CSHBC is pleased to announce that, on January 11, 2021, the College entered into an agreement with three other Canadian provinces to form a Working Group for regulators of the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology. The Working Group is composed of representatives of the following regulatory colleges:
- Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec (OOAQ)
- Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (ACSLPA)
- College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of British Columbia (CSHBC)
- College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO)
The Working Group was formed to enhance inter-provincial cooperation and collaboration on matters such as:
- Improvements to regulation in the four provinces, including opportunities for consistent standards of practice with respect to regulatory requirements, policies, and processes
- Accreditation processes for university audiology and speech-language pathology programs in Canada
- National and inter-provincial issues, including entry to practice exams, regulatory modernization framework proposals, language proficiency, academic equivalency, provision of cross-jurisdictional virtual care and other challenges identified
- Providing a constructive interface with other national stakeholders, including:
- Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC)
- Canadian Academy of Audiology (CAA)
- Council for Accreditation of Canadian University Programs in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CACUP-ASL)
- Canadian Council of University Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CCUP-CSD)
- Canadian Alliance of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Regulators (CAASPR)
The Working Group recognizes that the fundamental role of professional regulation is to serve the public interest and uphold patient/client safety in accordance with local legislation, the principles of good regulation, and natural justice.
In addition, the Group is dedicated to improving the harmonization of regulatory requirements across jurisdictions so that professionals registered in member jurisdictions possess similar knowledge, skills, and abilities, allowing for easier transfer across provincial boundaries in accordance with the requirements of labour mobility.
The Working Group is dedicated to operating in a manner that is respectful, professional, effective, and collaborative in all its dealings with Group members and major stakeholders.
The Working Group looks forward to engaging in a productive manner with all external stakeholders for the betterment of the regulation of the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology.