Database of Health Workforce Innovations
647
Speech-Language Pathologists Performing Nasopharyngeal Swabs
There is a need for increased health workforce capacity to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and perform duties directly related with the public health and health system response.
ACSLPA has been asked by Alberta Health Services and others to provide an opinion on the capacity for regulated ACSLPA members to undertake nasopharyngeal swabs. Although nasopharyngeal swabbing is not part of ACSLPA members’ typical range of practice activities, consideration for this change is motivated by the exceptional need for competent practitioners who can undertake this activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Performing a nasopharyngeal swab is a restricted activity in accordance with the Government Organization Act and is therefore regulated under the Health Professions Act and the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Profession Regulation (SLPAPR).
Employers should be aware that nasopharyngeal swabbing is not a common activity undertaken by SLPs in Alberta and so regulated ACSLPA members will require appropriate training and supports in order to develop sufficient knowledge and skill to perform this activity competently. As highly educated and conscientious health professionals, many SLPs are likely well-suited to undertake this activity once sufficiently trained. Regulated ACSLPA members have a professional obligation to decline work that they are not competent to perform.
Employers should be aware that nasopharyngeal swabbing is not a common activity undertaken by SLPs in Alberta and so regulated ACSLPA members will require appropriate training and supports in order to develop sufficient knowledge and skill to perform this activity competently. As highly educated and conscientious health professionals, many SLPs are likely well-suited to undertake this activity once sufficiently trained. Regulated ACSLPA members have a professional obligation to decline work that they are not competent to perform.
- Alternative deployments for health workers whose normal duties are temporarily suspended
- New roles
- Speech/Language Pathologists
- Other Health Care Workers
nasopharyngeal swabbing
The Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (ACSLPA) exists to serve the public interest through the regulation of professional speech-language pathologists and audiologists in Alberta. ACSLPA’s regulatory work includes setting admission standards, considering applications for regulated membership and issuing practice permits, creating and enforcing a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, investigating complaints of unprofessional conduct, creating guidelines and practice documents, enforcing continuing competence standards, and more.
- Public Health
- Other
Formal Strategy
SLPs on the general register are specifically permitted by section 14(1)(b) of the SLPAPR to engage in the restricted activity “insert or remove instruments or devices beyond the point in the nasal passages where they normally narrow”
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Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (ACSLPA)
780-944-1609
Canada - Alberta