Continuing Competence Program Manual
Shelly Monson2024-11-12T14:40:28-07:00Continuing Competence Program Manual Framework Flowchart
Who can submit a complaint?
Shelly Monson2024-10-02T14:08:02-06:00Any person may file a complaint about a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. This could include if you are a: Current or past client or patient; Family member, parent, friend or guardian of a client or patient; Colleague, co-worker or other regulated health care professional; Member of the public; or Employer. Any complaint that is submitted will be received, and acted upon, through the complaint process described in Part 4 of the Health Professions Act. If you are concerned about the practice of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist and wish to submit a complaint, please complete, sign and return the 'Complaint Form'. [...]
Defining Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct
Shelly Monson2022-09-13T10:26:08-06:00The Health Professions Act provides the following definitions: Sexual Abuse: is defined as threated, attempted or actual conduct of a regulated member towards a patient that is of a sexual nature, including: Sexual intercourse between a regulated member and a patient of that regulated member; Genital to genital, genital to anal, oral to genital, or oral to anal contact between a regulated member and a patient of that regulated member; Masturbation of a regulated member by, or in the presence of, a patient of that regulated member; Masturbation of a regulated member’s patient by that regulated member; Encouraging a regulated member’s patient [...]
If You Are a Victim of Sexual Abuse or Sexual Misconduct and/or Wish to Make a Complaint of Sexual Abuse or Sexual Misconduct
Shelly Monson2023-05-29T13:27:41-06:00We recognize that coming forward with a complaint about sexual abuse, sexual misconduct or boundary violations can be very difficult. The College’s primary objective is to remove barriers in reporting of sexual abuse and misconduct by creating a safe reporting environment and providing transparent information about the process. If you believe a professional boundary has been violated or are a victim, or someone you know is a victim, of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct, please review our website information on how to submit a complaint. If you wish to speak to someone directly, please contact the Complaints Director on their [...]
Potential Penalties for Complaints of Sexual Abuse or Misconduct
Shelly Monson2022-06-21T14:41:45-06:00Each complaint is unique, and a penalty is determined by the Hearing Tribunal based on the circumstances of a complaint. However, some penalties are mandatory if the Hearing Tribunal makes a finding of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct. If a Hearing Tribunal finds a regulated member’s conduct, in whole or in part, constituted sexual abuse, the mandatory penalty is cancellation of a regulated member’s permit, including a prohibition from re-applying to the College. If a Hearing Tribunal finds a regulated member’s conduct, in whole or in part, constituted sexual misconduct, the mandatory penalty is a suspension of a regulated member’s [...]
The Complaint Process for Complaints of Sexual Abuse or Misconduct
Shelly Monson2022-06-21T14:33:30-06:00For more information on the complaint process, please review 'The Complaints Process'. Within 30 days of receiving a complaint, the Complaints Director must give written notice to the complainant of the action that will be taken. If a patient makes a complaint of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct, the Complaints Director will also discuss funding for treatment or counselling through a confidential, voluntary, and independent third-party program with the patient. Please review PAGE HERE for more information. The process for sexual abuse and sexual misconduct follows the process described in the Health Professions Act, with some additional protections of patients including: [...]
ACSLPA Standards of Practice Related to Professional Boundaries
Shelly Monson2024-10-02T14:11:07-06:00As a patient, you can expect your speech-language pathologist or audiologist to maintain professional boundaries. A professional boundary is a parameter of a safe therapeutic relationship, recognizing the power imbalance and responsibilities of a regulated member. Professional boundaries help define the difference between therapeutic and personal relationships and avoid potential misunderstanding of words and actions. Your speech-language pathologist or audiologist should treat you respectfully and maintain professional boundaries while providing services, including ensuring informed consent is obtained before they provide services. Where physical touching may be required during your appointment, your speech-language pathologist or audiologist should let you know why [...]
If I am facing a complaint as a Regulated Member, what coverage, if any, does my professional liability insurance provide?
Shelly Monson2023-05-29T13:18:31-06:00The College is unable to provide you legal advice on whether your professional liability insurance will provide any assistance or coverage to you as a regulated member and encourage you to contact your insurance company directly to receive information if a complaint has been made against you.
Can a complaint be resolved after it is investigated?
Shelly Monson2022-09-12T15:33:54-06:00Yes, in some cases resolution may be offered to a regulated member after an investigation or before proceeding to a hearing. It is also possible that resolution may be offered before an investigation, depending on the circumstances of a complaint.
What if I, as a regulated member, am not satisfied with the outcome of a complaint?
Shelly Monson2022-09-12T15:27:44-06:00If you proceeded to a hearing and received an outcome of unprofessional conduct, there are routes of appeal available in the Health Professions Act in certain circumstances. The College encourages you to review the available routes of appeal in the Health Professions Act to start the process or seek legal advice if you wish to do so.