RCASLPNB Speech-Language Pathologist Complaints in New Brunswick: What Speech-Language Pathologists Should Know
The Regulatory College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of New Brunswick (RCASLPNB) is the regulator for speech-language pathologists in New Brunswick under Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Act, SNB 1987, c. 71 (as amended, most recently June 2025). Most concerns are reviewed by the Complaints Committee. Serious matters may be referred to the Discipline Committee for a formal hearing.
What do you need help with?
Choose your profession, situation, and province to begin a tailored response.
Select your profession, situation, and province to continue.
Regulator
Regulatory College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of New Brunswick
rcaslpnb.caGoverning statute
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Act, SNB 1987, c. 71 (as amended, most recently June 2025)
First-stage decision-maker
Complaints Committee
Registrant response window
Complaint must be submitted in writing and signed; no fixed acknowledgement deadline
Mailing address
PO Box 23113 Moncton, NB E1A 6S8
1-866-455-9642
Understanding the RCASLPNB complaints process
Speech-Language Pathologists in New Brunswick are accountable to the Regulatory College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of New Brunswick (RCASLPNB). When a concern is raised about a speech-language pathologist, intake staff log it, send the speech-language pathologist a copy of the materials, and invite a written response. The complaints stream is built around the file the Complaints Committee reviews — the quality and clarity of your written response is the most important factor at this level.
Most matters resolve at the Complaints Committee stage through dismissal, advice, a remedial undertaking, or a consent-style resolution. Serious matters that are not resolvable at intake may be referred to the Discipline Committee for a formal hearing on the record. Hearing decisions are typically posted on the regulator's public register.
Engage your professional liability insurer the day you receive the notice. Do not contact the complainant directly. Preserve all relevant records (clinical notes, billing, schedules, communications). Read the regulator's notice carefully — your deadline, the scope of the allegations, and what is being asked of you are spelled out in it.
What's distinctive about the RCASLPNB complaints process
- Standalone profession-specific Act most recently amended June 2025
- Formerly NBASLPA; transitioned to a formal regulatory college
- Participates in the Cross Provincial Practice Certificate program
- Unlawful to practice in NB without RCASLPNB registration, including virtual care into NB
- Courtesy registration available for guest lecturers and short-term practitioners
What triggers complaints against speech-language pathologists in New Brunswick
Administrative concerns
- •Practicing without valid registration
- •Failure to meet continuing competency standards
- •Advertising or fee transparency issues
- •Out-of-province virtual service delivery without registration
- •Failure to maintain required documentation
Conduct or practice concerns
- •Unprofessional conduct or conduct unbecoming
- •Clinical incompetence or unsafe practice
- •Breach of professional ethics
- •Sexual misconduct or boundary violations
- •Failure to appropriately supervise support staff
How a RCASLPNB complaint typically moves
- 1
Complaint received and acknowledged
The regulator receives the written complaint, assigns a file number, and sends a written acknowledgement to the complainant and the speech-language pathologist.
- 2
Notice to the speech-language pathologist
You are sent the complaint and supporting materials, and invited to provide a written response. The regulator's complaints staff is typically your point of contact.
- 3
Investigation
An investigator gathers records, may interview witnesses, and asks targeted questions. You have a duty to cooperate but you are entitled to counsel.
- 4
Written response from the speech-language pathologist
You submit a written response addressing each allegation with supporting documentation. This is usually the single most important document on the file.
- 5
Review by the Complaints Committee
The Complaints Committee reviews the file on the record. It can take no action, issue advice or a caution, accept an undertaking, require remediation, or refer the matter forward.
- 6
Possible referral to the Discipline Committee
Serious matters or unresolved factual disputes may be referred to the Discipline Committee for a formal hearing on the merits.
Possible outcomes
No further action or dismissal
The committee determines the complaint is unfounded, outside its jurisdiction, or does not warrant further action. The file is closed and (in most jurisdictions) does not appear on the public register.
Advice, caution, or reminder
A non-disciplinary measure intended to support reflection on practice. Usually recorded on your regulator file; often not posted publicly.
Remedial undertaking or consent agreement
A structured remedial plan, typically including coursework, mentorship, or a period of practice monitoring. Some appear on the public register.
Referral to discipline or formal hearing
A formal hearing-style proceeding before a panel that can issue findings of professional misconduct or incompetence and impose conditions, suspension, or licence revocation.
Suspension or revocation of registration
Reserved for the most serious findings, including sexual abuse, criminal-grade conduct, or repeated practice failures. Always published on the regulator's public register.
Practical tips for speech-language pathologists in New Brunswick
- Read the regulator's notice carefully. Your deadline, the scope of the allegations, and the specific information requested are spelled out in it.
- Notify your professional liability insurer the same day you receive the complaint — coverage typically includes legal representation.
- Preserve all relevant records immediately: clinical notes, billing data, schedules, and any text or email communications with the patient or colleagues.
- Do not contact the complainant directly. Communicate only through the regulator or through counsel.
- Be calm, factual, and chronological in your written response. The committee reviews the file on the record; the quality of that document drives the outcome.
Explore More Licensing Guidance
If you're navigating a licensing board complaint or investigation, these resources may help:
Frequently asked questions
Talk to BoardWise
Not sure where your matter fits? Send us a short message and we'll point you to the right next step.
Not Sure If We're Right for You?
Send us a quick message. We're happy to answer questions about how BoardWise works and whether it might help with your situation.
We typically respond within one business day.
Prefer to email us directly?
support@boardwise.onlineOther speech-language pathologists guides
Alberta
Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (ACSLPA)
British Columbia
College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC)
Manitoba
College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Manitoba (CASLPM)
Newfoundland and Labrador
College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists – Newfoundland and Labrador (within the NL Council of Health Professionals) (CASLP-NL)
Northwest Territories
No formal regulatory college for SLPs exists in the Northwest Territories (NTHSSA / GNWT)
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Regulator of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (NSRASLP)