Notice to the Professions /
Provincial Health Officer issues Orders to permit certain RSLPs and RAUDs to perform screening tests for COVID-19

On November 16, 2020, Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer (PHO), issued two Public Health Orders that temporarily authorize certain Registered Speech-Language Pathologists (RSLPs) and Registered Audiologists (RAUDs) to perform screening tests for COVID-19.

1. The Midwives and Certified Practice Speech Language Pathologists SARS-CoV-2 Swabbing Order permits RSLPs holding either Certified Practice Certificate E or G, whether or not they are employed by a Health Authority,  to perform screening tests for COVID-19 in circumstances beyond which their scope of practice currently allows if:
   • They are able to provide the service safely and competently, as assessed by a testing registrant’s employer or local medical health officer
   • The screening tests are conducted in accordance with the guidelines issued by the BC Centre for Disease Control
2. The Health Authority Regulated Health Professionals SARS-CoV-2 Swabbing Order permits RSLPs, who do not hold either Certified Practice Certificate E or G, and RAUDs to perform screening tests for COVID-19 if:
   • They are employed by a Health Authority
   • They successfully complete a PHO-approved Health Authority COVID-19 testing training and assessment program
   • They are able to provide the service safely and competently, as assessed by the health authority or medical health officer
   • The screening tests are conducted in accordance with the guidelines issued by the BC Centre for Disease Control

CSHBC registrants with questions about eligibility, training, assessment, and implementation of the screening activities are encouraged to contact the testing departments/programs of the relevant Health Authority.  Training and assessment for COVID-19 testing in most Health Authorities is being led by the Professional Practice departments.

CSHBC’s primary responsibility is to protect the public by ensuring safe and ethical care.  Registrants are reminded that all CSHBC professional and clinical practice standards remain in force.

If you have additional questions about what these PHO Orders mean for CSHBC registrants, please contact the College at [email protected].