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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 1 • WINTER 2013
Resigning from the College
Interview With CASLPO Director of Registra on Services Colleen Myrie
Publications Agreement Number 40025049 • ISSN 1713-8922
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE COLLEGE OF AUDIOLOGISTS AND SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS OF ONTARIO
CASLPO TODAY
4 E-CASLPOBy Brian O’Riordan, Registrar
5 Council Highlights
CASLPO NEWS12 New Quality Assurance Regula on is
Now in Effect!By Carol Bock, Deputy Registrar
Canadian Guidelines on Auditory Processing Disorder for Adults and ChildrenBy Pam Millet, PhD, Reg. CASLPO
New Prac ce Standards and GuidelinesBy Alexandra Carling-Rowland Director of Professional Practice and Quality Assurance
Final Report of Ontario Automobile Insurance An -Fraud Task ForceBy Carol Bock, Deputy Registrar
Welcome To Our New Public Members
Inter-professional Collabora on Just Got Easier: Launch of the IPC eToolBy Carol Bock, Deputy Registrar
CAASPR | ACOROA
FEATURES21 Research Corner
By Alexandra Carling-Rowland Director of Professional Prac ce and Quality Assurance
Spotlight On ... Colleen MyrieBy Sherry Hinman
Resigning from the CollegeBy Melisse Willems, Director of Professional Conduct and Colleen Myrie, Director of Registra on Services
DEPARTMENTS
12
PRACTICE ADVICE6 Billing Benefits Providers
By Alexandra Carling-Rowland PhDDirector of Professional Prac ce and Quality Assurance
13
www.andrewjohnpublishing.com
V O L U M E 1 1 I S S U E 1W I N T E R 2 0 1 3
Official Publica on of The College of Audiologists And Speech-languagePathologists of Ontario
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OSLA UPDATE9
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www.caslpo.com
CASLPO College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of OntarioOrdre des audiologistes et des orthophonistes de l’Ontario
A: 3080 Yonge St., Suite 5060, Box 71, Toronto, ON M4N 3N1T: 416-975-5347/1-800-993-9459F: 416-975-8394E: [email protected] | W: www.caslpo.com
R E G I S T R A R
Brian O'Riordan, BA, MA Ext: 215 | [email protected]
D E P U T Y R E G I S T R A R
Carol Bock, M.H.Sc., Reg. CASLPO ext 227 | [email protected]
D I R E C T O R O F F I N A N C E A N D O P E R A T I O N S
Gregory Katchin, BSc, MBA, CPA, CAExt: 217 | [email protected]
D I R E C T O R O F R E G I S T R A T I O N S E R V I C E S
Colleen Myrie, BAExt: 211 | [email protected]
E X E C U T I V E A S S I S T A N T , R E G I S T R A R P R O F E S S I O N A L C O N D U C T A N D C O M M U N I C A T I O N
Lisa GibsonExt: 214 | [email protected]
P R O G R A M A S S I S T A N T ( R E G I S T R A T I O N S E R V I C E S )
Camille PrashadExt: 213 | [email protected]
A D M I N I S T R A T I V E A S S I S T A N T ( C O R P O R A T E )
Julie McFarlandExt: 210 | [email protected]
M A N A G I N G E D I T O R
Scott [email protected]
A R T D I R E C T O R / D E S I G N E R
Andrea Brierley905.522.0788 | [email protected]
S A L E S A N D C I R C U L A T I O N C O O R D I N A T O R
Brenda Robinson905.628.4309
A C C O U N T I N G
Susan McClung
C L A S S I F I E D A D V E R T I S I N G :
Brenda Robinson905.628.4309
G R O U P P U B L I S H E R
John D. Birkby
S U B S C R I P T I O N R A T E SInstitution: $60.00, Individuals: $34.00, Single copy: $13.00Canadian subscribers add 13% HST
US and International subscribers remit in US dollars
CASLPO Today is published quarterly by Andrew John Publishing Inc. withoffices located at 115 King Street West, Suite 220 Dundas, ON L9H 1V1. Wewelcome editorial submissions but cannot assume responsibility or commit-ment for unsolicited material. Any editorial materials, including photographs,that are accepted from an unsolicited contributor will become the property ofAndrew John Publishing Inc. The publisher shall not be liable for any of theviews expressed by the authors of articles or letters published in CASLPOToday, nor shall theses opinions necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
F E E D B A C K : We welcome your views and comments.Please send them to:115 King Street West, Suite 220 Dundas, ON L9H 1V1
Copyright 2013 by Andrew John Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.Reprinting in whole or in part is forbidden without the express consent ofthe publisher.
Publications Agreement Number 40025049 | ISSN 1713-8922Return undeliverable addresses to: Andrew John Publishing Inc. 115 KingStreet West, Suite 220 Dundas, ON L9H 1V1
D I R E C T O R O F P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E & Q U A L I T Y A S S U R A N C E
Alexandra Carling-Rowland, PhDext. 226 | [email protected]
D I R E C T O R O F P R O F E S S I O N A L C O N D U C T
Melisse Willems, BA, MA, LLBext. 221 | [email protected]
E-CASLPOBy Brian O’Riordan, Registrar
REgiSTRAR’S MESSAgE
You may have noticed over the past few years thathere at CASLPO we are communicating
electronically more and more. This includes E-Blasts
(e-mail messages) such as the popular “Did YouKnow…”series of informational bulletins.
As well, as you know, members can now completethe annual registration process on-line. Also, wehope this year to provide in electronic form tax
receipts for annual membership dues.
Our annual Quality Assurance process for Self-Assessment and Peer
Assessment can also now be completed on-line. We also have aninstructional module related to this available on a YouTube link.
The College Council of CASLPO is also moving in a paperless direction withregard to its meeting materials and decision-making processes.
The College website, www.caslpo.com, is being upgraded and will, within thenext few months, have many more interactive features and links.
Another recent development involves the hard-copy magazine format forCASLPO Today. A survey of members has recently been distributed, probingthe level of comfort in moving to an electronic version of the periodical.There is no question that the advent of the paperless universe takes somegetting used to for some of the College’s members and for our own staff andCouncil representatives. However, there is also no question that the age ofelectronic dissemination of information is well and truly upon us, regardlessof one’s practice, employment or governance venue. Canadians are amongthe highest users of electronic and social media in the world, and we believeour College members, from all the feedback we receive, are increasinglycomfortable with this aspect of modern-day living.
As you can see from the above-listed College developments and processes,it is more vital than ever that the College have an up-to-date and operationale-mail address for all members. In fact, both the Regulated Health
Professions Act and the College Bylaws make this a mandatory requirement.So please ensure that you keep the College advised of how best to contactyou electronically. And if you are finding that some of our e-mails are notreaching you, then you may want to adjust the settings of your “spam filter.”
In order to serve members better, we will continue to improve our ability tocommunicate more quickly and easily with you. Any feedback you have inthis area would be most welcome.
And, my email address is: [email protected]
CASLPO nEWS
The following are the main highlights of
the December 7, 2012 Council meeting:
1. The President congratulated Carol
Lammers, Executive Assistant, on
her appointment as Executive
Assistant to the Registrar at the
Transitional College of naturopaths.
She also thanked Carol for her 12
years of excellent work at CASLPO.
2. The audit of the College’s finances
for 2011-2012 was presented by
Blair Mackenzie of Hillborn. The
annual audit report was approved as
presented.
3. The Registrar outlined that the
College would soon need to make
some major decisions with respect
to the rental of the current office
space and the longer term financial
needs of the College.
4. The Deputy Registrar updated
Council on the work of College
Committees and staff with respect
to: the implementation of the
College Strategic Plan; the work of
the SCERP Task Force; and the
follow-up to the Council’s “Education
Day” of last September.
5. The establishment of a Task Force to
review the Bylaws of Council was
established, consisting of John
Krawchenko, public member, as
chair, along with the two Vice-
Presidents, nancy Blake and Deb
Zelisko.
6. Meeting dates for the 2013 meetings
of Council were approved:
Executive Council
Thurs. Feb. 14 Fri. Mar. 1
Fri. May 31 Fri. June 14
Fri. Sept. 6 Fri. Sept. 27
Fri. nov. 22 Fri. Dec. 6
COunCIL HIgHLIgHTS
DID
KNOW?
Did you know ... BiLLing PRACTiCES?
By virtue of the Professional Misconduct Regulation, 1991, under Business Practices, Section 23, thefollowing is considered an act of professional misconduct:
“Submitting an account or charge for services that the member knows is false or misleading.”
CASLPO’s Proposed Records Regulation, 2011 outlines the minimum amount of information that needsto be captured in the patient record regarding billing. However, the information required by a third-
party funder may be different from or exceed this. To avoid submitting billing that may be perceivedas false or misleading, it is prudent to find out from the third-party funder what specific servicesthey cover and the degree of detail they require in the billing. If this is not possible, then providebilling details that are as transparent as possible with regard to the services, who provided themand associated fees. Members should not provide billing that suggests that they provided a servicewhen they did not, in fact, provide the service, even if this would assist a patient/client in obtaining
reimbursement for the fees, unless this practice is permitted by the third-party funder.
In addition, members must also adhere to the Code of Ethics, Section 4.1.3, which states:
“Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists shall be honourable and truthful in all of their professionalrelations.”
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or phone us at 416-975-5347 or 1-800-993-9459.
PRACTICE ADVICE
O F F I C E R S
Vicky Papaioannou, President (AUD)Nancy Blake, Vice-President, SLPDeb Zelisko, Vice-President, AUD
____________________
P R O F E S S I O N A L M E M B E R S
D i s t r i c t 1 ( E a s t e r n O n t a r i o )
Vacant AUDVacant SLP
D i s t r i c t 2 ( C e n t r a l O n t a r i o )
Vicky Papaioannou, AUDMary Suddick, SLP
D i s t r i c t 3 ( S o u t h w e s t e r n O n t a r i o )
Deb Zelisko, AUDNancy Blake, SLP
D i s t r i c t 4 ( N o r t h w e s t e r n O n t a r i o )
Sandra (Sandi) Singbeil, SLP
D i s t r i c t 5 ( N o r t h e a s t e r n O n t a r i o )
Carolyn Moran, SLP
D i s t r i c t 6 ( O n t a r i o - a t - L a r g e )
Bob Kroll, SLP____________________
A C A D E M I C M E M B E R S
Josée Lagacé, AUDRandi Fisher, SLP
____________________
P U B L I C M E M B E R S
Ferne DezenhousePauline Faubert
John KrawchenkoJosie Rose
Estrella TolentinoScott WhyteSharri Wilson
C A S L P O C O U N C I L
CASLPO registration statistics reveal that there isan increasing amount of SLPs and audiologistsworking in private practice, whether on a full-timeor part-time basis. Private patients and clients,who are eligible, are accessing employee healthbenefits to pay for audiology and speech-languagepathology services. CASLPO’s practice adviceprogram has received many calls and e-mails frommembers as well as members of the publicregarding billing third-party payers forprofessional services. The most common types ofquestions concerned whether or not a patient/client could claim coverage for a particular serviceor service provider. In researching this article, anumber of benefits providers (insurancecompanies) were contacted to gather backgroundinformation. As each company’s policies areslightly different, we strongly recommend thatyou advise your patient/client to contact theirbenefits provider regarding reimbursement forSLP or audiology services.
Frequently Asked Questions: 1. Split BillingI am working part-time in private practice with a child who has a severe
language delay. Part of the treatment plan is to educate the parents on the
most effective way to communicate with their child. The mom has recently
asked me if she can access her own benefits coverage for parent education.
Is that Okay?
We are running a 4-week partner training group to help partners of people
who have had a stroke and who live with aphasia to communicate more
effectively. Can they access their employee health benefits to pay for the
group?
Successful communication, by its very nature, requires partners to listen,understand, and to speak in a manner that can be understood. These areskills that sometimes have to be taught. Parent, partner, and familyeducation on communication and therapeutic strategies is frequently partof a treatment plan. When providing an invoice, you, the regulated healthprofessional, must decide who is the recipient of your services for thatparticular session. CASLPO’s proposed Records Regulation requires you todocument the following:
Billing Benefits Providers
By Alexandra Carling Rowland Ph.D. (Top) Director of Professional Practice and Quality
Assurance and Melisse Willems L.L.B Director of Professional Conduct
5. (2) A financial record shall containthe following information:
(a) the patient’s/client’s name; (b) each treatment, service or
clinical product provided tothe patient/client and the date provided;
(c) the fee charged or receivedrelating to each treatment,service or clinical product provided to the patient/client;
(d) total fee charged or received;(e) a record of the receipt
given by or on behalf of themember, where available.
While a member may be able to providegeneral information about typicalbenefits coverage, members shouldavoid advising on a particular patient’s/client’s coverage. given that benefitscoverage differs from company tocompany and person to person,patients/clients should ask their ownprovider if they have specific questionsabout coverage eligibility.
Practices NOT Allowed
If the patient or client’s benefitscoverage is used up or “maxed out” forthe year, you cannot start providinginvoices or bill providers under the guisethat the service was provided to themother, father, or partner, when thepatient or client was the actual recipientof the service. Observation of a sessionand providing education and infor-mation at the end of the session doesnot mean that the parent or partner wasthe recipient of that session. Thesepractices are in contravention of theProfessional Misconduct Regulation:
RECORD KEEPing AnD REPORTS
22. Signing or issuing, in the member’s professional capacity, a document that the member knows contains a falseor misleading statement.
BUSinESS PRACTiCES
23. Submitting an account or charge for services that the member knows is false or misleading.
Frequently Asked Questions: 2.Billing for Support PersonnelMore private companies are employingCommunicative Disorders Assistants(CDA) to provide direct interventionunder the supervision of a SLP oraudiologist.
In our audiology clinic, our CDA provides
group sessions to maximise hearing.
Can we provide invoices to patients/
clients for her services so they can bill
their benefits providers?
When providing invoices for CDA
services, do we put the SLP’s name as
the service provider as technically it is
the SLP’s patient/client?
Advise the patient or client to contacttheir benefit provider to determine if theyhave coverage for support personnelservices. In our research with differentproviders, some provided coverage forservices delivered by support personneland others did not. Those companies thatdid accept invoices for support personnelwanted the invoice to reflect bothprofessionals: the name and registrationnumber of the audiologist or SLP and thename and credentials of the supportpersonnel (CDA).
Practices NOT Allowed
Billing must not be misleading as to whoperformed the service. Members mustnot provide an invoice showing only theSLP’s name if the services for that sessionwere provided by support personnel.
Again, these practices breach theProfessional Misconduct Regulation:
RECORD KEEPing AnD REPORTS
22. Signing or issuing, in the
member’s professional capacity, a document that the member knows contains a falseor misleading statement.
BUSinESS PRACTiCES
23. Submitting an account or charge for services that the member knows is false or misleading.
Also, CASLPO’s Code of Ethics states:
4.1.3. Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists shall behonourable and truthful in all of their professional relations.
Frequently Asked Questions: 3.Buying Multiple Sessions at theEnd of a YearA parent of a client asked me if I can
provide a block of therapy sessions that
she could pay for in December, even
though some of the sessions would be
provided in January of the following
year. The parent wants to submit the
invoice to her benefits provider in
December to max out her benefits for
that year. What should I do?
Some SLPs provide treatment in blocks;for example, four weekly sessions paidat one time. These blocks of treatmentmight span one year to the next.However, the dates of each of thetreatment sessions must be clearlywritten on the invoice, as stated in ourproposed Records Regulation:
5.(2) A financial record shall containthe following information:
(b) each treatment, service or clinical product provided to thepatient/client and the date provided;
It is up to the benefits provider whetheror not reimbursement will be providedfor services billed in one benefit yearbut provided in the following year. Most
PRACTICE ADVICE
group benefits providers stated thatthey reimburse based on the date theservice was rendered. It is important tonote that a patient’s/client’s benefitscoverage entitlement may not followthe calendar year. Again, you shouldadvise patients/clients to checkcoverage eligibility with their particularprovider.
Practices NOT Allowed
You must not falsify or mislead as to thedates of service rendered. Membersshould not sign claims forms withoutreviewing them first. Members shouldalso not sign claims forms that are blankor contain incorrect information.
Frequently Asked Questions: 4.Billing On Behalf of AnotherProfessionalRecently this situation was reported tothe College:
I have been approached by an ABA
(applied behavioural analysis) therapist
who is working with a child who has
communication problems. The therapist
asked if I would watch some of her
sessions via Skype and give her
therapeutic recommendations. She then
asked if I could bill for the sessions using
my name and registration number as
they would get more money from the
benefits provider.
This situation is problematic on severalfronts. The member must determinewhether or not a referral has beensought for SLP services and informedconsent has been obtained. Again, youmust not falsify or mislead as to who hasdelivered a professional service. Theinvoice should clearly indicate thenature of the service provided by theSLP (i.e., consultation or intervention).Whether this type of service would becovered by a group benefits plan wouldbe up to the individual provider.
SummaryPerhaps the most important message
members should take from this article isto advise patients or clients or theirparents/partners to contact the benefitsprovider with questions about benefitscoverage. Remember, you may have anumber of patients or clients with thesame benefits provider, but they arelikely to be on different benefit plans.The information in invoices must betruthful and complete and must adhereto the College’s regulations and Code ofEthics. If you work for a privatecompany, ensure that they have copiesof the pertinent CASLPO regulationsincluding the Professional MisconductRegulation, the Code of Ethics, and theproposed Records Regulation. If youhave concerns about a situationregarding the submission of invoices orother billing practices, contact us hereat CASLPO.
PRACTICE ADVICE
DID
KNOW?
Did you know ... JAnUARY iS SELF ASSESSMEnT TOOL TiME?
The Self Assessment Tool (SAT) is meant to be a self-reflective tool to assist the member in continuousquality improvement of their practice. Members are guided to review their SAT annually in January toensure it reflects their current practice and to set learning goals for the coming year.
You can find the online SAT as well as instructions regarding access at: http://www.caslpo.com/QualityAssurance/2011OnlineSelfAssessmentProgram/tabid/329/Default.aspx
In January, CASLPO will be contacting 250 randomly selected members who will be required tosubmit their online SAT. From the 250 members, 30 will be randomly selected to undergo the peer
assessment process. The members who will be peer assessed will be notified in February.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or phoneus at 416-975-5347 or 1-800-993-9459.
OSLA uPDATE
OSLA has continued its efforts toadvocate for the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology, andto provide outstanding professionaldevelopment opportunities.
new Audiology Fee ScheduleOSLA has released a revised AudiologyFees Schedule for 2013. The schedule isavailable as a one page poster of themost commonly provided services (withnew service codes), and a longerdocument which provides a fullerdescription of the fee schedule andadditional services. The one-pageposter suitable for an office display wassent to all OSLA audiology members.non-OSLA members can contact theOSLA office to purchase the poster fortheir own offices. Special thanks toAnne Marie Sinasac-Roy, Lorraine Vosu,Lila O’neill, and the members of theOSLA Audiology committee for theirhard work on this initiative.
OSLA PerspectivesStarting in January, OSLA will bepublishing OSLA Perspectives on aweekly basis for members. It will includearticles related to the field of speech-language pathology and audiology fromaround the world.
WSiB MeetingAt the end of november, OSLA had apositive and productive meeting withrepresentatives of the Workplace Safetyand Insurance Board to discussaudiology issues, fee schedule, WSIB
Coding Manual and how it relates toOSLA's fee schedule, Programmes ofCare, and the need for clarity on WSIBpolicies and guidelines. OSLA will bemeeting again in the new Year tocontinue these discussions.
WSiB Coverage for Speech-Language Pathologists WorkingWith OACCAC OSLA has continued its discussionsaround the issue of the requirement forSLPs who work under a CCAC contractto obtain mandatory WSIB coverage inorder to secure the contract. OSLAbelieves that this could be an unduehardship for many small companies andsole providers to elect WSIB coverage.under the Workplace Safety and
Insurance Act, regulated healthprofessionals are exempt from WSIBcoverage unless they elect coverage;however, at this point, OACCAC’sposition is that only WSIB coverageprovides the necessary comprehensiverelease from liability from SLPs injuredon the job. OSLA continues to work onsolutions to this issue.
Ministry of Community andSocial Services – OntarioDisability Support Programmeand Two-Quote Requirement forHearing AidsOSLA continues to work towards asolution to the ODSP requirement forclients to obtain two quotes for thepurchase of hearing aids. OSLA's lawyeris preparing a response to the minister
on this issue. OSLA has also lodged acomplaint with the ombudsman ofOntario. We continue to hear fromaudiologists who are concerned aboutthe ODSP caseworker making a decisionon hearing aid prescription. OSLA isoffering alternative solutions to theministry staff in an attempt to rescindthis practice, which is causing unduehardship on the most vulnerablepopulation in society.
Upcoming EventsThe 2013 Dr. Mark Ylvisaker Honourary
Lecture - Recipient Dr. Tim Feeney. Dr.Tim Feeney, director of the new YorkState neurobehavourial ResourceProject - Department of Health and theexecutive director of the School andCommunity Support Inc. will be therecipient of the 2013 Dr. Mark YlvisakerHonourary Lecture Award. Dr. Feeneywill present a tribute to Mark Ylvisakerand a full-day lecture on communitybased intervention on Friday, June 7that the Latvian Canadian Centre inToronto. The program and registrationform will be available in the new year.
Energized By Excellence
CASLPO and OSLA are pleased to announce their Second Joint two-day Conference
Wednesday 16th (evening)Thursday 17th and Friday 18th October 2013 at The Westin Prince Hotel, Toronto
Confirmed speakers:• Valerie Pringle• Richard Steineke L.L.B• Robabie Blaha• Dr. Peg Dawson• Dr. Pam Millett
• Dr. Rosalee Shenker• Dr. Nancy Thomas Stonell• Dr. Gail Whitelaw• Dr. Alexandra Carling-RowlandOther speakers to follow
• CASLPO will provide information on regulations, standards of practice and new ventures• Selected contributors will present a variety of short papers• Conversation Cafes on a variety of ‘hot topics’• Presidents’ Reception and Awards Presentation - Thursday evening• Poster presentations
Join us at the Westin Prince Toronto Hotel, Leslie St. and York Mills Rd. Toronto. Accessible by public transit from the York Mills subway. Complimentary parking.
Check the OSLA website for Early Bird Pre-registration in March 2013. Watch CASLPO Today for further information and speaker profiles.
OSLA
2013
Motivés par l’excellenceL’OAOO et l’OSLA sont heureux d'annoncer leur deuxième conférence conjointe
Le mercredi 16 (en soirée) le jeudi 17 et le vendredi 18 octobre 2013 à l’ Hôtel Westin Prince, Toronto
Intervenants confirmés:• Valerie Pringle• Richard Steineke L.L.B• Robabie Blaha• Dr Peg Dawson• Dr Pam Millett
• Dr Rosalee Shenker• Dr Nancy Thomas Stonell• Dr Gail Whitelaw• Dr Alexandra Carling-RowlandD'autres intervenants à suivre
• Présentation par l’OAOO sur les réglementations les normes de pratique et sur ses nouvelles entreprises • Présentation de courts articles par des participants invités • Des Cafés conversation sur une variété de « sujets chauds » • Réception des Présidents et remise de prix – le jeudi soir • Présentations par affiches
Rencontrez-nous à l'Hôtel Westin Prince de Toronto, à l'intersection des rues Leslie et York Mills. Accessible par TTC à partir de la station de métro York Mills. Stationnement gratuit.
OSLA
Pour pré-inscription, consultez le site web de l’OSLA en mars 2013. Regardez OAOO Aujourd'hui, pour de plus amples renseignements et pour des profils de nos presenteurs.
2013
The Council of the College ofAudiologists and Speech-Language
Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) ispleased to announce that the provincialgovernment has approved our QualityAssurance Regulation. The regulationwas filed effective november 19, 2012,is posted on e-Laws and is now in effect.
The Regulation can be found at:http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_120373_e.htm
You may recall, back in 2008, a ProposedQuality Assurance Regulation wascirculated to all members for feedback.Due to changes made in the Regulated
Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA),CASLPO had to amend the existingQuality Assurance Regulation. Theseamendments to the QA Regulation donot represent significant changes,
practically speaking, for most members.The changes to the regulation includethe following:
• Revisions to terminology to be consistent with the RHPA
• Additional provision for CASLPO tomonitor member participation in
QA and to participate in the peer assessment process (which has already been in effect in the form of random selection of members required to submit their Self-Assessment Tool)
• Specific sections were omitted
because they were no longer the responsibility of the QA Committee,such as: “Remediation for Behaviour of a Sexual nature;” Referrals to the QA Committee through the complaints process areno longer permitted; Other
omissions of sections have been proposed to comply with the Ministry’s requirements to removedirect references to College-published requirements.
• The ministry also encouraged simplification of the regulation so that changes can be made to the program in the future without amending the regulation.
• There is now the option for the QA
Committee to refer to the
inquiries, Complaints and Reports
(iCR) Committee as the RHPA nowdefines professional misconduct asincluding failing to comply with theQA Program.
For more information, please feel freeto contact CASLPO at:[email protected] or call 416-975-5347or 1-800-993-9459.
new Quality Assurance Regulation is
now in Effect!By Carol Bock, Deputy Registrar
CASLPO nEWS
Canadian guidelines on Auditory Processing
Disorder for Adults and ChildrenBy Pam Millet, PhD, Reg. CASLPO
In December 2012, the CanadianInterorganizational Steering Committee
for Speech-Language Pathology andAudiology (CISg) released its Canadianguidelines on auditory processingdisorder for children and adults. The CISgis composed of: the Canadian Alliance of Audiology and Speech-LanguagePathology Regulators (CAASPR), theCanadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists(CASLPA), the Canadian Academy of
Audiology (CAA), and the CanadianCouncil of university Programs (CCuP) inCommunication Sciences and Disorders.Their mandate is to coordinate the workof regulatory bodies, professionalassociations and universities on projectsfor the betterment of the professions,and to collaborate on the developmentof practice standards and guidelines.
The committee membership wascomprised of clinicians and researchers
from a wide variety of geographical andpractice settings, and included PamMillett, PhD, York university (chair),Benoît Jutras, PhD, university ofMontreal, greg noel, MSc, nova ScotiaSpeech and Hearing Centres, KathyPichora-Fuller, PhD, university of Toronto,Charlene Watson, MEd, Richmond RoadDiagnostic & Treatment Centre, Alberta,and Arden nelson, AuD, ABC Children'sAudiology & Hearing Services, Manitoba(preparation phase). Review of the
document at various stages was alsoprovided by speech-language path-ologists and audiologists across Canada.The committee’s task was quite daunting– to develop guidelines for bothassessment and intervention, for bothchildren and adults, for a topic ascomplex, and sometimes controversial,as auditory processing disorder. One ofthe initiatives undertaken by thecommittee early on was an online surveyfor audiologists and speech-languagepathologists; the results spoke clearly ofclinician frustration at the lack ofpractical guidance in the researchliterature, as well as the diversity ofservice delivery models and policiesacross Canada. Our goal as a committee,then, became one of providing a way forclinicians to think about the problemholistically (rather than providing aprescriptive approach), and so, weadapted the WHO’s InternationalClassification of Functioning, Disabilityand Health (ICF) model as our
framework. The primary concern of theICF model is the individual’s ability toparticipate in all aspects of his/her life, athome, school, work, in the community,with friends and family, in all situationsthat are important to that person. Theseverity of an auditory disorder asmeasured by clinical test scores, then, isonly one factor in determining theimpact of the disorder on an individual’slife, and we must be cognizant ofconsidering environmental and personalcontextual factors which might supportor hinder the individual’s participation inall of the situations and activities whichare important to him/her. The guidelinesare intended to summarize currentevidence-based research (where itexists), to address considerations fordecision making, and to suggest apractical approach to managementwhich emphasizes the functional impactof the disorder.
The APD guidelines provide a summary
of the research on developmental andacquired/secondary auditory processingdisorder, as well as a discussion of factorsto be considered in assessment forchildren and adults. An interventionmodel is proposed based on the ICFwhich includes suggestions andstrategies for environmental factors(which considers physical factors,partnerships with teachers/employers/others, acoustics, assistive devices, socialfactors, and services/policies), andpersonal factors (which considersstrategies and programs to improveauditory capacity, and strategies andprograms to help the individual becomea more active partner in thecommunication process). We end thedocument with eight recommendationsfor further conversation and action, andhope that these guidelines will serve tofacilitate the provision of effectiveinterventions for these individuals andtheir families.
CASLPO nEWS
new Practice Standards and guidelinesBy Alexandra Carling-Rowland
Director of Professional Practice and Quality Assurance
CASLPO is pleased to inform themembership that the new Practice
Standards and guidelines for the
Assessment of Adults by Speech
Language Pathologists is now on theCASLPO website in both officiallanguages. Practice Standards andguidelines (PSg) ensure quality serviceto members of the public in Ontariowho require speech-language path-ology and audiology services. Theintent of this PSg is to provide SLPs in
Ontario with an overview of screeningand assessment processes for adultpatients and clients and to provide adecision making framework to makeresponsible decisions regarding theseservices. All CASLPO members areethically responsible to ensurecompetence in screening and assess-ment and to minimize risk of harm inthe provision of these services.
CASLPO would like to thank the project
leader, Julianne Labreche, members ofthe Speech-Language PathologyPractice Advisory Committee, andthose members who took time out oftheir busy schedules to review thedocument.
To find the PSg for the Assessment ofAdults for SLP go to the CASLPOwebsite. Pull down Practice Standardsand select Professional PracticeStandards.
At the end of november 2012, theprovincial government’s Task Force
on Automobile Insurance Anti-Fraudmeasures submitted its final report tothe minister of finance. The minister hasasked for comments by stakeholders onthe Report’s 38 recommendations.Several of the report’s recommend-ations are directed at health professionalregulatory Colleges, including:
• Health regulatory colleges with members that regularly work withauto insurance claimants should enhance their understanding of the consequences associated withauto insurance fraud and ensure that complaints of fraud are investigated and lead to disciplinary action where appropriate.
• Health regulatory colleges should work together to develop professional standards, guidelines,and best practices to improve the quality of independent medical assessments of auto insurance claimants conducted by their members.
Other recommendations are directed atenhancing the role of the FinancialServices Commission of Ontario, whichis the oversight body for automobileinsurers; improving oversight of thetowing industry; and licensing theprovince’s 8,000 health clinics involvedin delivering services to car accident
victims. Several hundred members ofCASLPO are involved in delivering careto accident victims. They have beenengaged throughout in the work of theTask Force through regional andprovincial organizations such as OSLA.Also, many participated in a CASLPOsurvey related to developing aProfessional Credential Tracker (PCT)system so that the existing HealthClaims for Auto Insurance (HCAI) system(a transactional health claims/healthclinics electronic database) can bebetter utilized as an anti-fraud tool. Theobject of the pilot projects in this area,of which ours was the first amonghealth professionals, is to helppractitioners to guard against theiridentities being stolen and misused byfraudulent facilities. The Task Force setsout the long-range goals for the PCT andthey are outlined below.
A full, self-service version of the PCTwould give practitioners informationabout
• who has their credentials;• when those credentials have been
used;• for what purpose the credentials
were used; and• how practitioners should report
suspicious activity involving their credentials.
Once the full, self-service version of thePCT is developed and fully adopted,
additional features should beconsidered. Those features couldinclude: regular mandatory practitionerreviews of the use of their credentials;and a method for a practitioner toelectronically request removal from theroster of a specific health care clinic.
CASLPO was an active member of theHCAI Anti-Fraud Working group, and isnow working with the government andother regulatory colleges in developingpilot projects for other professions,including physiotherapy and occu-pational therapy. As vice-president ofthe Federation of Health RegulatoryColleges of Ontario (FHRCO), Irepresented the federation at manyworking group meetings of the TaskForce, and reported back to the boardof FHRCO.
I believe that the leadership we haveshown as a College in the work of theTask Force will pay dividends for Collegemembers and, most importantly, willbetter protect the public interest.FHRCO is currently working on itsresponse to the Task Force’s report, andwe will keep you posted on develop-ments in this area.
CASLPO nEWS
Final Report of Ontario Automobile
insurance Anti-Fraud Task ForceBy Brian O’Riordan, Registrar
CASLPO nEWS
Welcome To Our new Public Members
Shari WilsonShari Wilson received her MBA from Yorkuniversity in 1986 and has many years’ ex-perience marketing consumer packagedgoods. Ms. Wilson has been an active com-munity volunteer for the past 15 years,serving as a committee or board memberfor a wide range of organizations in the
fields of education, health care, and social justice. Shari hasbeen appointed to serve on Council until August 2015.
Scott WhyteScott has been married for 20 years andhas two daughters Sydney 15 and georgia8. Scott has been CEO of the KingstonRegional Pet Hospital since its inception in2008. Scott is a certified human resourcesprofessional. He currently serves on anumber of community boards and is a past
board member of the Human Resources ProfessionalAssociation. Scott is very interested and excited to joinCASLPO as in the past he was a labour relations manager forthe Canadian Hearing Society and is supportive of theCollege’s work. He will serve on council until December 2014.
CASLPO is pleased to announce that two new public members have been appointed to CASLPO council by the ProvincialCabinet. This brings the total number of public members to seven, which is the maximum allowed under our governinglegislation. They join nine elected professional members and two appointed academic members of council. The essence ofself-regulation is making decisions in the public interest, and the balance between the public and professional members oncouncil helps to achieve this. Welcome Shari and Scott!
inter-professional Collaboration Just got Easier:
Launch of the iPC eToolBy Carol Bock, Deputy Registrar
As co-chair of the FHRCO Inter-professional Collaboration (IPC)
Project, together with Shenda Tanchak,registrar for the College of Physio-therapists of Ontario, we are veryexcited to announce that the Federationof Health Regulated Colleges of Ontario(FHRCO) has now launched the muchanticipated “IPC eTool”. It can beaccessed at: http://ipc.fhrco.org/
This eTool is designed to assist inter-professional teams to coordinate care
within expanded (and overlapping)scopes and authorities. The eToolincludes the following:
• Team Workflow • Frequently Asked Questions • Scopes of Practice• Controlled Acts• Link to resources
Team WorkflowIn “My Work” you will find “TeamWorkflow” which is a customizable,
user-created checklist designed to helpinter-professional teams identifypotential points in care (milestones),when patient/client safety or the qualityof care may be jeopardized if there isnot a clear delineation of who is doingwhat. At the outset, you will beprompted to identify and describe thepatient/client scenario:
Because the team workflow is based onpatient/client-centred milestones theeTool guides the user to:
CASLPO nEWS
1. Identify critical review points (“milestones”) that will likely arise in the course of patient/clienttreatment or intervention, and
2. Consider critical questions that address aspects of patient/client care that are known to contribute to patient safety in an inter-professional model of care delivery.
Teams may use the checklist in any waythat helps them provide excellent carefor patients/clients. Examples includethe following:
• A planning tool when developing medical directives or population health action plans
• A generic checklist to satisfy team members that the questions have been addressed, (with or without providing the answers to the questions, depending on how the team would like to use the eTool and the Workflow they create)
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)address concerns that are commonly
raised in inter-professional teams suchas consent, privacy, accountability, teamcommunication, etc. Each questionincludes links to the relevant documentsindividual Colleges have pertaining tothe question.
Scopes of PracticeThis is a comprehensive resourcehelping you to quickly identify thescopes of practice, professionalactivities, and the authorized controlledacts that are under the purview of anyspecific profession.
Controlled ActsThis section summarizes the 14controlled acts listed in the Regulated
Health Professions Act, 1991. When theuser clicks on the specific act, they aretaken to a chart that delineates whichprofessions can perform which acts.
Other LinksOther links as you enter the eTool andwithin the eTool include the following:
• guide to Medical Directives and Delegation
• FHRCO website
• RHPA
• Resources to enhance inter-professional collaboration skills
• College-specific regulations, standards of practice and guidelines
Members can find the link to the IPCeTool from the www.caslpo.com, under“What’s new”, or directly throughhttp://ipc.fhrco.org/
The project team and CASLPO are veryinterested in your feedback regardingthe eTool and encourage you to providefeedback through the IPC eTool “feed-back” option.
For further information, please contactCarol Bock, Deputy Registrar [email protected].
CASLPO nEWS
CAASPR Gains Momentum
The Canadian Alliance of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Regulators (CAASPR) came into existence in 2006 as an informal gathering of regulatory bodies. At that me, a few registrars began to share informa on and explore avenues for implemen ng a na onal mutual recogni on agreement. Over the past four years, CAASPR has grown substan ally. While regula on occurs at the provincial level, members of CAASPR ac vely work on development and implementa on of na onal strategies for the advancement of regulatory standards and audiology/speech-language pathology prac ce in a consistent manner across Canada.
CAASPR is comprised of regulatory bodies that have been established and mandated by their provincial governments to regulate the prac ce of audiology and speech-language pathology and govern their members in their respec ve provinces. These regulatory bodies exist to serve and protect the public from harm and promote high quality care by:
• Regula ng the prac ce of the professions • Se!ng entry to prac ce standards • Ensuring their members comply with the Acts, regula ons, bylaws, codes and standards that apply to the professions • Se!ng standards of prac ce for quality care and services • Promo ng and ensuring the con nuing competence of members • Crea ng codes of ethics and other standards for conduct • Providing a complaints and discipline process • Providing materials, tools and support to assist members to provide high quality care • Informing members of their responsibili es as regulated professionals • Informing the public of their rights
The Board of Directors consists of representa on from the seven regulated provinces:
Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of Bri sh Columbia Manitoba Speech and Hearing Associa on New Brunswick Associa on of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec Saskatchewan Associa on of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
CORE FUNCTIONS The members of CAASPR work together:
• To enhance the ac vi es of the regulatory authori es by serving as a na onal centre for knowledge and awareness and by being a forum to discuss regulatory issues, trends, policy and legisla on • To provide leadership and promote preferred regulatory prac ces and standard approaches on issues such as licensure, accredita on, examina on, con nuing competence, inter-jurisdic onal mobility, scope of prac ce, standards of prac ce, codes of ethics and specialty designa on • To ensure that provincial regulatory bodies and other organiza ons of interest are aware of the Alliance, its mission and mandate
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Introducing the Board
of Directors
Every regulatory body is represented by its board/council President and its Execu ve Director/Registrar.
Bri sh Columbia Linda Rammage Diane O’Connor (Chair)Alberta Nausheen Khan Anne Assaly Saskatchewan Jennifer Cameron-Turley Louise Watley Manitoba Laura Lenton Frank Pisa Ontario Vicky Papaioannou Brian O’Riordan Quebec Marie-Pierre Caoue#e Céline Giroux New Brunswick Jennifer O’Donnell Diane Arsenault
See www.caaspr.ca for a link to provincial websites
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• To track and report on interprovincial, na onal and global issues related to the regula on of the professions and to establish external liaisons where appropriate • To iden fy those advisory, research and support services to be made available to its regulatory authority members • To assist other provinces and territories to become regulated • To monitor the effec veness of the Alliance in alignment with its purpose, objec ves and guiding principles
Competency Profiles Released Following four years of hard work and contribu ons from administrators, researchers and prac oners across the country, the Canadian Interorganiza onal Steering Group (CISG) recently released Proposed Prac ce Competencies for both speech-language pathologists and for audiologists. The CISG is a consor um of organiza ons concerned with the prac ce of audiology and speech-language pathology, and includes regulators, profes-sional associa ons, and universi es.
The competencies are intended to define the minimum required standard for prac o-ners in Canada ensuring that they have the knowledge, skills and a#ributes to prac ce safely and effec vely in a variety of se!ngs. Addi onally, the prac ce competencies provide a solid founda on for the development of a professional growth plan.
The prac ce competencies are organized within a framework based upon the CanMEDS structure of over-lapping professional roles, as developed by the Royal College of Physi-cians and Surgeons of Canada (2005). The CanMEDS Framework defines the key compe-tencies needed for medical educa on and prac ce; it has been adopted and adapted by many jurisdic ons and health professionals around the world.
Fundamentally, CanMEDS is an ini a ve to improve client care. It is based on seven core roles, which have been adapted to suit the needs of the professions. The roles include: Central Role (as audiologist/speech-language pathologist), Communicator, Collaborator, Professional, Scholar, Manager, and Advocate.
The diagram illustrates the elements and the interconnec ons of the roles embodied by competent prac oners: Central Role (adapted from “Medical Expert” in the CanMEDS framework), Communicator, Collaborator, Advocate, Manager, Scholar and Professional. The diagram is meant to reflect the fluidity and overlap amongst the roles, which are defined in the glossary.
A prac ce competency is a descrip on of a job func on that can be carried out to a speci-fied level of proficiency. The level of proficiency that is required will depend on the demands of the work se!ng and employer and regulatory expecta ons. Furthermore, the competencies are those that a student is expected to possess at gradua on in order to “enter the prac ce”, and maintain throughout his/her career. They are also meant to iden fy the minimum requirements of seasoned prac oners, including those who may be applying to work in Canada, and those returning to work a$er an extended absence.
The CanMEDS Framework
Royal College of Physicians and
Surgeons of Canada, 2005.
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Sample Competencies
The following competencies have been developed to fit into the Collaborator role.
3. Role as Collaborator
a Work with others to provide an integrated approach to client services.
b Provide speech-
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a Respect personal and professional differences among coworkers.
b
c
The CISG an cipates the framework and its related competencies will be incorporated into educa on, accredita on, evalua on and examina ons as well as objec ves of training and standards for con nuing professional development. U liza on of the compe-tencies by educators, regulators, and accredi ng and examina on bodies will strengthen consistency within educa onal programs and assessment mecha-nisms, build confidence in labour mobility provisions and ensure that individuals who are applying to work in Canada are able to prac ce safely and competently. The CISG recognizes that the competencies will likely require further review during the development of the above ini a ves, and has thus recommended the
The Pan-Canadian
Framework is based
on the principles of...
Fairness
Transparency
Timeliness
Consistency
reten on of the “proposed” designa on.
CAASPR Iden fies Na onal Competency Assessment Tools Thanks to funding provided by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, CAASPR has recently completed a project to iden fy op ons for the assessment of candidates based on competencies. This represents a move away from the exclusive assessment of academic creden als, and incorporates the structure adopted by the Forum of Labour Market Ministers, known as the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recogni�on of Foreign Qualifica�ons. The purpose of the framework is to ar culate a new, joint vision for governments to take concerted ac on to improve the integra on of immigrants and other interna onally-trained workers into the Cana-dian labour market. It also outlines a collabora on among and between governments and regulatory authori es to strengthen assessment and recogni on processes, with the goal of ensuring a coherent system for determining recogni on of qualifica ons.
Op ons under considera on for the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology include the establishment of a centralized applica on and assessment agency, the introduc on of a competency-based examina on, and an integra on strategy for interna onally-educated applicants.
Stay tuned for the next issue of the CAASPR newsle#er for addi onal informa on!
CAASPR launches its website
Please visit www.caaspr.ca
Board members
This edition of Research Corner will return to thepublication of our members’ abstracts who have had
articles published in peer-reviewed journals in 2011, 2012,and early 2013. It is hoped that by disseminating importantclinical and theoretical research findings we will help you, themembers, to remain current in your practice.
The inclusion criteria for Research Corner are as follows:
• The article appears in a peer-reviewed journal• The article concerns the practices of speech-language
pathology and audiology• The article is published in the current or previous year
Abstracts can be forwarded to me at CASLPO [email protected]
Abstracts
Title: Sustainability of a Family Literacy Program for Vulnerable
Learners: A Follow-up Study of an Exploratory Study of a
Summer Literacy Program for Kindergarten Children At-risk for
Reading Difficulties.
Authors: Graham A, McNamara JK, and Van Lankveld J.
Journal: Exceptionalities Education International 2011;21;(1).
Emergent literacy programs for young children aresignificantly more effective when caregivers are integralcomponents of program delivery. This is particularlyimportant when designing programs for vulnerable childrensuch as those with lower academic achievement due tolearning and language disabilities, lower socioeconomicenvironments, or learning in a language other than theirnative language. Including caregivers in program delivery willimpact not only the effectiveness of the program but also itsstability. This exploratory study investigated the efficacy andstability of a summer family literacy program on the readingachievement of 14 four-year-old children completing theirpre-kindergarten year. Children were assessed prior to,immediately proceeding, and 6 months following the summerprogram. The results of the study indicated that childrendemonstrated significant gains in all aspects of emergentliteracy and furthermore, sustained these gains 6 monthsafter the program.
Title: Reflection and Reflective Practice: Creating Knowledge
through Experience
Author: Ng SL
Journal: Seminars in Hearing 2012;33:(2).
Reflection and reflective practice are popular concepts in thehealth professions that have yet to be rigorously addressedin audiology literature. In this article, a select summary of thetheoretical bases of reflection and reflective practice arepresented, highlighted with practical examples. The potentialfor reflection and reflective practice to benefit audiologyeducation and practice is discussed. A nondichotomousapproach to including a reflective epistemology of practice inaudiology is recommended. Also highlighted are the centralityof experience to knowledge development and attention toreflection-inaction as a way of being professionalpractitioners. Also, critical reflection is identified as crucial touncovering assumptions that underlie our practices andchallenging oppressive discourses and systems, towardmoving the profession forward in a spirit of optimizedpatient/client care. Although this article is conceptuallyfocused and not a broad literature review, some earlyresearch in audiology related to this topic is reviewed brieflyand practical approaches to fostering reflective practice alsoare considered. Reflection and reflective practice offergenerative possibilities for the rigorous development ofknowledge based in practice and experience, crucial tobalancing other practice approaches such as evidence-basedpractice.
Title: Setting Hearing Aids Differently for Different Languages
Author: Chasin M.
Journal: Seminars in Hearing 2011;32(2):182–88.
One may see a bilingual client and wonder whether thereshould be different “programs” for the two languages. The SIItells most of the story but is far from the entire picture. Itprovides no information on word level (e.g., Japanese CVCword structure constraints) and sentence level (e.g., post-positions found in many SOV languages) cues. grammarswere examined for 10 languages and alterations (not seen inthe SII) are recommended for a “programming” change.
RESEARCH CORnER
By Alexandra Carling-Rowland
Director of Professional Practice and Quality Assurance
Research Corner
Title: Parents’ Perspectives on the Professional-Child
Relationship and Children’s Functional Communication
Following Speech-Language Intervention.
Authors: Washington KN, Thomas-Stonell N, McLeod, and
Warr-Leeper G
Journal: Canadian Journal of Speech Language Pathology and
Audiology 2012;36(3).
Background: Speech-language pathologists (S-LPs) use family-centred practices to implement intervention. Thus,consideration of family-based outcomes is encouraged. TheInternational Classification of Functioning, Disability andHealth – Children and Youth version (ICF-CY) frameworksupports S-LPs’ consideration of these outcomes (e.g.,parental perspectives on children’s Activities and Participationand Environmental Factors associated with speech-languageintervention).
Purpose: To explore parents’ perspectives about: (a) the child-S-LP relationship (Environmental Factors) and (b) children’sfunctional communication (Activities and Participation)
Method: Sixty-seven parents of preschoolers withcommunication disorders participated in this study. All 67
parents completed pre-intervention and post-interventionstructured interviews about their children’s functionalcommunication. Parents of preschoolers who receivedintervention (n = 52) provided ratings and commentsregarding the child-S-LP relationship established duringintervention with the clinician (n = 7). Themes were identifiedusing content analysis. Fifteen children were waitlist controlsand did not receive intervention.
Results: Parents of preschoolers who received interventionreported significantly greater gains in children’s functionalcommunication compared to those who did not. Mostparents (94%) provided positive/very-positive perspectivesabout the child-S-LP relationship. The child-S-LP rapport andthe S-LPs’ professional competence were common themesidentified in parents’ perspectives.
Conclusion: (a) Significant gains in preschool children’sfunctional communication occurred following speech andlanguage intervention and (b) factors such as the rapportestablished between the child and the S-LP as well as the S-LPs’ professionalism were considered by parents to beimportant factors for creating a positive child-S-LP relationshipduring speech and language intervention.
RESEARCH CORnER
FEATuRE
not many members of CASLPO’s staffhave been around since the early
days. In fact, if you go as far back as1997, there’s only one, and that’sColleen Myrie. Colleen was hired inSeptember of that year, along withseveral other new staff, by the registrarat that time, Steve McEvoy.
“I started at reception,” she recalls, “andstayed in that position until January ’98,when the position of registrationcoordinator became available. I actuallyonly did reception for a few months.
“When I began in this position,” sheexplains, “it was very much a one-personoperation. I carried out the adminis-tration for the registration process. Thatinvolved data entry, administering theInitial Practice Period [IPP] program, andcommittee work.”
Colleen says she came into the role withan administrative background, but froma very different field. Prior to coming towork at CASLPO, she was anadministrator for a Caribbean theatrecompany. “As an administrator, you doeverything in a theatre: bookkeeping,grant proposals, programs, evencontacting the audience to get them tocome to the shows.”
So when she began at CASLPO, shecertainly had experience to draw on, butthere was a steep learning curvebecause the regulatory framework wasnew to her. “It came quickly, though,”she says. “You had to start with theregulation and do the administrativeprocedures. In that way it was
straightforward. But I had to learn aboutthe professions and about theuniversities.” She credits Carla Johnson,university of Toronto professor ofspeech pathology and then registrationchair, with having assisted her a lot.
Things have changed considerably overthe past 15 years. Today, Colleen’sposition is director of registrationservices, and Camille Prashad – programassistant, registration services – takessome of the workload. “Camille helpswith processing applications, data entryand the IPP program. This allows me todo mostly policy and committee work,”Colleen explains.
Colleen attributes much of the change inher role to changes in legislation thatimpact the way registration is carriedout. “There’s new legislation that cameon since I started, for example,professional incorporation, which meantthat we had to put a process in place.The Fairness Commissioner of Ontarioalso came into being a few years ago,which meant we needed another newprocess. And there’s the Ministry ofHealth minimum data set that requiresus to ask for additional informationduring registration renewal.”
During a typical day, Colleen spends hertime on a variety of projects. Forexample, right now she is involved withthe IPP task force. “We are working onrevising the guidelines and forms for theIPP,” she says. “We’ll be finishing thatsoon, and will be sending it out tomembers in the next year. The task forceis made up of mentors and members
who were recently mentored, for adviceand guidance.” Once the task force hascompleted its work, they will take it tothe registration committee and then tocouncil.
Colleen’s connection to the council isthrough her role as support to theregistration committee chair, and inanswering the committee’s questions.She also reports on the activities of theregistration committee, and is involvedwhen policy matters go to council.
Colleen’s role also takes her outside thecollege doors. She is currently co-chair forOntario Regulators for AccessConsortium (ORAC), a group of bothhealth and non-health regulators. “Myco-chair, for example, is from ProfessionalEngineers Ontario. Initially, the groupformed to talk about best practicesregarding internationally recognizedprofessionals.” Currently ORAC works tosupport regulators in facilitating theintegration of qualified professions intoself-regulated professions in Ontario.
She finds the role of co-chair in ORACfulfilling. “As co-chair, you come up withthe agenda and run the meetings, whichtake place quarterly. We shareinformation and administer programs –for example managing culturaldifferences – for colleges and otherbodies. We have yearly learning days,where we share how we do things.”
Colleen is also energized by the way thecollege has extended its reach. “Over theyears, an atmosphere of cooperation hascome about with the other provinces.
Spotlight On ...Colleen Myrie
By Sherry Hinman
The regulators within CAASPR (TheCanadian Alliance of Audiology andSpeech-Language Pathology Regulators)communicate with each other. This hasmeant great growth in terms of thecollege. They work on mutualrecognition agreements, something thatCASLPO began discussing years ago, thatCarla (Johnson) began, as part of labourmobility. “
Colleen enjoys her role at CASLPO.Though of course, it’s not without itschallenges. “The most challenging,” shesays, “is managing the volume of
demands and planning how to get thingsdone. The resources put a strain on theregistration process.” She says memberrenewals and new grads start at aroundthe same time of year. “We start therenewal process in August for October,”she says. “But it’s still really busy.” Thebest part about her role? “The peopleyou get to engage with, both themembers and the other regulators.”
Colleen’s involvement in professionalactivities within the college and as partof other organizations doesn’t leave herwith a lot of free time. “I love to read,”
she says, “go to movies, out to dinnerwith friends. I’m a big movie buff – I’m amember of TIFF (Toronto InternationalFilm Festival) and go to their events.”True to her early interest in theatre, shealso describes herself as a “huge theatrefan. I’d rather go to the theatre than beinvolved behind the scenes.”
As for the future, Colleen isn’t surewhat’s in store. “This role does changeover the years. And I’m up for thechallenges that come my way.”
InTERVIEW WITH COLLEEn MYRIE
DID
KNOW?
Did you know ... THE LAWS?
All regulated health care professionals are governed by the same legislation: the Regulated HealthProfessions Act, 1991 (RHPA). However, there is individual legislation for each regulated professionthat specifically identifies their right to use the professional title and any controlled acts for which
they have the authority to perform. Ours is the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Act,1991 (ASLPA). This act sets out the scopes of practice of audiology and speech-language pathology,the composition of the College Council, who regulates the members, and the prohibition of anyonewho is not a member to use these professional titles or to hold themselves out as a person whois qualified to practise in Ontario.
Any changes to our scope of practice, such as the authority to communicate a diagnosis, require achange in the ASLPA.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or phoneus at 416-975-5347 or 1-800-993-9459.
FEATuRE
The College periodically receivesrequests from members about
resigning from the College. Membersmay wish to resign for many differentreasons, including retiring from practiceor pursuing an alternate career. If youare considering resigning yourmembership with the College, there arecertain things that you must take intoconsideration.
ResignationIf you are no longer practising as anaudiologist or a speech-languagepathologist in the province of Ontarioand you would like to resign from theCollege, you can do so by writing a letterto the College or by completing thenotice or Resignation section of theCollege’s Renewal Application Form.The College does not acceptresignations by telephone.
Please note that the annual fee paid forthe current registration period will notbe refunded if you are a member of theCollege for only a portion of the year. Ifyou allow your membership to lapserather than formally resigning from theCollege, this will result in the suspension
and revocation of your certificate andthe fact of this will remain on yourrecord permanently.
CASLPO recommends that resigningmembers ensure they have adequateinsurance coverage subject to the needsof their practice.
Members must take reasonable steps tonotify each patient/client of themember’s intended practice closure.Members must also take reasonablesteps to find alternate care for theirpatients/clients or ensure that theyhave provided a reasonable period oftime for their patients/clients to arrangetheir own alternative services.
Members must also ensure theirrecords are transferred to successors oranother member or otherwise retainedor disposed of in a secure manner.Members must ensure that theirpatients/clients are informed of wheretheir records are located and how theycan access them.
Former members are still subject to theCollege’s jurisdiction in cases of
alleged professional misconduct orincompetence for their conduct duringthe period of time when they weremembers. There is no time limit towhen a complaint can be filed against aformer member after they haveresigned from the College. Therefore,resignation will not prohibit the Collegefrom investigating a former member’salleged professional misconduct orincompetence.
If you resign from the College and laterwish to resume practice in Ontario, youwill have to apply to the College for ageneral certificate of registration andmeet all of the registration require-ments in force, including payment of allapplicable fees. note that standards andqualifications for registration are subjectto change. For example, OntarioRegulation 21/12 requires that allapplicants applying for registration withthe College must have a professionalmaster’s degree in audiology or speech-language pathology. Former memberswho obtained a post-graduate diplomaor a bachelor’s degree in audiology orspeech-language pathology, are nolonger eligible for registration in Ontario.
Resigning from the College
By Melisse Willems, Director of Professional Conduct and
Colleen Myrie, Director of Registration Services
A former member may obtain a copy ofthe registration documents from theirarchived registration file at a cost of$50.00 per request including the first 25pages, and $1.00 per page thereafter.
Designation of Life MembersOne of the most common reasons formembers to resign from the College isbecause they will be retiring fromprofessional practice. The designation of“life member” was created forindividuals who have retired from thepractice of speech-language pathologyor audiology permanently, but who wishto retain their affiliation with theCollege. The annual fee for a lifemember is $60.00 per year.
Life membership is not a class ofmembership under the College`sRegistration Regulation. Rather, it is adesignation established by the Collegebylaws. The requirements and conditionsof the life member designation are setout in article 14 of Bylaw 2011 – 1.
Holders of a life member designation:
1. Shall not engage in patient care or related work in audiology or speech-language pathology;
2. Shall not be held out as a person qualified to practice in Ontario as aspeech-language pathologist or audiologist;
3. Shall be restricted to the use of thefollowing title applicable to the member: “Speech-Language Pathologist – Retired”, “Speech Therapist – Retired”, “Audiologist – Retired”, or an equivalent in anotherlanguage;
4. Shall not be required to participatein the College’s Quality Assurance Program;
5. Shall not be eligible for nominationor election to Council; and
6. Shall not be eligible to vote in Council elections.
Life members wishing to return to
practice must make a full application forgeneral membership. In order tobecome reinstated as a general member,the life member shall meet theregistration requirements that are ineffect at the time of application and maybe subject to any terms, conditions andlimitations which the RegistrationCommittee considers appropriate if thelife member has not provided 750 hoursof patient care or related work inaudiology or speech-language pathologyin the three years preceding theapplicant’s submission of a newapplication for registration with CASLPO.
For further information aboutresignation from membership,including the Life Member designation,please contact the Director ofRegistration Services, Colleen Myrie,at [email protected] or bytelephone at 416-975-5347 ext. 211or toll-free in Ontario at 1-800-993-9459 ext. 211.
FEATuRE
