New licensing regulations
SYDNEY — Audiologists and speech-language pathologists will have to be licensed to work in Nova Scotia, beginning this fall. 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. The request to be designated selfregulating professions came from the Speech and Hearing Association of Nova Scotia. 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. “Licensing of the professions will help ensure the safety of the public and the effectiveness of services provided by audiologists and speechlanguage pathologists by the setting of appropriate standards of conduct and competence,” Patricia Cleave, association president, said in a news release.
“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 practice and professional conduct, investigate complaints and discipline members under the Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists Act.