On March 31, 2023, Bill 46, The Health Statutes Amendment Act was proclaimed. This Bill introduced changes to the Health Professions Act (HPA) and realignment of the regulatory tools under the HPA which include the Physical Therapists Profession Regulation (PTPR), the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta’s Bylaws, and the Standards of Practice.
What is Changing?
Many of the Bill 46 amendments moved requirements that have been included in the Physical Therapists Profession Regulation out of the regulation into the HPA, the Bylaws or the Standards of Practice.
Continuing Competence Program: The details about the Continuing Competence Program will now be included in the Continuing Competence Standard of Practice and the Program Rules approved by Council instead of the PTPR. The current DO. LEARN. GROW program is not changing.
The Continuing Competence Standard of Practice is in effect starting March 31, 2023.
Restricted Activities: The restricted activities authorized to physiotherapists will be moved from the PTPR into the new Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation which comes into effect on March 31, 2023. Due to these changes, CPTA was required to develop and adopt a Standard of Practice pertaining to the performance of restricted activities that specifically addressed:
- How a regulated member performs the restricted activity
- Who may be permitted to perform the restricted activity under the supervision of a regulated member
- How a regulated member must supervise persons who provide restricted activities under the regulated member’s supervision
The Performance of Restricted Activities Standard of Practice comes into effect March 31, 2023.
Regulatory Processes: Processes that all regulated health professions have in common are moved from the health professions regulations to the Health Professions Act including:
- Assessing good character and reputation
- Reinstatement of practice permits
- Collection of information
- Release of Information
- Alternative Complaints Resolution
Regulatory Requirements: Some regulatory requirements are being moved out of the Physical Therapists Profession Regulation to the College Bylaws. This means the Council will be able to approve changes to these requirements rather than requiring approval from the government. The following will now be included in the Bylaws:
- Professional Liability Insurance
- English language proficiency
- Equivalent jurisdictions
Amendments to the Physical Therapists Profession Regulation and Bylaws come into force on March 31, 2023.
