Notice to ACSLPA Members in Private Practice – Public Health Restrictions on Businesses and Workplaces

For the purposes of the CMOH’s order, ACSLPA members may use the following definitions to assist in interpreting this order:

• Non-essential health Service includes any service that is generally done to protect, promote or maintain the health of an individual and where the interruption in the provision of services will not result in an individual’s life, health or safety being immediately endangered.
  • Despite the general prohibition on non-essential services, regulated health professionals can offer or provide non-essential health services at a place of business if the services are deemed urgent by the health professional providing the service.
• Non-essential goods and services includes goods and services that are not critical to preserving life, health, public safety and basic societal functioning.
• Non-essential places of businesses include businesses that are not deemed essential by the CMOH. A full list of essential services can be found at https://www.alberta.ca/essential-services.aspx

Any business that is still permitted to operate that provides a service to the public at a place that is accessible to the public must:

• prevent the risk of transmission of infection to co-workers and members of the public by a worker or member of the public;
• provide for rapid response if a worker or member of the public develops symptoms of illness while at the place of business; and
• maintain high levels of workplace and worker hygiene.

It is ACSLPA’s understanding that the CMOH, through this order, is trying to limit non-essential close interactions in the community in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, while at the same time keeping people out of emergency departments for services that regulated health professionals could provide in the community.

As of March 25, law enforcement agencies have been granted full authority to enforce the public health orders, including this one, and can issue fines to individuals and businesses. ACSLPA members can also be the subject of professional conduct complaints from the public for violating public health orders.

Any regulated member’s business that is temporarily closing, and as a result, cannot provide urgent, critical or emergency care to patients, is expected to provide to provide information to patients on where they can access urgent, critical or emergent care.

1. This order applies to business that offer an in-person service at a place of business. If your business is providing services to the public via telepractice, virtual care, curbside pick-up/drop-off service, or parcel delivery service, this order does not affect your business.

2. ACSLPA members who provide in-person services or goods to the public, whether that is in a home or a place of business, have a responsibility to determine if the service or goods that they provide are essential or not.

• • This decision can be made generally OR can be made on a case by case basis.
  • If the decision is made on a case by case basis, the nature of the service or goods and the needs of the specific client should both be considered.

ACSLPA members may use the Decision-making Support Guide (below) to assist in this determination.

3. ACSLPA members have an ongoing professional responsibility to the public, to co-workers and to clients.

• • If they are continuing to provide products or services, they must do so in a manner that is responsible and complies with all public health directions for limiting the spread of COVID-19.
  • If they are discontinuing products or services, they must provide information to clients and the public that the services are discontinued and how they can access urgent or critical assistance if needed.

4. ACSLPA members who work in a public health care setting should follow their employer’s direction regarding which SLP/audiology services will be discontinued or continued. In addition, these employers may redeploy their staff to meet patient needs during pandemic. If you are unsure if you should be continuing to provide services, contact your manager and or professional practice lead.

5. ACSLPA members in private practice continue to have the option to close their business during the pandemic. If closing, members must direct clients to where they can receive urgent, critical or emergent care.