Delegation, referral and handover

Referral and handover move responsibility for the service onto another practitioner; delegation is different, with the psychologist directing another person to do service tasks while keeping responsibility. Effective practice means the psychologist: (a) takes reasonable steps to confirm that anyone receiving a delegation, referral or handover has the qualifications, experience, knowledge or skills for the task or service; (b) understands that legal responsibility may continue until the other practitioner accepts the referral or handover; (c) understands that, when delegating, they may not answer for the delegate's every decision but remain responsible for the client's overall management and for the choice to delegate; and (d) always passes on enough client information for the service to continue safely.

• Referral and handover letters with sufficient clinical information and acknowledgement of acceptance
• Verification of the delegate's qualifications or registration (for example a register check) before delegating
• Delegation log showing tasks assigned and oversight retained

• Referral sent with no confirmation it was accepted
• Tasks delegated to unqualified staff
• Handover letter missing risk information