OOAQ Speech-Language Pathologist Complaints in Quebec: What Speech-Language Pathologists Should Know
The Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec (OOAQ) is the regulator for speech-language pathologists in Quebec under Professional Code, CQLR c. C-26; Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Act, CQLR c. O-5. Most concerns are reviewed by the Bureau du syndic. Serious matters may be referred to the Conseil de discipline for a formal hearing.
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Governing statute
Professional Code, CQLR c. C-26; Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Act, CQLR c. O-5
First-stage decision-maker
Bureau du syndic
Registrant response window
Comité de révision des plaintes must be requested within 30 days of the Syndic's decision not to proceed
Mailing address
630, rue Sherbrooke Ouest, bureau 800 Montréal, QC H3A 1E4
514-282-9123
Understanding the OOAQ complaints process
Speech-Language Pathologists in Quebec are accountable to the Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec (OOAQ). 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 Bureau du syndic reviews — the quality and clarity of your written response is the most important factor at this level.
Most matters resolve at the Bureau du syndic 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 Conseil de discipline 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 OOAQ complaints process
- Quebec's omnibus Professional Code is unique in Canada
- 'Orthophoniste' is a reserved title; unauthorized use is a penal offence
- Syndic is appointed by the Board and acts as investigator/prosecutor
- Comité de révision may review the Syndic's decision not to file
- One of the largest SLP/audiology regulators in Canada
What triggers complaints against speech-language pathologists in Quebec
Administrative concerns
- •Fee disputes or charges for services not rendered
- •Advertising not meeting standards
- •Unauthorized practice or use of reserved titles
- •Failure to provide required documents or records
- •Breach of professional secrecy
Conduct or practice concerns
- •Reserved acts performed incompetently
- •Professional misconduct or conduct unbecoming
- •Violation of the Code of Ethics
- •Sexual misconduct or boundary violations
- •Conflict of interest or abuse of professional relationship
How a OOAQ 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 Bureau du syndic
The Bureau du syndic 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 Conseil de discipline
Serious matters or unresolved factual disputes may be referred to the Conseil de discipline 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 Quebec
- 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.
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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)
New Brunswick
Regulatory College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of New Brunswick (RCASLPNB)
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)