Q1: What are Multidisciplinary Therapies?
A1: Multidisciplinary Therapies involve the integrated delivery of allied health and related therapeutic services by a single qualified practitioner—referred to as a Multidisciplinary Therapies (MDT) Specialist—rather than a team. MDT Specialists may operate independently across various settings, including:
Disability support organisations
Educational institutions
Childcare centres
General medical practices
Hospitals
Paediatric clinics
Allied and community health services
Private practice (Multidisciplinary Therapies)
All MTARA-registered practitioners must adhere to strict best practice and scope of practice guidelines. Practitioners may only deliver services within their qualified domains unless supporting the implementation of services under the referral of a Qualified Practitioner (QP).
Q2: Is MTARA a professional self-regulation association?
A2: Yes. MTARA is a professional self-regulation association that governs its members to ensure public protection and high-quality service delivery. This model aligns with national standards for professional regulation in Australia.
Q3: What are the registration requirements for practicing with MTARA?
A3: Applicants must hold a minimum of two recognised qualifications in allied health or a postgraduate qualification such as the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (Allied Health) – M.IS (Allied Health). They must also:
Complete MTARA’s Initial Registration Module
Hold professional indemnity insurance with a minimum of $10 million cover
Provide current NDIS Worker Screening and relevant state-based clearances
Q4: Can a Registered Practitioner provide therapies outside their qualifications?
A4: Only under referral from a Qualified Practitioner (QP). The MDT Specialist may assist with implementing therapy but must not interpret, alter, or provide clinical recommendations outside their qualified scope. Assistance must be in the client’s best interest and supported by written referral.
Q5: What is MTARA’s policy on Multidisciplinary Clinic Appointments (MCA)?
A5: Practitioners must follow MTARA’s “60 x 3” rule: multidisciplinary clinics must be scheduled in three-hour blocks, consisting of three separate 60-minute therapy sessions. A maximum of three clients should be seen per day under this structure.
Q6: How should Registered Practitioners charge for services delivered to NDIS participants?
A6: Services must be billed hourly. Unregistered NDIS providers may only work with plan-managed or self-managed participants. Approved pricing examples include:
01_741_0128_1_3 – Other Professional at $193.99/hr
Provider Travel (if services are delivered offsite)
Q7: Are assessments for Autism or other psychosocial conditions covered by Medicare?
A7: These assessments are not bulk billed unless conducted within a public health service. However, clients may be eligible for a Medicare rebate, which must be claimed independently via myGov or a Medicare online account.
Q8: What types of assessments are MDT Specialists permitted to conduct?
A8: MDT Specialists may undertake:
Functional Capacity Assessments
Cognitive Assessments
Developmental Assessments
Special Education Assessments
Q9: Does MTARA require CPD, and what are the membership fees?
A9: Yes. Practitioners must complete 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development per registration period. The current MTARA membership fee is $90 annually (2025), subject to review.
Q10: Can an ASDSC administer ADOS-2, CARS-2, and other diagnostic tools?
A10: Yes. Registered Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist Clinicians (ASDSCs) are qualified to administer:
ADOS-2
CARS-2
ADI-R
DSM-5 Clinical Interviews for ASD
ADHD Rating Scales
Psychosocial/Neurodivergent Screening Tools
Functional Capacity and Educational Assessments
Note: Practitioners with ADHD certification only are not eligible for ASDSC registration.
Q11: What is required for registration as an ASDSC?
A11: Applicants must:
Complete the MTARA module Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Psychosocial Conditions
Hold a current practicing certificate in Multidisciplinary Therapies
Hold a recognised postgraduate or undergraduate qualification (e.g., B.AppSci, B.Psych, B.SpEd, M.IS (Allied Health))
Provide proof of ADOS-2 training via WPS or Pearson (A, B, or C level access)
ASDSCs contribute to the diagnostic process but do not make medical diagnoses. Instead, they assess, report, and refer findings to paediatricians, psychiatrists, or GPs for diagnostic determination.
Q12: What happens after diagnostic assessments such as ADOS-2 are completed?
A12: The ASDSC:
Informs the participant or next of kin of the results
Provides a formal report within 7 days
Sends the report to the referring medical professional to support diagnostic completion.
Q13: Is MTARA’s ASDSC certification the same as the international ASDCS designation?
A13: No. While similar in function, MTARA’s ASDSC certification is Australia-specific and aligned with local standards. International ASDCS-certified practitioners may apply for automatic recognition with MTARA.
Q14: What titles are recommended for MDT Specialists in practice?
A14: Official titles include:
Functional Supports Specialist (MDT)
Logopedic Intervention Specialist (MDT)
Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist Clinician (MDT)
Multidisciplinary Therapies Specialist Practitioner (MDT)
Q15: What titles should be used on reports such as FCAs?
A15: Titles should correspond to the assessment type:
FCA (General): Functional Supports Specialist (MDT)
Cognitive FCA: Multidisciplinary Therapies Specialist (MDT)
Home & Living/Community Assessments: Functional Supports Specialist or Behaviour Supports Specialist (MDT)
ADOS-2: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Specialist Clinician (MDT)
Q16: What is a Registered ADL Practitioner?
A16:
A Registered ADL Practitioner is a qualified professional who specialises in the assessment, planning, and facilitation of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) to enhance an individual’s independence, safety, and overall quality of life.
ADLs encompass the essential everyday tasks people perform to care for themselves, manage their homes, and engage in their communities. These tasks can include personal care (such as bathing, dressing, and grooming), household management (like meal preparation, cleaning, and organising), functional mobility, social participation, and community access.
Unlike many single-discipline providers, a Multidisciplinary ADL Practitioner is equipped with a broader and more diverse skill set, drawing on knowledge and techniques from multiple allied health domains. This multidisciplinary foundation means they can holistically assess not only practical skills but also cognitive, sensory, psychosocial, and environmental factors that impact daily functioning.
Their expertise allows them to design comprehensive, tailored interventions that build capacity, increase safety, and remove barriers to participation in meaningful routines and roles.
ADL Practitioners use evidence-based strategies to support individuals to achieve their goals, whether that means learning new skills, adapting their environment, improving confidence, or restoring independence following injury or illness. Interventions are always person-centred and grounded in respect for the client’s values, preferences, and unique circumstances.
Registered ADL Practitioners are endorsed by MTARA and must complete 20 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities each registration period to maintain their professional standing and ensure their practice remains current and evidence-informed.
MTARA recognises Registered ADL Practitioners as professionals dedicated to promoting autonomy, dignity, and wellbeing across all life stages. Their multidisciplinary training and commitment to lifelong learning position them as valuable allies in supporting individuals to thrive in all aspects of daily living.