Return to Written Question 10-12(6) asked by Mr. Koe to the Minister of Health and Social Services concerning speech therapist services and private practices.
1.(a) Records kept by the Stanton Yellowknife Hospital and the health boards indicate that referrals/funding of school-aged students from the western Arctic and Kitikmeot for speech therapy services outside the territory are minimal. There are no children currently being funded, but the average would be less than one referral per month.
(b) In the eastern Arctic, there are no school-aged children receiving speech therapy services in Manitoba, according to information provided by Keewatin Regional Health Board.
2. Current legislation in the NWT does not prohibit a speech and language pathologist from establishing a private practice in the NWT.
3. The health insurance program does not permit direct billing by speech therapists or reimburse clients for services obtained directly through speech therapists in private practice.