Regulatory Thoughts

October 2023

Dear regulated members,

As we work on ACSLPA’s annual plan for 2024 we find ourselves reflecting on the future of professional regulation, particularly after attending this fall’s Canadian Network of Agencies of Regulation (CNAR) annual conference. The presentations, the research presented, and the discussions we had with other Canadian regulators underlined how the regulatory landscape and expectations of professional regulators, like ACSLPA, continue to rapidly evolve. Not only are provincial governments making changes to the legislation that governs the work of professional regulators, but the expectations of the public and registered members are changing too. Professional regulators are increasingly being called to:

• advance our work in the area of trauma-informed processes,
• be compassionate while fulfilling our regulatory mandate of accountability,
• continue to identify and address systematic discrimination in the work that we do,
• focus regulatory work on areas where there is risk of harm and,
• stay engaged with both the public and the professionals we regulate.

Although these can seem like daunting expectations, it is also an exciting time of change, possibilities, and striving for continuous improvement.

Nicole Baumback, ACSLPA’s Council President, referred to a quote attributed to Harry Cayton, an expert in professional regulation, in her welcoming remarks at our recent member forum: “Regulation works well when it’s in touch with and up to date with experiences and real-world practice.” Not only does ACSLPA need to be engaged with the Alberta public who receive SLP and audiology services, but also with the regulated members providing those services. We invite you to reach out to us directly by phone or email, and to respond to our demographics survey to help ACSLPA learn more about the diversity of AC

SLPA’s membership. Please watch for additional opportunities to provide your input and feedback on the standards for our professions and the ways in which we can all prevent harm and ensure competent, safe, and ethical audiology and SLP services for the Alberta public.

Sincerely,