College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO)
Regulation Number(s):
O. Reg. 21/12
Instrument Type:
Regulation - LGIC
Bill or Act:
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Act, 1991
Summary of Decision:
Made: January 29, 2021
Approved: March 11, 2021
Filed: March 12, 2021
Published on e-Laws: March 12, 2021
Printed in The Ontario Gazette: March 27, 2021
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
The CASLPO has expressed that the proposed amendments to O. Reg. 21/12 are not anticipated to impose any increased administrative costs to businesses as they govern the issuance, renewal, and suspension of certificates of registration with the College.
Further Information:
Proposal Number:
19-HLTC039
Posting Date:
November 14, 2019
Summary of Proposal:
College Introduction
In Ontario, the regulation of health professions is based on a self-governance model. There are 26 health regulatory colleges governing 28 health professions under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) and their respective health profession Acts.
Under the RHPA and the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Act, 1991, the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) is responsible for governing the professions of audiology and speech language pathology in Ontario. Under these Acts, the CASLPO has the authority to make regulations on a variety of subject matters, including standards and qualifications for certificates of registration. The proposed regulation amendments are subject to prior review by the Minister of Health and the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council (LGIC).
Summary
Individuals seeking to practice audiology and speech language pathology in Ontario are required to be registered with the CASLPO. In order to be successfully registered, applicants must meet the requirements set out in the registration section of the College's General Regulation to ensure they deliver safe, ethical and high-quality care to members of the public.
The CASLPO has proposed amendments to the registration section of its General Regulation (O.Reg. 21/12) in an effort to harmonize the registration requirements of audiologists and speech-language pathologists across Canada. The amendments include:
- A requirement for successful completion of a National competency-based entry-to-practice examination, which is currently being developed by the Canadian Alliance of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Regulators (CAASPR) (implementation anticipated by Fall 2020).
- Third party (CAASPR) evaluation of course and practicum requirements for applicants, including the setting of course/practicum standards for those applicants who graduate from non-accredited Canadian programs.
Some additional amendments include:
- Aligning currency requirements for General members and applicants so that both groups must satisfy the same currency requirement of "providing 750 hours of patient care or related work in audiology or speech-language pathology…".
- Aligning the consequences should the currency requirements not be met.
- The discontinuation of the Teaching Certificate of Registration.
Contact Address:
Health Workforce Regulatory Oversight Branch
Strategic Policy, Planning and French Language Services Division
438 University Avenue, 10th Floor
Toronto ON M5G 2K8
Effective Date:
March 12, 2021
Decision:
Approved