The NDIA is commissioning an independent review of appropriate NDIS pricing for music and art supports, based on available evidence.
Dr Stephen Duckett AM will undertake the review ahead of the operation of the Expert Advisory Committee by July 2025. Dr Duckett is an experienced health economist who has occupied several leadership roles in health services, leading reform and evidence-based innovations in health care.
The review will assess:
- The review of evidence of effectiveness of art and music therapy for people with disability
- Qualifications and registration of music and art practitioners
- Pricing of art and music support
The Agency has deferred the release of the operational guidance clarifying decision making on therapy supports, which is required under recent Government changes to the NDIS Act, and any associated price guide changes.
The review will also seek from art and music practice associations any additional peer-reviewed evidence that the supports are effective and beneficial as a disability-related support for most participants and are current good practice.
The independent review’s role and responsibility is to provide expert opinion on appropriate pricing for art and music therapy, on the basis of existing evidence as to whether the music and art therapy will be, or is likely to be, effective and beneficial for participants, having regard to current good practice.
For evidence-based therapy to be funded through the Scheme, there needs to be evidence that the therapy helps participants improve or maintain their functional capacity in areas such as language and communication, personal care, mobility and movement, interpersonal interactions, functioning (including psychosocial functioning) and community living.
Evidence based therapy currently allows providers to charge up to $193.99 per hour (with the exception of psychology).
