Speech-language pathology and audiology are regulated professions in Alberta, which means that the professions are accountable to the public and the Minister of Health. The professions are governed by equal amounts of regulated members of the College and members of the public. Regulated members are involved in setting and enforcing practice standards of their profession and fund the regulation of their professions.
In Canada, the regulation of health professions occurs at the provincial level The Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (ACSLPA) is the regulatory body for SLPs and Audiologists in Alberta, as identified through Health Professions Act (HPA).
Regulatory Bodies vs. Professional Associations
Under the HPA, a college must not act or hold itself out as a professional association. It is important to understand that ACSLPA is a regulatory body and not a professional association. The key differences between regulatory bodies and professional associations are highlighted in the table below.
| Regulatory Bodies |
|---|
| Protect and serve the public. |
| Accountable to the public and the Minister of Health. |
|
Activities focus on regulating a profession as set out in provincial legislation; key focus areas include:
|
| Professional Associations |
|---|
| Serve the needs of members. |
| Accountable to association members. |
Activities focus on:
|
Note: Professional associations may be both provincially and/or nationally organized.