Today, the Ontario government announced consultations on expanding the scope of practice for several regulated health professionals including speech-language pathologists (S-LPs), with the goal of improving access to care and enabling health providers to fully apply their expertise.

For S-LPs, the proposed changes include granting authority to order and perform certain diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. SAC is pleased to note that this recommendation reflects one of the key proposals included in our recent scope of practice submission. As per the Ontario Regulatory Registry, “Authorizing speech-language pathologists to order X-rays for the purposes of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies and to order the application of soundwaves for diagnostic ultrasounds for the purposes of assessing and managing speech disorders” is a proposed change to support greater access to diagnostic imaging.

These proposed measures align with the government’s Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, which is focused on strengthening Ontario’s healthcare system by enabling more professionals to provide frontline services. SAC welcomes the province’s commitment to expanding the authority of regulated health professionals, including S-LPs, and looks forward to ongoing progress. We will continue to share updates as they become available.

Read the full news release here.

Learn more about the consultation on proposed changes to scope of practice for several regulated health professions to support greater access to diagnostic imaging.