Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Act, 1991

1 In this Act, “College” means the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario; (“Ordre”) “Health Professions Procedural Code” means the Health Professions Procedural Code set out in Schedule 2 to the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991; (“Code des professions de la santé”) “member” means a member of the College; (“membre”) “profession” means the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology; (“profession”) “this Act” includes the Health Professions Procedural Code. (“la présente loi”) 1991, c. 19, s. 1.

2 (1) The Health Professions Procedural Code shall be deemed to be part of this Act. 1991, c. 19, s. 2 (1). Terms in Code (2) In the Health Professions Procedural Code as it applies in respect of this Act, “College” means the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario; (“ordre”) “health profession Act” means this Act; (“loi sur une profession de la santé”) “profession” means the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology; (“profession”) “regulations” means the regulations under this Act. (“règlements”) 1991, c. 19, s. 2 (2). Definitions in Code (3) Definitions in the Health Professions Procedural Code apply with necessary modifications to terms in this Act. 1991, c. 19, s. 2 (3).

3 (1) The practice of audiology is the assessment of auditory function and the treatment and prevention of auditory dysfunction to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment auditory and communicative functions. 1991, c. 19, s. 3 (1). Idem (2) The practice of speech-language pathology is the assessment of speech and language functions and the treatment and prevention of speech and language dysfunctions or disorders to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment oral motor or communicative functions. 1991, c. 19, s. 3 (2).

4 In the course of engaging in the practice of audiology, a member is authorized, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, to prescribe a hearing aid for a hearing impaired person. 1991, c. 19, s. 4.

5 The College is established under the name College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario in English and Ordre des audiologistes et des orthophonistes de l’Ontario in French. 1991, c. 19, s. 5.

6 (1) The Council shall be composed of, (a) at least eight and no more than nine persons who are members elected in accordance with the by-laws; (b) at least six and no more than seven persons appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council who are not, (i) members, (ii) members of a College as defined in the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, or (iii) members of a Council as defined in the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991; and (c) two persons selected, in accordance with a by-law made under section 11, from among members who are members of a faculty of audiology or speech-language pathology of a university in Ontario. 1991, c. 19, s. 6 (1); 1998, c. 18, Sched. G, s. 24 (1, 2). Who can vote in elections (2) Subject to the by-laws, every member who practises or resides in Ontario and who is not in default of payment of the annual membership fee is entitled to vote in an electio…

7 The Council shall have a President and Vice-President who shall be elected annually by the Council from among the Council’s members. 1991, c. 19, s. 7.

8 (1) No person other than a member shall use the titles “audiologist”, “speech-language pathologist” or “speech therapist”, a variation or abbreviation or an equivalent in another language. 1991, c. 19, s. 8 (1). Representations of qualification, etc. (2) No person other than a member shall hold himself or herself out as a person who is qualified to practise in Ontario as an audiologist or a speech-language pathologist or in a specialty of audiology or speech-language pathology. 1991, c. 19, s. 8 (2). Definition (3) In this section, “abbreviation” includes an abbreviation of a variation. 1991, c. 19, s. 8 (3).

9 Repealed: 2021, c. 25, Sched. 25, s. 6. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2021, c. 25, Sched. 25, s. 6 - 03/06/2021

10 Every person who contravenes subsection 8 (1) or (2) is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $25,000 for a first offence and not more than $50,000 for a second or subsequent offence. 2007, c. 10, Sched. B, s. 1 (1). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2007, c. 10, Sched. B, s. 1 (1) - 04/06/2007

11 The Council may make by-laws respecting the qualifications, selection and terms of office of Council members who are selected. 1998, c. 18, Sched. G, s. 24 (4). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 1998, c. 18, Sched. G, s. 24 (4) - 01/02/1999

12 Subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Minister may make regulations exempting a person from subsection 8 (1) or (2) and setting conditions on such an exemption. 2025, c. 11, Sched. 10, s. 1. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2007, c. 10, Sched. B, s. 1 (2) - 04/06/2007 2025, c. 11, Sched. 10, s. 1 - 01/01/2026

13 Repealed: 2007, c. 10, Sched. B, s. 1 (2). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2007, c. 10, Sched. B, s. 1 (2) - 04/06/2007

14 Omitted (provides for coming into force of provisions of this Act). 1991, c. 19, s. 14.

15 Omitted (enacts short title of this Act). 1991, c. 19, s. 15. ______________