SAC Webinar: Being an Expert Witness: What Speech-Language Pathologists (S-LPs) and Audiologists Need to Know

Speech-language pathologists and audiologists are increasingly being approached to act as expert witnesses in malpractice, personal injury, insurance and disability and regulatory proceedings. While this role presents an opportunity to contribute valuable professional insight, it also comes with important ethical, legal, and practical considerations that regulated health professionals must understand before agreeing to participate.

In this one‑hour webinar, a lawyer experienced in working with regulated health professionals including S-LPs and audiologists will guide you through the essentials: when and why you might be called as an expert witness, what questions to ask before accepting, how your Professional Liability Insurance may apply, and how to prepare for testimony. Participants will learn how to navigate expectations, protect themselves professionally, and approach expert witness work with confidence, clarity, and appropriate boundaries.

This session is ideal for any clinician who has been approached to act as an expert witness, or wants to be prepared if the request comes.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify situations in which S-LPs and Audiologists may be asked to act as expert witnesses and understand their professional responsibilities in these contexts.
• Evaluate key considerations and risks, including legal, regulatory, ethical, and Professional Liability Insurance implications, before agreeing to serve as an expert witness.
• Apply practical strategies to prepare for expert testimony, including best practices regarding documentation, knowledge of procedure at proceedings, communications with legal counsel and at the proceeding and maintaining professionalism.