Once a written complaint has been received by ACSLPA, the Complaints Director will undertake a formal review to ensure fairness to both the complainant and to the speech-language pathologist or audiologist. The review involves the following:
- The speech-language pathologist or audiologist in question will receive a copy of the written letter of complaint and be asked to provide a response.
- Additional information may be gathered through one or more of the following:
- Conversation with the complainant and speech-language pathologist or audiologist and other relevant parties;
- Contacting individuals or organizations who may have relevant information; and/or
- Review of client files/records.
Even if a written complaint is not received by ACSLPA, if the Complaints Director has reasonable grounds to believe that the conduct of a regulated or former member constitutes unprofessional conduct, the Complaints Director may treat the matter as a complaint and act on it.
Within 30 days of receiving a complaint, the Complaints Director must give written notice to the complainant of the action that will be taken. The Complaints Director may:
- Encourage the complainant and investigated person to communicate with each other and resolve the complaint;
- Attempt to resolve the complaint, with the consent of the complainant and investigated person;
- Refer the complaint to an alternative complaint resolution process;
- Request an expert to assess and provide a written report on the subject matter of the complaint;
- Conduct or appoint an investigator to conduct an investigation;
- Dismiss the complaint; and/or
- Direct the investigated person to submit to specified physical or mental examinations if the Complaints Director has grounds to believe the investigated person is incapacitated.
Note: In cases involving allegations of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct, please refer to that section on our website for additional information.