Jurisprudence E-Course Module 1: Regulation of Healthcare Professions in Alberta ACSLPA’s Legislative Responsibilities

The role of a college, like ACSLPA, is outlined in the Health Professions Act.

“A college:

  1. must carry out its activities and govern its regulated members in a manner that protects and serves the public interest;
  2. must provide direction to and regulate the practice of the regulated profession by its regulated members;
  3. must establish, maintain, and enforce standards for registration and of continuing competence and standards of practice of the regulated profession;
  4. must establish, maintain, and enforce a code of ethics;
  5. must carry on the activities of the college and perform other duties and functions by the exercise of the powers conferred by this Act; and
  6. may approve programs of study and education courses for the purposes of registration requirements.”

HPA, Part 1, s.3(1)

The College is accountable for how it exercises its responsibilities under the HPA and must submit an annual report to the government. The report is tabled in the Alberta Legislature and includes information requested by the Minister of Health.

Annual reports are posted on the ACSLPA website.

To protect and serve the public, the HPA stipulates that:

    1. The College has a duty to ensure that only qualified applicants are registered and issued a permit to practice in their profession.

      a) To do this, ACSLPA establishes, monitors, and enforces standards for entry-to-practice, registration, and annual practice permit renewal for SLPs and Audiologists. This duty ensures that practitioners have met the standards for academic and practical experience, that their qualifications are current, and that they meet requirements for good character and reputation.
      b) If an applicant is not accepted, the College must provide reasons for the decision and provide the applicant with an appeal process.

    2. The College must maintain a Regulated Member Register and make it available to the public, thereby allowing anyone to confirm that a health professional is registered and entitled to practice in their profession.
    3. The College must establish, maintain, and enforce a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for SLPs and Audiologists in Alberta. Each regulated member is accountable for practicing in accordance with the ethical principles and practice standards of the College.
    4. The College is required to establish and implement a Continuing Competence Program (CCP). Under the HPA, CCPs are mandatory, and regulated members are required to participate not only to ensure that they maintain competence in their practice, but also to enhance their provision of professional services.
    5. The College has a duty and the power to investigate complaints from clients, family members, employers, or the public regarding the practice of SLPs and Audiologists in Alberta. The HPA outlines a detailed process that colleges must follow to address complaints.

      a) Professionals who do not practice in accordance with practice and ethical standards are held accountable, and, as necessary, the College will impose corrective disciplinary actions to re-establish competent, safe, ethical practice.

A college is prohibited from involvement in activities related to professional fees.

“A college may not set professional fees, provide guidelines for professional fees, or negotiate professional fees on behalf of some or all of its regulated members. A college or a council or committee of a college may not be a certified bargaining agent as defined in the Labor Relations Code”.

HPA, Part 1, s.3(2-3)

It is important that regulated members understand their responsibilities and obligations as self-regulated professionals.

Under the HPA, regulated members have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a professional manner and must:

  • Demonstrate appropriate knowledge, skill, attitudes, and judgment in the provision of professional services.
  • Practice in compliance with the Health Professions Act, Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Profession Regulation, Code of Ethics, and Standards of Practice.
  • Comply with the registration requirements of the College.
  • Respect any conditions imposed on a practice permit.
  • Respect the legal restrictions around the use of protected titles.
  • Comply with the requirements of the Continuing Competence Program.
  • Cooperate with the College during investigations.
  • Avoid any conduct that harms the public or the integrity of the profession.
  • Report offences and/or professional negligence.

Being responsive to ACSLPA is strongly encouraged to ensure effective regulation. Some types of cooperation are mandatory, as outlined in the Health Professions Act (HPA), meaning that failures to cooperate could be defined as unprofessional conduct. Some examples are failing or refusing to:

  • cooperate with an investigator in the complaints process (this could be as a potential witness being asked to give a statement);
  • comply with a notice to attend (this could be as a potential witness being asked to attend a hearing) or with an inspector (during a practice visit); and
  • cooperate with the continuing competence program (this could include if you are selected for an audit).

It is equally as important that a regulated member respond and reply to communications from ACSLPA in a timely manner and be responsive to requests for information or replies. Finally, it is important that you keep your contact information current with ACSLPA. You are required by the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Profession Regulation to update the College if you change your place of employment, mailing address, phone number or other relevant information.

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