How are our renewal fees determined, and how do they compare with other provinces?

The cost of running the College is divided by the number of registrants. Fees are determined by projected costs for the coming year. Every attempt is made to make accurate projections and to be as efficient and economical as possible. Fees for annual renewal of registration are currently higher in BC than in other provinces. Manitoba’s renewal fees are currently very similar to those in BC.

Why are our fees higher?

There are a number of factors that should be taken into consideration when making comparisons. For instance, while Ontario has more than double the number of registrants of BC (in the range of 3000 registrants), both Colleges receive approximately the same number of complaints annually.  Ontario has double the office staff of BC.  If each Ontarian registrant paid an $800 fee it would make $2,400,000 available from renewal fees alone. In BC, with approximately 1100 registrants, if all were to pay the full fee for the purpose of this example, $1,320,000 would be available. Another factor is the constraints and requirements of the relevant governing legislation.  For example, in BC the College is required by law to investigate all complaints, whereas there is more discretion available in some other jurisdictions.

Is the College considering expanding membership in order to reduce fees?

There are ongoing discussions with groups who are interested in exploring the possibility of regulation of their members by the College.  Any such expansion of the College’s regulatory authority would require government authorization in addition to an agreement between the College and another group.

What is the likelihood of prorating fees depending on hours worked, particularly for registrants who work part-time?

The Board has reviewed this issue on numerous occasions in the past and will continue to do so.  There are a number of difficult issues to be addressed in developing such a policy, one of which is that the cost of regulation is shared by all registrants regardless of work status.  If some registrants pay a lower fee, others must pay a higher fee.  Another difficult issue is the definition of part-time (e.g. number of clients, income, hours worked, etc.) and a reliable means of determining workload.  Another issue is that registrants working in some areas of practice, particularly in assessment, are more likely to receive complaints.  A good number of registrants in these areas work part-time, but because of their area of practice, they receive a higher number of complaints and thus require more of the College’s time.  In short, there has been no equitable fashion identified by which a prorating of fees might be established.

I am going on leave next week. Can I get a refund for my renewal fees? 

There is tremendous variation among registrants in terms of amount of time worked, days per week worked, kind of work, etc.  All registrants practicing during any part of the year are required to pay full fees.  The Board has decided against prorating fees in terms of how many hours/days worked.

How can registrants make changes to the legislation governing the College?

Keep up to date with materials circulated to registrants and participate in the consultative process. Proposed amendments to the Health Professions Act were posted on the website when the Health Professions Amendment Act was enacted in 2003, as were the various submissions made by the College on behalf of the profession in response. ThePsychologists Regulation may be reviewed as the government works its way through the implementation of the recommendations of the Health Professions Council. Registrants will be kept informed and have an opportunity to comment on proposed changes.

Who is responsible for Criminal Record Checks?

Criminal Record Checks are run by the Criminal Records Review Program of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. This is not a College-initiated requirement. 

Where do I send my completed Criminal Record Check form(s)?

Please send the consent form and payment to the College. Please do not  send anything directly to the Criminal Records ReviewProgram. The College is required by law to retain the original consent forms. 

How are changes to the Code of Conduct made?

Registrants have submitted questions regarding the Code of Conduct standards, resulting in wording corrections and clarifications to the Code. New areas not covered in the Code of Conduct are primarily made through the development of Practice Advisories, by which registrants are expected to be guided in their practice. A number of Practice Advisories have resulted from submissions to the College by registrants with constructive suggestions for change and elaboration. This process is encouraged.  Registrants are provided with an opportunity to offer feedback on draft versions of the Code of Conduct prior to implementation of any revisions, and have also been offered ongoing opportunities to provide feedback on the Draft Practice Advisories.  Registrants are encouraged to check the College website regularly for updates and announcements, and to participate when asked for feedback and input.

Where and how do registrants have a voice in the College?

Registrants have a voice in the operation of the College through participation in information meetings and the AGM, by serving on committees, by providing comments on documents such as the Draft Practice Advisories, through offering feedback on the Quality Assurance Continuing Competency Program, and by writing letters providing constructive feedback or comments.

What can I do if I have concerns about what the College is doing?

If you have a general concern and are not under investigation, review the Health Professions Act and the Bylaws, and then direct any questions to the College for a response. If you are still dissatisfied, bring your concerns to the Ombudsman. If you are currently under investigation by a College committee, then write a letter to the College outlining your concerns. You may also wish to consult with legal counsel.

Does our College have a contingency fund to help deal with extraordinary expenses?

Yes.  The Board established a contingency fund in 2006. 

How can I help keep College costs down?

Stay informed about College processes and policies, and respond promptly to College requests. There is a lot of information available on policies and procedures through the College’s publications and website. The College will continue to put out mailings and post information on the College website. Maintaining ethical standards in your practice,being well-informed about regulation and responding promptly to the College in the event that you receive a complaint, is the best way to help minimize College costs.

Why doesn’t the College participate in the BCPA list serve?

There are multiple reasons. First, the list serve is sponsored by the BCPA, which is an entirely separate organization from the College and has a different mandate from the College.  Second, the College communicates with registrants on a regular basis through several means: direct written correspondence on any matter before the College, publications distributed to all registrants such as the Chronicle and the Annual Report, information letters to registrants from the Board and committees, and the College website.

Why must I complete a Criminal Record Check?

Under the  Criminal Records Review Act (CRRA), the College is required to ensure that each registrant completes a criminal records review conducted by the Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP).  There have been some recent changes to the CRRA including expanded definitions for conviction, the addition of six new offenses, and the requirement that registrants have a criminal record review every five years.  Registrants should review the CRRA to ensure that they are aware of the changes to the CRRA that apply to their practice. Information about this requirement can be found at www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/criminal-records-review/index.htm, and at www.leg.bc.ca/38th3rd/3rd_read/gov16-3.htm.

Can a registrant request that their information not be sold to other groups? 

The College Directory is created for the use of registrants and insurance companies and only includes information designated by the registrant as available to the public.  The College does not sell the directory to the public. You may request that your contact information not be put into the directory.  Information on the College Register is available, by law, to the public as described in sections 22 and 22 (1) of the Health Professions Act.

To whom does the Continuing Competency Program apply?

The Continuing Competency Program developed by the Quality Assurance Committee is a legal requirement for all registrants, as per the Health Professions Act. The intent of the program is to enhance and maintain the competence of registrants, consistent with the College’s public protection mandate. The Quality Assurance Committee is of the view that all registrants benefit from upgrading their knowledge, and from interacting with and receiving feedback from their colleagues. 

Exceptions/Exemptions:

• Registrants who were/are in the Retired category for the year that the review is based on (the previous year) are exempt from this requirement.
• Registrants who were/are in the Out of Province category for the year that the review is based on (the previous year) are exempt from this requirement.

Further information is available on the College website.

What is the philosophy of the Continuing Competency Program? 

The Quality Assurance Committee decided on a program based on maximizing the ‘locus of control’ within the registrant. Registrants decide which programs to complete, with the simple stipulation that in order for an activity to qualify for Continuing Competency Program hours, the registrant must be able to articulate what he or she learned from the activity that is relevant to their practice of psychology. 

Why are registrants subject to an annual audit of their Continuing Competency activities?

The annual review is the mechanism chosen by the Quality Assurance Committee to satisfy the College’s legal requirement to monitor adherence by registrants to the Continuing Competency Program.

How is the Continuing Competency Program audit conducted?

At the completion of the renewal process, a proportion of registrants are randomly selected for inclusion in the audit.  As all registrants are included in the pool of possible persons to be audited each year, it is possible for an individual registrant to be selected in consecutive years.  In the event that a registrant is selected for a third time within any five-year period, he or she may elect to decline to participate.  All other registrants selected for the audit are required to comply with Quality Assurance Committee requests for information.

Registrants selected for the audit are sent a letter advising them of this fact and requesting that they submit a copy of their completed log sheet to the College.  Identifying information is removed from the log sheets, and then the Quality Assurance Committee blindly reviews all log sheets to ensure that those audited are in compliance with the Continuing Competency Program requirements.  Those who are found to be in compliance are sent a letter advising them of the Committee’s determination.  In those cases in which the Committee has insufficient evidence to determine compliance, registrants are sent a letter seeking further information.  In the event a registrant is found not to be in compliance, the Committee takes further action, such as requiring the registrant to undertake additional activities and submit additional information to the Committee.

What do I need to do to meet the requirements of the Continuing Competency Program?

The Continuing Competency Program requirements specify a minimum of 35 hours of continuing competency activities in three categories. A minimum of 5 of these hours must be in the area of ethics, which is the fourth category.  Registrants are required to: (1) document the hours spent in required activities; (2) sign an attestation at registration renewal that they have met the requirements of the Continuing Competency Program; and (3) keep the documentation for a minimum of two years in case the registrant is asked to submit the documentation to the College. Not all registrants will be required to submit proof of their continuing competency activities; only a small random selection of registrants will be asked to do so. Registrants are encouraged to document their continuing competency activities throughout the year (e.g., workshops attended, hours spent in different activities, etc.) on the logsheet provided by the College and available for download on this website. 

Further information is available on the College website.

Why is it necessary to document continuing competency activities? 

Under the Health Professions Act, the Quality Assurance Committee is required to develop and administer a Continuing Competency Program. Documentation is required to ensure that all registrants are aware of the requirements of the program, and so that the College can be accountable in its administration of the program.

What if I have participated in more continuing competency activities than I can fit on the sheet provided?

Feel free to use the logsheet provided by the College as a template and develop your own table to summarize your completion of activities in the various continuing competency categories. 

If you are asked to submit your logsheet for audit purposes, provide appropriate detail of activities to permit the Quality Assurance Committee to evaluate whether the activities documented meet the requirements in each category and for activities you intend to carry forward in Category A.  (A sample completed log sheet is available on the website.)  Activities exceeding requirements can be documented in a more general way (e.g., Category B. Self-study - Journal - Canadian Psychology, 10+ hours).

How can I ensure that I am meeting the requirements when the Continuing Competency Program is continuing to be developed?

The general principle that should guide registrants in selecting continuing competency activities is: “Can I articulate that I have acquired new knowledge relevant to improving my practice of psychology?” Program requirements are outlined on the website and all changes are distributed for comment and feedback to registrants prior to implementation.

As a new registrant, can I include activities that I completed while I was an applicant this year?

Yes. For new registrants, the activities may be completed while the individual is an applicant or a registrant, as long as the activities occurred within the calendar year.

Are registrants in the Non-Practicing category required to be in full compliance with the Continuing Competency Program? 

A registrant may request to be placed in the Non-Practicing category for a maximum of two consecutive years. While under Limitations - Non-Practicing, registrants are required to be in compliance with the Continuing Competency Program unless they are on medical or parental leave (documentation required). Registrants "on sabbatical" would be expected to be engaging in activities that would meet the program requirements (e.g., taking workshops, reading, discussing psychology with colleagues, etc.).

Does the College provide a list of pre-approved or acceptable workshops for Category A: Direct, Participatory, Formal Programs?

No. The Quality Assurance Committee believes that such a list would be too restrictive. The Committee has developed a description of the modal activites in Categories A, B, and C (Category D activities are drawn from the first three). Registrants are encouraged to check with BCPA and other professional organizations to find workshops, conferences, etc., relevant to their area of practice.

Can an APA approved continuing education correspondence course be considered equivalent to an APA approved on-line course, and can an in-person course be considered equivalent to an on-line course?

In-person courses and APA sponsored/approved on-line and correspondence courses are both acceptable for Category A – Direct, Participatory, Formal Programs.

How can I obtain the Five hours of credit required for Ethics? 

The five hours required explicitly on ethics can be obtained via direct participatory formal programs, self study, and/or structured interactive activities. A registrant could meet this requirement, for example, entirely through self-study, or by combining hours from a number of different activities. The five hours of ethics may be included in the hours logged in any of the other categories, and do not represent a requirement for an additional five hours of continuing competency activities.

Can I get credit for reading the Code of Conduct and the Chronicle? 

As per the Code of Conduct, registrants are responsible for reading all information that the College disseminates. Registrants can claim credit for keeping current via self-study activities, and by entering the College publications and information read in Category B (Self Study) of their log sheet.  Depending on the content, such readings could also be claimed in Category D (Ethics).

What is the intent of Category C: Structured Interactive Activities, and the minimum acceptable number in a group?

The intent of Category C: Structured Interactive Activities is for registrants to interact with colleagues on a regular basis in order to consolidate new learning and receive feedback regarding one’s practice. The minimum acceptable number in a group is two.

How can I meet Category C requirements when I live in a rural area?

The Quality Assurance Committee is of the opinion that registrants who live in more isolated locations will benefit from availing themselves of opportunities to interact with other psychologists and mental health professionals. Only 12 of the 35 hours per year must involve interactive contact with others. There is no requirement that these in-person contact hours must be completed solely with other psychologists. Registrants may include activities with other licensed/regulated mental health professionals in this category. Also, there is no requirement that the contact be in person. For example, telephone contact that meets the objectives of this category may qualify as a Category C activity.

Who are appropriate colleagues for purposes of Category C: Structured Interactive Activities?

Colleagues do not have to be registered psychologists or psychological associates. They can be colleagues from other mental health professions or other areas of practice. For registrants who have primarily academic involvements, continuing competency compliance criteria are reviewed on a case by case basis. Registrants should ensure they include sufficient information regarding the composition and activities of their group to enable the Quality Assurance Committee to evaluate their logged activities.  For example, at a minimum a logsheet might include the date and duration of meetings, the topic(s) discussed, the number of participants, and the professions of the participants.

Does providing a workshop for clients or the public count towards the Structured Interactive Activities requirement?

Structured Interactive Activities are understood by the Quality Assurance Committee to include activities in which you have interacted with colleagues (e.g., peer supervision or study groups, in-services provided by your employer, etc.). The key criteria as to whether an activity “counts” are whether the registrant learned something new and practice enhancing, and whether he or she can document this to the Quality Assurance Committee’s satisfaction. Typically, provision of workshops would be expected to demonstrate expertise in an area, rather than indicate new learning. Therefore, delivering a workshop or presentation does not qualify for any category of the Continuing Competency Program.  However, studies undertaken in preparation for delivering a workshop or presentation may be included under Category B (Self Study) if the registrant learned something new and practice enhancing.

Can I receive credit for teaching and supervising graduate students?

Registrants can receive Continuing Competency Program credit for teaching, supervision, and consultation preparation work by documenting the materials reviewed in the initial preparation for the topic under Category B (Self Study) if such activities meet the criteria of providing new and practice enhancing knowledge. The Code of Conduct requires that registrants only provide supervision in areas of competence. The Committee is therefore of the view that supervision of, and consultation to, others who are in a position of learning from the registrant (i.e., students, those with limitations on the Register, other clinicians who are receiving supervision or consultation in order to increase their skills) will not easily meet the Continuing Competency Program requirements.

I just received notification from the College regarding the timeline for completing its investigation of a complaint against me.  Do I need to do anything?

No.  The College is required by the Health Professions Act (the “Act”) to keep both the registrant and the complainant apprised when the statutory timelines for completing an investigation have been exceeded.  Initially, the College has 120 days to complete its investigation, but the Act permits the College up to 254 days to complete its investigation so long as the College provides the proper notices to both the registrant and the complainant.  The Act, which sets out applicable timelines for investigations in Section 50.55, is available elsewhere on this website, including in the Library section.

I just received notification of a review application filed against me with the Health Professions Review Board (the “Review Board”).  What should I do now?

The Review Board is quite new and the College, while not able to provide you with legal advice, is interested in ensuring that registrants are properly informed about the process. The Review Board is an administrative tribunal created under the Health Professions Act to provide an independent review of certain decisions made by colleges of self-governing health professions, including those made by this College.  If you are not already represented by a lawyer, you may wish to retain one for this review process.  The College’s role in a review is limited to addressing the decision made on the record by the Inquiry Committee and any issues of procedural unfairness.  The College’s role is not to represent the registrant’s interests.    

In deciding whether to retain a lawyer, you may wish to consider the following points.  First, the review process can be complicated.  Second, the review process can raise privacy concerns.  Third, the review process may generate potentially serious consequences for you. These consequences may include the Review Board setting aside the disposition of the Inquiry Committee with a new disposition.

As a registrant, your insurance may cover retaining legal counsel. For information, you will need to contact your insurer.  Finally, if you decide to hire a lawyer, you may benefit from hiring a lawyer earlier in the process, rather than later.

What does it mean if someone has a limitation on their registration?

Registrants without limitaitons on their registration are working in psychology without any restrictions or limitations on their practice.  Registrants with limitations on their registration have limitations or conditions placed on their practice.  Registrants with limitations may have limitations for a number of reasons, including temporary absences from their practice, incomplete coursework, disciplinary sanctions or agreements, or competency concerns.  For example, an individual may have a restriction on his or her practice based on a decision of either the Registration or the Inquiry Committee.  Registrants may be limited in their practice area by voluntary agreement due to a competency complaint, and new registrants may have conditions placed on their practices because they require additional supervision prior to becoming registered without limitations.  Registrants may also have limitations because they are on sabbatical, maternity leave, or are temporarily out of the province.

How do I explain to employers and clients what a "limitation" on registration means? 

You are encouraged to explain clearly the reason for the limitation.  Some limitations are printed on the Certificate of Registration, which must be displayed in your office.  In addition to reducing confusion about limitations, this kind of discussion helps educate the public about the regulation of psychology in BC.  There are a wide variety of limitations, including those related to category of registration (such as retired or non-practicing), new registrants with limitations targeted to remediate areas of practice highlighted by performance on the oral exam, and limitations which form the basis for complaint resolution, such as not practicing in a certain area or receiving supervision.

Employers who are registrants should request a copy of the Limitation Agreement signed between the registrant and the College from their employee or prospective employee to ensure that the contemplated employment is in compliance with this Agreement.

If I am registered with a Limitation on the Register, how do I sign my name?

If you are registered with a Limitation on the Register, you will have a Limited Register Agreement or Letter of Undertaking which specifies whether or not you are required to indicate this status in your professional signature and advertisements.  Identification of a Limitation on the Register should be consistent with the remainder of the name and credential presentation.

What is the Practice Support Service?

The Practice Support Service is a resource to assist registrants in considering how best to handle ethical dilemmas and unfamiliar practice situations, and to enhance clinical practice, consistent with the College's public protection mandate.

Who may access the Practice Support Service?

The Practice Support Service is available to College registrants.

How quickly will I get a response to my inquiry to Practice Support?

Every effort is made to respond to inquiries in a timely fashion.  Registrants should be aware that the service is not an "on demand" or emergency service.  Generally, registrants may typically expect a response within four working days.  At present, the service is usually available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Who provides practice support?

Practice support is provided by a senior psychologist on staff at the College who is familiar with both general practice issues and the legislation governing the practice of psychology in British Columbia.  This psychologist has no involvement with the College's inquiry or discipline processes to ensure the separation of practice support from the College's legal obligations to investigate complaints and fitness and competency to practice issues.

How do I access the Practice Support Service?

Registrants may access the Service by sending their inquiry through regular post or via facsimile, by telephoning the College and selecting option 4 when prompted by the autoattendant,or by sending an email to practicesupport@collegeofpsychologists.bc.ca.

I have questions regarding my registration/renewal/complaint matter.  Can the Practice Support Service assist me?

The Practice Support Service is intended only to assist registrants with practice issues and ethical dilemmas.  Individuals with other types of inquiries will be redirected to the appropriate department for assistance.

Why does the College require registrants to name a professional executor?

Registrants are responsible for client welfare and continuity of care, which includes thoughtful planning for unplanned events as well as for planned retirement, as per the Code of Conduct.  Professional documentation of one’s work with clients is necessary to facilitate one’s service provision to those clients, to facilitate future services by other providers, to ensure professional accountability, to meet other legal and/or institutional requirements, for potential use in legal contexts, etc.  As such, it is possible that a client may require access to his or her records even after contact with you has ended.  The College requires that all registrants make arrangement for their practice and records in the unfortunate event of their incapacity or death in order to safeguard the welfare of clients, and to provide professional executor information to the College so the College may fulfill its public protection mandate.  Providing the name of your professional executor to the College is a minimal requirement which will enable appropriate access to patient records and continuing care in the event of unplanned incapacitation or death.  This requirement is also seen as one component of the general effort to acknowledge and prepare for the changing demographic of the College, with our average age over 56 years old, and over 60% of our current registrants being over the age of 50.

Are registrants obligated to have a professional will?

No. Registrants are obligated to appoint a professional executor to be responsible for their practice records in the event of incapacitation or death. This obligation commenced with renewal 2010.  Professional wills are one way to facilitate discussion and review of the issues which may arise in appointing a professional executor and for this reason the College sponsored a series of workshops on writing a professional will.

What is the relationship between a professional will and a personal will?

Registrants concerned about the legal relationship between a professional and a personal will should seek legal advice on this issue.  It may be advisable for the personal will to make mention of the registrant who has agreed to be your professional executor.  Registrants should also ensure that they have taken appropriate steps to advise any persons necessary, such as an office manager and/or a spouse, of the identity and role of their professional executors.

What are the responsibilities of the professional executor?

The primary responsibility of the professional executor is to facilitate appropriate access to practice records and the appropriate referral of current clients to other mental health professionals. One of the most common misconceptions about the responsibilities of being a professional executor for a colleague is the notion that by agreeing to serve in this role, you are agreeing to \"take on\" your colleague’s entire caseload. This is not the obligation of a professional executor. One advantage of completing a professional will is the opportunity it provides to spell out expectations in careful detail.

How do I know what my specific requirements for a Professional Executor are?

The Quality Assurance Committee has developed careful policies regarding professional executor requirements.  The Committee is aware that professional circumstances of registrants may differ, and has established requirements to reflect these different circumstances.  Registrants with primary control over practice records are required to name another registrant as professional executor for those records.  Registrants working in institutional settings must name a contact for those records, but the contact does not have to be a registrant of the College.  Other circumstances, such as being registered as Limitations on Register – Out of Province, are also covered by the policy.  Policies regarding professional executor requirements for particular circumstances are available on the College's website.

Do registrants who work exclusively in institutional settings need to name a Professional Executor when they do not have primary control over any records?

The College appreciates that registrants want to do the right thing and has aimed to establish good practice that is both clear and feasible, and honours its public protection mandate.  Registrants who work in institutional settings are required to identify an individual to whom the College may turn in the event a request for records is received. The individual does not have to be a registrant of the College, but should be someone who will be able to respond to information requests.  This policy allows registrants to name an individual who is already positioned within the institution and who will have access to records as necessary.

I am a new registrant.  Do I have to name a professional executor?

New registrants are asked to provide their professional executor information.  If they work in an institution and have created records over which they do not have control, they are required to name a contact person for their institutional records.  The College prefers that at this time they also name a registrant as their professional executor for any records over which they have care and control, such as those created in private practice.  However, the College recognizes that some new registrants who are new to the province may need some time to establish relationships with colleagues from whom they can seek a professional executor agreement, and permits new registrants to request a deferral for naming their professional executor until the time of their first registration renewal.

Why does the College require a legal address for the Register?

The Health Professions Act presumes that registered mail has been received seven days from the date it was sent by the College.  Registrants should ensure that the address selected as the Register address is an address where they regularly receive mail, and that it is reliable and secure.

Why do I need to hang a certificate from the College in my office once I'm registered?

The certificate informs the public that you are a member of the regulated profession of psychology in BC, and that your registration is current.  It is a requirement of the College under Bylaw 53(8) that the annual certificate be prominently displayed in offices where you routinely practice psychology.  From a public protection standpoint, this certificate assures clients that they are receiving services from someone who is a member of a fully regulated profession with a rigorous credentialing procedure used to determine eligibility for registration, and that provides recourse through a complaints process.

What is my status with the College if I am retired?

Retired registrants can remain on the Register in the Retired category to maintain access to the title “psychologist” with retired status specified - i.e., R.Psych. (Ret.).  Retired registrants are required to maintain professional liability insurance.  Registrants in this category can reconsider active practice within six months after initial placement in this category.  (See the full policy on retirement on the website.)  Some retired practitioners decide to be removed from the Register.  Once removed from the register, individuals are no longer registrants of the College and are unable to use the title of “psychologist” or even “retired psychologist.”

What is my status with the College if I am not working in psychology?

The College governs registrants’ psychological activities and registrants’ actions which reflect negatively on the profession as a whole.  With respect to professional activities, the College does not govern non-psychological activities.  For example, a registrant may also operate a separate business.  The College does not govern that registrant’s business activities as long as they do not involve psychological activities.  With respect to conduct unbecoming of a psychologist, the College regulates such actions whether or not the registrant is conducting psychological activities.  For example, a registrant who commits an act of violence against another person outside of his or her psychological practice will likely be disciplined by the College.

What do I need to do if I am going on sabbatical, or if I am returning to active practice after a sabbatical or break?

Please see the “Movement Between Categories” policy and form on the College website.  If you are planning to resume active practice, allow 30 days for the College to process your request.

If I don't see clients, why do I need insurance?

All registrants are required to carry sufficient liability insurance.  The requirement is based on registrant status with the College, not on activity or job description of the registrant.  Retired registrants should investigate “tail insurance” to cover their previous clinical work.

If I have insurance coverage in my work setting (e.g. a hospital), do I need to have independent malpractice insurance in addition to what my employer provides?

If you do any work outside the setting covered by your employment then you need additional coverage to cover work in the other setting(s) or private practice.

If I work outside B.C., do I still need to follow the CPBC Code of Conduct?

The College has jurisdiction over registrants regardless of where they practice.

How do I find a job in BC?

The College of Psychologists of BC does not provide information on job openings.  Those interested are encouraged to check other websites for information on job openings such as the Canadian Psychological Association, (http://www.cpa.ca/careers/) and the British Columbia health authorities  (http://www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/socsec/index.html ).

Yes, Make a declaration in Category A.

I was in private practice, but I’m not anymore. I have practice records. Do I need to name a professional executor?

Yes, make a declaration in Category A.

Yes you must name a professional executor in BC concerning practice records for work you are, or have been, providing in BC. You must name a professional executor for as long as you are maintaining practice records for work provided in BC. Make a declaration in Category A.

Yes you must name a professional executor in BC concerning practice records for work you provided in BC. You must name a professional executor for as long as you are maintaining practice records for work provided in BC. Make a declaration in Category B.

I was formerly in private practice, but now work exclusively in an institutional setting. I made this transition several years ago. I have practice records from when I was in private practice. Do I need to name a professional executor?

Yes, as long as you retain ownership of practice records concerning past private practice clients which you have an ongoing duty to maintain under the Code of Conduct. Make a declaration in Category A.  You must also name an institutional contact under Category C.

Yes. You must name another registrant as a professional executor with respect to any and all practice records that you own. Make a declaration in Category A. You must also name a contact person at your institution responsible fore institutional records. Make a declaration under Category C.

No, make a declaration under Category D.

No, but you must name a contact person at your institution responsible for institutional records.

Who in my institution should I name as a contact person? I work with a part-time psychologist, but there is also a manager?

An institutional contact person need not be another registrant of the College. You should name whoever has primary responsibility for the records within the institution. 

Can I name the position responsible for institutional records or do I need to name a particular person?

You should always name a person, but also provide that person’s position. You are always free to update this information at your next renewal, or throughout the year.

I have worked in an institution and it seems like the requirement to name a contact is indefinite. For how long will I have to name a contact?

If the institutional practice records are beyond the 7 year maintenance period (or longer in the case of working with persons under age 19), you may request an exemption from this requirement.

Yes. You should sign declaration Category C.

You may request an exemption by signing the declaration in Category E.

What are the acceptable payment methods for the Criminal Record Check?

The Criminal Records Review Program accepts payment by credit card (using its authorization form) or a certified cheque or money order made out to the Minister of Finance.  Personal cheques and payment made out to the College are not accepted.

I am not currently practicing because I am retired/on leave/out of province. Do I still have to complete a Criminal Record Check?

Yes. All registrants, irrespective of status or whether they are practicing or non-practicing, are required  by law to complete this requirement. 

I had a Criminal Record Check run recently for my employer/place of volunteer work, etc. Can I provide you with a copy of this instead?

No. The College is required to have the Criminal Record Check run for this particular purpose and must retain original consent forms on file. The College is not permitted to accept a “re-used” Criminal Record Check.

I have recently had a police/RCMP check run. Can I provide you with a copy of this instead?

No. A Criminal Records Check and a police check are two different things. Accordingly, we cannot accept police checks. Please do not arrange to have a check conducted by a local police department or your local RCMP detachment as a means to fulfil this requirement, as it cannot be accepted.

I have enhanced security clearance for my employment. Is this sufficient?

No. This is a legislated requirement for all registrants of the College irrespective of any other background checks that they may be subject to for other reasons. This is not a College-initiated requirement and cannot be covered off with other types of security and background clearances.

What kind of insurance do I need to practice psychology?

Section 61 of the College Bylaws specifies that “All registrants must maintain or be included in coverage under professional liability insurance in an amount not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence.” An individual registrant’s particular circumstances may warrant a higher insurance coverage amount and/or additional types of insurance. Registrants are responsible for having, at a minimum, the professional liability insurance required under the Bylaws, and for determining any other specific insurance requirements necessitated by their circumstances.

Will you accept my fax or photocopy of the forms for the Criminal Record Check?

No. The College is required to retain original consent forms for this purpose. Accordingly, faxes and photocopies cannot be accepted.

I’ve misplaced my Criminal Record Check forms. Where can I get new ones?

The Consent to a Criminal Record Check and the Authorization for Credit Card Usage forms are both available on the College website here. 

What are the consequences if I am not in compliance with fulfilling a Criminal Record Check?

If a registrant fails to comply with this legal requirement, the College will be required to take further action which could include imposing limits or conditions on practice or cancellation of registration.

I go by my middle name/a shortened version of my name/a nickname, etc. Do I have to record my full legal name anyway?

Yes. The Criminal Records Review Program requires the full legal name and any previous/alternate names of all individuals who are undergoing a Criminal Record Check.

How much does the Criminal Record Check cost?

The fee is $20.00 per person.

Do I need liability insurance?

Section 61 of the College Bylaws specifies that “All registrants must maintain or be included in coverage under professional liability insurance in an amount not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence.”

I am on the Register but not registered for active practice (e.g.s,  Out of Province, Retired, Non-practicing).  Do I still need liability insurance?

All registrants who are on the Register, regardless of status, are required as per the College Bylaws to “maintain or be included in coverage under professional liability insurance in an amount not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence.” This requirement extends to those registrants who are on the Register in ANY category of registration.  Check with your insurance carrier for any specific options related to the Retired category.

How many continuing competency hours am I allowed to bank?

You are permitted to bank up to 12 hours from Category A only, if you have exceeded the number of hours required in this category for the year. Any hours banked are available for use in the following year only. For example, if you complete 18 Category A hours this year, you may bank up to 6 hours for use in meeting your Category A requirements next year only. As another example, if you have 4 hours banked from last year for use this year, and you completed an additional 15 hours this year, then 8 of this year’s hours are required in combination with the 4 banked hours to meet this year’s 12-hour requirement in Category A. The 7 hours remaining from the current year may be banked for use in meeting next year’s Category A requirements. As a final example, if you complete 30 hours in Category A this year, then you may bank up to 12 hours for use next year after using 12 hours to meet this year’s requirements, and the extra 6 hours cannot be banked.

I have 12 Category A hours banked from last year. How many Category A hours do I need to complete this year?

None, as your 12 banked hours fulfill this year’s requirement for Category A hours. Any additional Category A hours you complete this year may be banked for use toward next year’s Category A requirements, up to a maximum of 12 hours.

Can I bank extra hours from other categories instead of from Category A?

No. Only Category A hours accumulated in excess of those required for the current year are available for banking, and they may only be applied to the next year’s Category A requirements. Excess hours from other categories may not be banked.