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ex•press | Volume 10 - Issue 1 | February 2024

General Information

Feature Articles

In Case You Missed It

express icon General Information

Need to Know

CASLPO’s ex.press eNewsletter has changed its format to serve you better!

By Brian O'Riordan, Registrar and CEO

We will continue to briefly highlight key topics with short articles.

Also, the new ‘In case you missed it’ section includes topics linked to select CASLPO group emails previously sent to all registrants, Ontario’s audiologists and speech-language pathologists.

Please check it out as you continue to stay engaged with the College.

CASLPO email communications to registrants remain a critically important channel to get you the valuable information that you need to better serve your patients. 

This issue offers key information, useful and accurate resources as well as practice advice that you need as a self-regulated health professional:

New Articles: 

  • Lessons from the Peterson case 
  • New CASLPO ‘Well-Being Check’ – Self-Assessment Tool information
  • Results of CASLPO’s Registrant Demographic diversity, equity and inclusion Data Collection
  • Registrant Suspensions and Revocations 

In Case You Missed It: Group Emails sent to CASLPO Registrants:

  • Frequently Asked Questions –Applied Behaviour Analysts (ABA) Regulation in Ontario (February 1, 2024)
  • Important Changes to the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) – Affecting Audiologists (January 25, 2024)
  • CASLPO has a new address (January 2, 2024)
  • Standard – Use of Restricted Titles (December 4, 2023)
  • Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids – Updated Practice Advice (November 29, 2023)
  • Use of Social Media (November 9, 2023)

Be sure to access our website often – it’s your main source of the latest information.

Let me again extend my thank you to all registrants for your continued outstanding service to your patients.  

express icon Feature Articles

iconDiversity, Equity and Inclusion

Results of CASLPO’s Registrant Demographic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Data Collection 

By Preeya Singh, Director of Professional Conduct, General Counsel & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Officer and Jennifer Cupit, Research, Data and Policy Analyst

During CASLPO’s 2023-2024 annual renewal process (August 1 - October 1, 2023), registrants were asked to participate in a voluntary demographic data collection survey. The survey was developed to gather demographic information of CASLPO’s registrant base. This collection is meant to further support the delivery of care to Ontario’s diverse population. The data and feedback gathered from last year’s collection was used to inform revisions to this year’s survey. 

Fifty-eight percent of registrants completed the survey (2,861 respondents). 

We would like to thank all of the registrants who responded to the survey questions. Consistent with last year, the survey responses were collected anonymously. Respondents’ renewal and registration information were not associated with the data collected from this survey.

In this year’s survey, registrants were again asked questions relating to various demographic characteristics. Unfortunately, a partial error in the data collection failed to record some responses, including the question relating to Indigenous identity. Additionally, some questions with more than three answer options were unintentionally collapsed into a single group. We have taken these errors into account and have not reported on data that is unclear. We apologize for this error and have undertaken efforts to ensure that all submitted data is accurately recorded in future.  

Of the 58% of registrants who responded, the following prevailing characteristics were identified:  

  • 96.3% indicated that they were capable of speaking English 
  • 84% identified as not being a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+* community
  • 85% identified as not having a disability
  • 68% identified as White or Caucasian
  • 63% reported living and/or practicing in an urban environment
  • 44% reported being ‘areligious/not practicing’ or ‘preferred not to say’, and
  • 93.5% identified as female (note: this finding was determined from registrants’ self-reporting at renewal)

In continuing to collect this data, the College will be able to track the demographics of registrants over time, for multiple purposes, including:

  • Enabling registrants to individually reflect on how our own life experiences and outlook may compare to those of the population of Ontario. This will hopefully remind us to be aware of where our own biases could impact our service delivery to an individual who may not share our experience or perspective. This information can also support lifelong learning as it relates to important customs or traditions among different communities. 
  • CASLPO’s interest in encouraging a more diverse registrant base. By tracking this data early, we will be able to identify whether our efforts have contributed to effectiveness once initiatives have been implemented. 

When we consider data such as this, it is important to be mindful that each individual is comprised of multiple layers in their identity, and these layers can impact the way we interact with each other. 

We would also like to remind registrants of CASLPO’s DEI E-Forum Series that is designed to provide CASLPO registrants with information and insight into the delivery of care to patients within a diverse population.  The first webinar, Addressing antisemitism in healthcare, for which we received an enormous amount of positive feedback, was held in September 2023. Recording of the session is available to view via our website. We will continue with these sessions addressing Islamophobia (March 13, 2024), Anti-Asian Racism (May 8, 2024) and Transphobia and 2SLGBTQAI+ hate (June 11, 2024). Please contact [email protected] for more information. 

For a complete summary of survey collection results, please refer to the College’s DEI web page.


Registration and Mentorship

Registrant Suspensions and Revocations

By Colleen Myrie, Director of Registration Services

The Health Professions Procedural Code of the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 requires information about suspended registrants to be made available to the public by each regulatory college. The reason for this is to ensure that the public knows that they should not be receiving services from these suspended registrants, nor should they be using the protected titles.

There are no registrants who are currently under suspension for failing to pay their annual fees for 2023-2024.

The following certificates were revoked for failing to pay the annual fees for 2022/2023 in accordance with section 26 of Ontario Regulation 21/12:

Audiology Certificates Revoked

Name

Registration Number

Tara Michelle Warren  

6637

Andrea Carolynn Kuntz

7073

Kendra R. Di Bacco

7145
Speech-Language Pathology Certificates Revoked

Name

Registration Number

Miriam Perl

6870

Cheryl Ann Turner

7309

Rubeena Singh

7685

After a certificate has been revoked:

  • A notation of the revocation appears indefinitely in the College’s public register.
  • The former registrant must satisfy the following requirements for reinstatement to the College:
    • The former registrant must pay any applicable fees and penalties required by the by-laws.
    • The former registrant must satisfy the Registrar that he or she has corrected the deficiency or deficiencies that provided the grounds for the revocation of his or her certificate.
    • The former registrant must meet all the requirements in force for the class of certificate of registration being reinstated on the day that the former registrant submitted their new application to the Registrar.  

Quality Assurance

New CASLPO ‘Well-Being Check’ – Self-Assessment Tool information

By Dana Prutschi, Director of Professional Practice and Quality Assurance

CASLPO registrants may have noticed a new addition to CASLPO’s 2024 Self-Assessment Tool (SAT): the Well-Being Check.  The creation of a well-being check within CASLPO’s SAT came from the recognition that audiologists and speech-language pathologists, like many others, are dealing with more stress, both at work and personally. 

A key takeaway is that quality patient care begins with self-care. The best way to take care of others is by taking care of yourself. It is in the public interest that health care professionals take steps to care for themselves. 

The Well-Being page in the SAT aims to provide self-guiding questions and strategies, as well as resources to support registrants on their wellness journey. Registrants can return to this page throughout the year to access the research and links to resources.

Thank you to the College of Nurses of Ontario and the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario who collaborated with us on the development of content for CASLPO’s Well-Being page. 

Please take some time to review the questions and strategies. We look forward to receiving your feedback.


Complaints and Hearings

Lessons from the Peterson Case 

By Preeya Singh, Director of Professional Conduct, General Counsel & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Officer

The Divisional Court decision of Peterson v. College of Psychologists of Ontario 2023 addresses important issues respecting public comments made by health professionals. 

Background

Dr. Jordan Peterson was directed to complete a Specified Continuing Education or Remediation Program (SCERP) by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) of the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). The SCERP was a coaching program “to review, reflect on and ameliorate his professionalism in public statements”. This direction resulted from public statements made by Dr. Peterson which the ICRC panel found to be degrading, inflammatory and unprofessional. Dr. Peterson made these statements publicly using his professional identity as a clinical psychologist.  

An important question before Ontario's Divisional Court was to consider whether the ICRC's decision infringed upon Dr. Peterson’s freedom of expression rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Decision

In the unanimous decision, the Court rejected Dr. Peterson’s defence that he made the comments while “off duty” (i.e. not while practising). The Court found that he represented himself as a clinical psychologist when expressing his views. The Court held that referencing his professional credentials added “credibility to his statements since, as a regulated health professional, he holds a position of “trust, confidence and responsibility”…” 

The Court noted that the CPO’s Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee had rendered a reasonable decision, since Dr. Peterson had been provided with advice that he did not appear to follow. Further, the SCERP was seen to be a decision that “minimally impaired” Dr. Peterson’s rights. The Court also relied upon the ICRC’s reasoning respecting risk of harm at paragraph 73:

Rather, the Panel focused on the harm from the language used, noting, transparently and clearly, its concern that potential harms included “undermining public trust in the profession of psychology, and trust in the College's ability to regulate the profession in the public interest.” It expressed concern that “public statements of this nature may also raise questions about Dr. Peterson's ability to appropriately carry out his responsibilities as a registered psychologist” and that “public statements that are demeaning, degrading, and unprofessional may cause harm, both to the people they are directed at, and to the impacted and other communities more broadly.” 

The Court upheld the ICRC’s direction and Dr. Peterson’s request for review has been denied. 

Takeaways for CASLPO Registrants

It is important to remember that public statements can cause harm to patients, as well as the broader community. This decision reinforces that all regulated health professionals are required to communicate in a professional and respectful manner. While comments can be made outside of the clinical setting, if an audiologist or speech-language pathologist chooses to make those comments while using their professional designation, those comments can be reviewed through formal investigation. Our reputations can proceed us, and so statements or comments made publicly can be attributed to professional commentary. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists are encouraged to exercise caution when making public statements, being mindful of respectful and professional communication. Registrants can also review CASLPO’s Practice Advice document “Social Media Use Principles” for further guidance. 

 

 

express icon In Case You Missed It

iconUse of Social Media

November 9, 2023

As images and stories of global conflict and violence increase, many people take to social media to offer comment and perspective. Some of these people are regulated healthcare professionals and their patients. 

Social media has many positive features, but it also can contain content that is harmful and misleading. That is why the College recently, updated Practice Advice on using social media: Practice Advice - Social Media Use Principles. This advice includes a set of principles and considerations to guide you on your use of social media. Please take the time to review it.

We also acknowledge that at this time, many registrants and people in communities across Ontario are experiencing high levels of fear, anxiety, and worry. All of us need to be sensitive to these developments, especially as they may impact patient care and collaboration with colleagues. CASLPO has made it very clear that we condemn all forms of discrimination and race-based hatred. As evidence of our commitment, we announced in our September ex.press eNewsletter, our intention to provide a series of learning opportunities for registrants addressing different aspects of discrimination, including Addressing antisemitism in healthcare. We have plans to offer webinars on addressing Islamaphobia, Anti-Black racism, Anti-Asian racism, Anti-Indigenous hate, Anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate and Transphobia and ableism in healthcare.

You can find other useful resources on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) section of our website, including our recent DEI Report 2020-2023.

If you have questions, please contact Practice Advice


iconOver-the-Counter Hearing Aids – Updated Practice Advice

November 29, 2023

CASLPO has updated practice advice for audiologists on providing service for the public who have non-prescribed hearing aids, including possibly over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids acquired elsewhere.  

Practice Advice – Service for Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Other Non-Prescribed Hearing Aids

Conseil Pratique – Service pour les appareils auditives en vente libre et autres appareils auditives sans ordonnance.

Non-prescribed hearing aids are hearing aids that have been acquired such that the controlled act of a registered audiologist prescribing a hearing aid does not take place. This includes hearing aids that have been, for example:

  • Donated or acquired second-hand
  • Purchased online
  • Obtained over-the-counter (OTC) outside Canada

The public can obtain hearing aids in the ways described. CASLPO’s updated practice advice draws upon existing standards in the Practice Standards for the Provision of Hearing Aid Services and how these standards apply when supporting the public with non-prescribed hearing aids. 

The College is aware that the Ontario public is presently approaching audiologists for help with non-prescribed hearing aids, including OTCs.

This practice advice provides assistance to audiologists in understanding the minimum standards and expectations to provide safe and competent care.

For answers to your questions please contact: 
Samidha Joglekar, Advisor, Audiology Practice & Quality Assurance [email protected]


iconStandard – Use of Restricted Titles

December 4, 2023

For your reference, CASLPO’s “Standard: Use of Restricted Titles” has been published on CASLPO’s website, Standards and Resources section, English | French (to follow).

The Standard was approved by CASLPO’s Board of Directors on December 1, 2023. The Standard is effective as of December 4, 2023. All registrants of the College are required to comply with the Standard.  Please take the time to become familiar with it. 

This Standard replaces the “Position Statement on Use of the Title Doctor”. It consolidates in one place existing CASLPO guidance regarding restricted titles, including “audiologist”, “speech-language pathologist”, and “speech therapist”, as well as abbreviations and variations. The new document explains the requirements and expectations for CASLPO registered audiologists and speech-language pathologists and non-registrants (e.g., applicants, students).

The mandate of the College is to protect the public, who need to trust that those who provide care to them are qualified to do so.

The Standard promotes the ability of members of the public to identify different healthcare and service providers, a cornerstone of public protection, enabling them to make informed choices.

For answers to your questions, please contact CASLPO’s Practice Advice Team.

Thank you to all involved in the consultations.


iconCASLPO has a new address

January 2, 2024

We are pleased to announce that, effective January 1, 2024, CASLPO has officially changed our address.  We are now part of an exciting, shared work location at 175 Bloor Street East, Suite 601 in downtown Toronto. We are sharing space with three other health regulatory colleges: Dental Hygienists, Denturists and Dietitians. This shared collaboration space is called “HUB 601”. The College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, already at this location, opened the opportunity to other Colleges to share their working environment.

The College continues to be committed to building the best and most productive hybrid work environment in order to better regulate in the public interest, and to provide services to registrants that will support their practices. The HUB 601 arrangement will position the College for the future in terms of staffing and meeting facilities. We will be continuing our policy respecting no in-person visits or document drop-off.

In the post-pandemic world, organizations continue to seek increasingly flexible, efficient, and effective workspace solutions. CASLPO is no different. Faced with our office lease expiring at the end of December 2023, the Board of Directors decided not to renew the lease at Yonge and Lawrence. Instead, the College has entered into a new way of collaborating and sharing space. This new approach will positively impact staff productivity and resilience and enhance our regulatory role through increased cooperation and innovation.


iconImportant Changes to the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) – Affecting Audiologists

January 25, 2024

The Assistive Devices Program (ADP), which is overseen by the Ontario Ministry of Health (MOH), released information yesterday (Jan 24th) on changes to the ADP Program’s policies and administration that will take effect on January 29, 2024. 

The information released includes:

A letter provided by the MOH Health Programs and Delivery Division states:

 “Effective January 29, 2024, eligible Ontarians will only require one signature, from an audiologist or speech-language pathologist who is registered with the ADP as an authorizer, on the ADP hearing devices application form. A second signature from a physician or hearing instrument specialist will no longer be required.

This change aligns with government-wide initiatives to modernize processes and make it easier for people to access the services they need. Removing the need for a second signature will make the process for Ontarians accessing hearing devices faster and easier”.

Hearing devices include:

Teletypewriters (TTY) for the deaf or speech impaired

  • ADP authorizers can be CASLPO registered audiologists and speech-language pathologists in good standing with the College.

Hearing aids, FM systems, cochlear implant replacement speech processors, bone-anchored hearing aid replacement sound processors

  • ADP authorizers can be CASLPO registered audiologists in good standing with the College.

The College advises registrants who work closely with the ADP Program to carefully review the revised Hearing Devices Policy and Administration Manual. The Ministry of Health has been clear that all questions pertaining to the changes should be directed to them at [email protected]

A high standard of ethical conduct is of utmost importance in maintaining the trust of key system partners for hearing healthcare, including the Government, which administers assistance programs such as ADP. It is also important that the public and other professionals continue to have trust and confidence in audiologists and speech-language pathologists.   

Ontario’s registered audiologists and speech-language pathologists must continue to comply with CASLPO Regulations, By-laws and Standards including: 

CASLPO Code of Ethics (By-law No. 7)

  • Registrants are expected to apply the principles in the Code of Ethics in all areas of their practice. 

Conflict of Interest – Practice Standards and Resources

  • Audiologists and speech-language pathologists are expected to manage and mitigate conflict of interest, and to document disclosures of conflict of interest.

Practice Standards for the Provision of Hearing Aid Services

Registrants are reminded that the Professional Misconduct Regulation (Ontario Regulation 749/93 under the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Act, 1991) continues to govern their conduct when practising under these new ADP program changes.

For questions about changes to the ADP Program administration and policies, contact [email protected].

For questions about CASLPO Regulations, By-Laws and Standards, please contact Samidha Joglekar, Advisor for Audiology Practice & Quality Assurance at [email protected]


iconRecent Changes to MOH Assistive Devices Program

February 1, 2024

On Sunday January 28th, the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) sent out a memo, as a follow up to their announcement of January 24th, setting out the following:

  • That the previously announced changes of January 24th to the Hearing Devices Application Form would be “paused” to allow time for consultation;
  • That the Form requiring a Prescriber signature and an Authorizer signature (the “Current Form”) will continue to be accepted; and,
  • That notwithstanding the “pause", “physicians are removed as prescribers effective immediately”.

CASLPO recognizes that these changes have generated many questions among audiologists as well as other system partners, including hearing instrument specialists and practitioners (HIS/HIP), employers of the professions and the hearing aid manufacturers industry.

The College appreciates the questions that registrants have been submitting about Practice Standards, including conflict of Interest, in light of the changes that have been announced. The College is working on answers to frequently asked questions.

To that end, the College has requested to meet with ADP as many answers to these questions will require clarification from ADP.

Some of your questions include:

  • How the “current” ADP form should be used appropriately by audiologists;
  • Whether the ADP would permit audiologists to be signing as prescribers on the “current” form if the authorizer also works for the same clinic. Could this conflict be managed by disclosing it to a patient and managing it according to College Standards on Conflict of Interest;
  • How audiologists can ensure that they are meeting CASLPO Standards of Practice, including for patient assessment and prescription of hearing aids, when engaging with the ADP; and, 
  • What the ADP form requires when it says the prescriber or authorizer must have “personally” assessed the applicant “in person”.

We will continue to keep you apprised of developments and to address the practice concerns that have arisen over the past week.  


iconFrequently Asked Questions –Applied Behaviour Analysts (ABA) Regulation in Ontario

February 1, 2024

The College of Psychologists of Ontario has asked CASLPO to share a new document with answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) English | French, about the Regulation of Applied Behaviour Analysts (ABA) in Ontario. The latest information will be accessible from the College of Psychologists of Ontario’s website.

If you have further questions, please contact CASLPO’s Practice Advice Team.


© 2024 CASLPO

© 2024 CASLPO

This website is intended to provide information to the public and registrants. Should there be difference in documentation previously distributed to CASLPO registrants, it is up to the registrant to source the latest version posted on the CASLPO website. Note: the term "member" and "registrant" are used interchangeably throughout CASLPO's website and documents. Both terms are synonymous with "member" as defined in the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Act, 1991, and the Regulations under those Acts.