MBS Review Advisory Committee Review - Inclusion of audiometrists under the MBS to provide limited audiology services

The AMA supports evidence-based reforms that improve patient access and equity, provided they are underpinned by robust clinical governance, high standards of education and training, and collaborative models of care. The AMA does not support autonomous expansion of scope for non-medical professionals where it risks fragmentation, undermines safety, or is not supported by evidence. Our submission emphasises the principles of patient safety, clinical quality, and equity as the foundation for any scope-of-practice reform. We argue expanding audiometrists’ access to MBS items must be strictly limited to services for which they are demonstrably competent, underpinned by rigorous education, credentialling, and robust clinical governance. Any expansion must occur within collaborative, medically-led multidisciplinary teams, with clear referral and escalation pathways, to avoid fragmentation, cost escalation, and compromised care. The AMA does not support autonomous expansion of scope for non-medical professionals, and cautions that access and equity must never come at the expense of safety or clinical appropriateness.