and credentialing with SWEP therefore
specifically relates to lymphoedema, rather than other consumer groups that may
require compression garments e.g. burns. Refer to the Victorian Aids and
Equipment Program Guidelines for further details.
SWEP Leadership Team
