FAQs

Yes. A move to telepractice represents new/different risks to your clients and therefore members are expected to obtain informed consent. Clients may wish to opt out of services delivered in this way once they understand the risks. You might consider "how" you gather consent as it does not need to be in writing (consent can be verbal). Consent (or refusal of consent) must be documented. Your informed consent discussion should include information about added risks (e.g., privacy), the types of services you can/cannot provide in this manner, and any other information that might be specific to their situation. [...]

To date, the pandemic has not resulted in privacy legislation being relaxed in Alberta. ACSLPA members need to be informed of the legislation that specifically applies to their own practice setting. For example, members working for AHS will fall under the Health Information Act (HIA), members in private practice fall under the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), and members working for school boards and certain other agencies will most often fall under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP). In addition to legislation, members should take general steps to protect privacy as well. When providing services, make [...]

Members providing services via telepractice should familiarize themselves with the following: ACSLPA’s Telepractice Guideline (https://www.acslpa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Telepractice.pdf) and ACSLPA’s Standard of Practice (1.5 Virtual Care - https://www.acslpa.ca/members-applicants/key-college-documents/standards-of-practice/1-7-virtual-care/). ACSLPA members are expected to practice in accordance with the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. ACSLPA members must remain professional and ethical when providing services in this manner. While telepractice can be an excellent solution to serving clients of all ages, there can be some risks associated with providing services via telepractice (e.g., privacy, poor video/audio quality) and not all types of services will be conducive to the medium.

Telepractice is the practice of providing services using “virtual” or non “face-to-face” mediums. There are many different terms that might be used, including telepractice, virtual care, video conferencing, telehealth, and teletherapy. Even telephone consultations are considered telepractice.