New Regulator for Audiologists, Speech-Language Pathologists
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists will have to be licensed to work in Nova Scotia, beginning in November.
A new Nova Scotia College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists will start regulating the two professions on Nov.5. The two professions currently do not need to be licensed but will under the college. The request to be designated self-regulating professions came from the Speech and Hearing Association of Nova Scotia.
"Establishing a college will give these health-care providers the ability to control and regulate their profession, and it will help ensure Nova Scotians are getting appropriate care,” said Minister of Community Services Kelly Regan on behalf of Minister of Health and Wellness Randy Delorey.
Audiologists identify, assess and treat hearing loss and other auditory disorders, such as tinnitus and balance disorders. Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech, language, voice, swallowing and feeding problems. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists work in both the public and private sectors.
“The Speech and Hearing Association of Nova Scotia is very pleased to see the creation of the Nova Scotia College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists,” said Patricia Cleave, association president. “Licensing of the professions will help ensure the safety of the public and the effectiveness of services provided by audiologists and speech-language pathologists by the setting of appropriate standards of conduct and competence.
“The two professions will benefit from interprovincial recognition of licences, professional recognition and opportunities for collaboration.”
The new college will have the authority to set standards of practise and professional conduct, investigate complaints and discipline members under the Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists Act.
For more information go to https://www.shans.ca/faq-provincial-licensure-of-nova-scotian-audiologists-and-speech-language-pathologists/ .