Telepractice FAQs

ACSLPA doesn’t endorse or recommend any one platform over another. There are many possible options. Members will need to look at their options and make an informed decision about the platform chosen. When thinking about meeting privacy requirements, consider: Encryption of audio and video should be end-to-end. The platform should not record/store those video sessions unless we ask it to (we need to be able to tell our clients how their information is collected, stored, used and disclosed). Where is the data stored? Although there’s no requirement that it’s stored in Canada, it is important to know that information stored [...]

Yes. There are groups that are established (and many new groups) on social media that provide shared content such as consent forms, materials and resources, and discussion. Members should look for reputable sources of information. Check who is posting information and how they might be regulated/legislated in their jurisdiction. Remember, online platforms are world wide and there are often no requirements or rules regarding who might be posting information.

Maybe. While it appears that some benefits providers have extended their coverage, some may not have. Encourage your client to contact their provider for specific information. This is best done before they begin receiving services (so there are no surprises for either of you).

This will vary depending on the jurisdiction in which the client lives; it is important to be aware of is the legislative requirements in other provinces. Where regulation is in place (the majority of Canadian provinces), members will need to reach out to the respective jurisdiction to determine what is required.

No. there is no requirement to record sessions. If you do decide to record a session for a particular purpose, be sure to obtain consent for the recording. It is important to define the activity that will be recorded, explain what the recording will be used for and explain how and for how long the recording will be stored.

Yes. There are no “rules” stating that support personnel cannot be involved in telepractice sessions. Support personnel can be trained to perform numerous tasks including group and individual sessions. They may need additional training in use of the platform and how to troubleshoot technical issues. As per the ACSLPA guidelines for working with support personnel (https://www.acslpa.ca/members-applicants/key-college-documents/guidelines-protocols/), ACSLPA members are responsible for the training of, delegation of tasks to, and the supervision of support personnel. ACSLPA members will need to establish supervision commensurate with the support person’s knowledge, skills, abilities and comfort. Members must also remove any tasks if the support [...]

Maybe. Unless a standardized test includes normative data for administration over the same medium, you would not be able to report the standardized scores (percentile ranks, standard scores). Although raw scores could be reported, they generally don’t add much value to your diagnosis. If administering standardized tests through telepractice, you will probably need to use the information in a “dynamic” or qualitative manner – it may help you to form your clinical impression/diagnosis. Bear in mind that some tests cannot be re-administered in a certain timeframe, so if you use it informally and then have the opportunity to reassess a [...]

The specifics of insurance policies will vary by insurance provider. ACSLPA members should contact their provider to ensure coverage or to discuss any particulars related to their coverage.

When choosing a platform, you might want to think about: Speed/bandwidth – choose a platform that has sufficient speed and bandwidth to prevent pixelating and audio degradation (and have a plan for when it happens during a session). User-friendliness of the platform – choose a platform that is easy for your clients to use as well as yourself. The ability to allow multiple hosts if you are hosting and working with others who also host. The ability to connect with and link together numerous clients at a time (if providing group services). This is also important for supervision of support [...]

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. [...]