The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is a statutory body established in terms of the Health Professions Act 56 of 1974 (The Act) and is committed to protecting the public and guiding the professions. The professions registrable under the ambit of the Professional Board for Speech Language and Hearing Professions (SLH) are so duly registrable in terms of the Act.
The SLH Board would like to reiterate its concerns regarding the repeated notices and invitations being issued to the registered practitioners from new and emerging audiology network providers as well as third party administrators and lead generating organisations. The Board would like to remind registered practitioners that caution should always be exercised before signing any contract with the third-party or entering into any business agreements with a third-party provider. The ethical obligations of the registered practitioner towards the patients, professions, and fellow registered practitioners shall at all times remain unwavering. As such, registered practitioners are advised against entering into any contractual arrangements that may compromise ethical obligations. This is in line, not only with the Act, but all applicable regulations, rules, ruling, policies, and guidelines regulating the professions.
Practitioners are further advised that the Board is always available to provide necessary vetting, guidance, and advice on the content of any prospective contract. It is important to ensure that registered practitioners are informed so that the integrity of the profession can remain intact.
Practitioners are also reminded that transgressing ethical principles of the Board is an offence, as such the Board may institute disciplinary actions, against registered practitioners, where necessary.
The Board remains committed to guiding our members and providing continued and relevant oversight in the SLH professions.
I trust you find the above in order.
Regards,
Prof L Ramma
Chairperson: Professional Board for Speech Language and Hearing Professions
Last Updated on 28 November 2022 by HPCSA Corporate Affairs