As members would be aware, from 1 July 2010 psychologists across Australia will need to register with the national Psychology Board of Australia. The Board has released its requirement in relation to professional indemnity and public liability insurance.

These requirements can be viewed at http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/

From 1 July 2010 each registered psychologist will be required to have individual professional indemnity insurance which complies with the Board’s standard.

The VPA made submissions to the Board urging the Board to approve union group PI policies. Other Boards specifically include union group policies as meeting the requirements of the relevant Board. The Psychology Board of Australia failed to respond to our submission or provide reasons for the adoption of the PI registration standard.

Will the VPA Professional Indemnity Insurance Policy Meet the Standard? We are currently reviewing the VPA PI insurance policy in conjunction with the Board’s Standard, and anticipate being able to advise members next week.

Meanwhile all financial members of the VPA who are employed by an employer are covered by the VPA group policy until 30 June 2010. This cover also includes cover in your private practice if you are also employed; don’t earn more than $25,000 gross a year; and trade as a sole trader.