On May 2, 2023, Agnes Gradowski entered into an Undertaking and Consent Agreement (the “Agreement”) following the College’s Inquiry Committee (the “Committee”) having investigated Ms. Gradowski regarding her ability to conduct dysphagia activities in the course of her speech-language pathology practice.
This Agreement supersedes the Undertaking and Consent Agreement dated October 5, 2021, which was the subject of a public notice, as well an order for extraordinary action dated December 23, 2022, which was the subject of a separate public notice.
Background
Ms. Gradowski is a College registrant and speech-language pathologist. On October 5, 2021, Ms. Gradowski entered an undertaking agreement with the College in which she agreed to and completed a supervision period and two regulatory practice consultations regarding her dysphagia practice. This resulted in further concerns regarding her competency in that practice area. These further concerns were investigated and resolved by Ms. Gradowski entering into the May 2, 2023 Agreement.
Resolution
The Inquiry Committee resolved to dispose of the matter by requiring that Ms. Gradowski undertake or consent to certain practice limits and conditions. These are as follows:
- To limit her practice by not conducting any activity involving dysphagia screening, identification, assessment, diagnosis and/or treatment (including swallowing assessments, diagnosis and/or management) in all and any practice environments unless engaging in supervision as approved by the Committee.
- To limit her practice by not conducting any activity restricted to the certified practice certifications for Videofluoroscopic Assessment and Management of Adult Swallowing Disorders (Certificate I), Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (Certificate F), and Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Voice and Swallowing (Certificate E) unless engaging in supervision as approved by Committee.
- To, at a time that Ms. Gradowski indicates she is ready, undergo a period of supervision of treatment of five dysphagia patients within three months, as approved by the Committee.
- To, once engaging in supervised dysphagia practice, complete two regulatory practice consultation sessions with her supervisor, including topics such as charting requirements, professional obligation of regulated professionals, and the role of certified practice.
- Ms. Gradowski’s supervisor will report to the Committee on the supervision period and practice consultation sessions.
- Ms. Gradowski will be responsible for covering the costs of the above-noted supervision.
The Inquiry Committee believes this resolution is consistent with the College’s mandate to serve and protect the public.