COVID UPDATE

February 16, 2021   

Please note the following information provided by NLCHP:

"We have once again moved into Covid-19 Alert Level 5, which requires that private health care clinics close, except those of physicians and nurse practitioners. Closed clinics can offer urgent and emergent care, and virtual options can be offered for non-urgent care. More information about Covid-19 Alert Level 5 is available: https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/alert-system/alert-level-5/"

Here is a link to information provided by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador:  

Alert Level 5 - COVID-19 - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Summary table of the COVID-19 Alert Level System Alert Level 5 has broad sweeping public health measures to protect the population. Public Health Orders are in place. Life at Level 5: Your responsibility: Follow Public Health Guidance for All Alert Levels. Stay at home as much as possible, except to get essentials like groceries and […]          www.gov.nl.ca

November 25, 2020

To: All CASLP-NL Registrants

RE: COVID-19 Practice Recommendations

At this time, in the interest of client and provider safety, we ask all members to please consider the following as it relates to the provision of services: 

1.0 General Recommendations
2.0 Telepractice   
3.0 Infection Prevention and Control 
 

1.0 General Recommendations

1.1 Refer to SAC’s COVID-19 website for the most up to date clinical practice considerations.

Audiology: https://www.sac-oac.ca/news-events/news/audiology-clinical-practice-guidelines

Speech-Language Pathology: https://www.sac-oac.ca/news-events/news/new-speech-language-pathology-clinical-practice-guidelines

1.2 Use of a risk assessment and client screening tool for all in-person client interactions.
 

1.3 Use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and practice Physical Distancing. 
 

1.4 Follow all employer/Chief Medical Officer of Health policies and guidelines re: clinical practice and COVID-19, including Infection prevention and control guidelines. See items 5.0. 
 

1.5 If you feel unsafe to perform a specific evaluation or intervention based on evidenced-based practice and your clinical judgement, discussion with management/employer on a case-by-case basis is advised.
 

2.0 Telepractice

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, both Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists are looking to telepractice to support their clients. 

At this time, it is the stance of CASLP-NL to take direction from our national association, SAC. Please review the following resources:

https://www.sac-oac.ca/news-events/news/covid-19-update-telepractice

When telepractice is operationally feasible, please consider the following: 

• • Client confidentiality. While CASLP-NL does not have a specific recommendation for a telepractice platform, we can say that platforms that are consistent with HIPAA/FERPA compliance would meet the needs of our professionals. It is critical that you ensure the platform version that you use e.g. trial version, free version, limited capability version, full suite, etc. are consistent with these standards. You may also wish to consider, when entering any client information into these platforms, that you limit information to essential details only and use de-identified information whenever possible.
  • Use of a consent form.  Sample consent forms can be found on the SAC website.
  • License jurisdiction. You must ensure that you are working within your scope of practice, and registered in the jurisdiction where the client resides. As a registered member in NL, you may provide telepractice to clients in NL; however, you would need to contact the regulatory body in other jurisdictions if you look to service clients outside this province.
  • Professional-liability insurance. Please confirm with your professional liability insurer that there are no additional restrictions with regard to telepractice. BMS has confirmed that “those insured with SAC Professional Liability Insurance have “no additional restrictions in relation to delivering professional services via telemedicine…”.
     

3.0 Infection Prevention and Control

Infection prevention and control is a critical element of clinical practice, and employer policies and guidelines must be followed. With the evolving nature of COVID-19, it is important to stay up to date as recommendations may change quickly.  Please review the following resources: 

https://www.sac-oac.ca/news-events/news/covid-19-update-infection-prevention-and-control

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this document as it relates to COVID-19 is accurate based on the date of release; however, information and recommendations are continually evolving. Please refer to the SAC webiste formost up to date information.

https://www.sac-oac.ca/update-members-and-associates-covid-19

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

http://caaspr.ca/newsandevents/national-audiology-and-speech-language-pathology-competency-profiles/