Professional Predicaments

Answer:

It is possible that “bad actors” can access a registrant’s name and registration number and fraudulently submit invoices for reimbursement. Additionally, an employer or facility may use a registrant’s credentials without their knowledge (e.g., an electronic signature that was shared with an employer for invoicing purposes could be used in error or inappropriately to submit claims for services that the registrant didn’t provide). It is also possible that an administrator might enroll a registrant with a third-party payer without their knowledge or consent.

To assist in protecting your professional credentials, the following steps are recommended:

• Find out how billing is managed at the agency where you are employed or where you contract your services.
• Periodically review billing records that others complete on your behalf.
• Do not sign blank forms or create pre-signed documents.
• When you terminate with a workplace, update your information in ACSLPA’s member portal as soon as possible, as per the Health Professions Act, section 33 (4) (b) (iii). Inform the agency that they can no longer use your name and registration number for billing purposes.

Regardless of the practice environment, all registrants are expected to maintain accurate and comprehensive records of all client interactions (refer to ACSLPA’s Standards of Practice 4.3 Documentation and Information Management and 4.7 Fees and Billing). Records must include the dates on which service was provided, as well as information about the service or product provided, and accurate and timely invoices (if applicable). This documentation can prove extremely valuable in the event fraudulent billing takes place as it serves as a record of what actually transpired.

It is part of each registrant’s professional responsibility to understand your organization’s billing practices and to take steps to reduce the likelihood that your registration number is being used improperly. If you suspect or discover that someone has used your information fraudulently:

• Talk to your administrator if the issue happened at work.
• Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and/or to the équité Association, a national, independent group that aims to reduce insurance fraud. Visit equiteassociation.com or call their hotline at 1-877-422-TIPS (8477).
• If a speech-language pathologist or audiologist registered with ACSLPA is using your credentials fraudulently, you can file a formal complaint with ACSLPA.
• If the person is another regulated professional you can file a formal complaint with their regulatory College, or, if the person is not a regulated professional, you can reach out to ACSLPA to discuss other courses of action.
• Consultation with legal counsel may also be an option.

Regulated members are reminded that they may contact the College if they have questions or need further clarification. Please do not hesitate to reach out at any time using the Contact Us form.