these regulations (N.S. Reg. 225/2014) (just regulations regs medical.htm)
N.S. Reg. 225/2014
Nova Scotia — Regulations
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Medical Act Regulations
made under
Section 11 of the
Medical Act
S.N.S. 2011, c. 38
O.I.C. 2014-530 (December 22, 2014), N.S. Reg. 225/2014
as amended to O.I.C. 2023-266 (April 1, 2024), N.S. Reg. 169/2023
Table of Contents
Please note: this table of contents is provided for convenience of reference and does not form part of the regulations.
Click here to go to the text of the regulations .
Part 1:
Interpretation and Administration
Citation
Definitions
Notice of decisions of the College
Appointment of public representatives to committees
Part 2: Registration and Licensing
Waiver of criteria for registration or licensing
Categories of registers
Categories of licences
Restoration of registration and licence
Public record
Medical specialist list
Registration Committee composition, quorum and voting
Registration Appeal Committee composition, quorum and voting
Proceedings before committees
Registration and licensing decisions by Registrar
Registration and licensing decisions referred to Registration Committee
Absence from practice or change in practice
Appealing Registrar’s requirement for competence assessment
Supervisor’s duties
Full Medical Register
Full Medical Register—application and criteria for registration
Full Medical Register and licence—notification of approval and review of decision
Full licence—criteria
Full licence—permitted activities
Full licence—term
Full licence—application and criteria for renewing
Education Register
Education Register—criteria for registration
Undergraduate medical-education student list—application and criteria
Undergraduate medical-education student list—permitted activities
Post-graduate training licence—application and criteria
Post-graduate training licence—permitted activities
Post-graduate training licence—term
Post-graduate training licence—application and criteria for renewing
Post-graduate practising licence—application and criteria
Post-graduate practising licence—term
Post-graduate practising licence—application and criteria for renewing
Clinical assessment licence—application and criteria
Clinical assessment licence—permitted activities
Clinical assessment licence—term
Conditional Register
Conditional Register—criteria for registration
Defined licence—application and criteria
Defined licence—permitted activities
Defined licence—term
Defined licence—application and criteria for renewing
Defined licence—sponsor of holder
Defined licence—supervisor of holder
Temporary licence—application and criteria
Temporary licence—permitted activities
Temporary licence—term
Clinical assistant licence—application and criteria
Clinical assistant licence—permitted activities
Clinical assistant licence—term
Clinical assistant licence—application and criteria for renewing
Clinical assistant licence—sponsor of holder
Clinical assistant licence—supervisor of licensee
Academic licence—application and criteria
Academic licence—permitted activities
Academic licence—term
Academic licence—application and criteria for renewing
Restricted licence—permitted activities
Restricted licence—term
Restricted licence—application and criteria for renewing
No review or appeal of certain conditions and restrictions with renewal of restricted
licence
Physician assistant’s licence—application and criteria
Physician assistant licence—permitted activities
Physician assistant licence—term
Physician assistant licence—application and criteria for renewing
Physician assistant licence—designations
Podiatrist licence—application and criteria
Podiatrist licence—permitted activities
Podiatrist licence—term
Podiatrist licence—application and criteria for renewing
Podiatrist licence—designations
Part 3: Review and Appeal of Registration and Licensing Decisions
Definitions for
Part 3
Internal Review Process
Selection of internal review subcommittee
Internal review process
Request for internal review
Information provided to subcommittee and applicant
New information and submissions of the applicant
Subcommittee may decide without meeting applicant
Decision of internal review subcommittee
Decision of internal review subcommittee final
Registration Appeal Committee
Appeals to be heard by Registration Appeal Committee
Request for appeal
Information provided to Registration Appeal Committee and applicant
Security may be required
Costs of appeal
Powers of the Registration Appeal Committee
Time and place of appeal hearing
Notice of appeal hearing to applicant
Conduct of hearing before Registration Appeal Committee
Evidence at hearing
Applicant fails to attend hearing
Conclusion of hearing
Decision of Registration Appeal Committee is final
Part 4: Professional Conduct Process
Definitions for this
Part
Initiating and Investigating Complaint
Member referred by Registrar for assessment for incapacity
Preliminary investigation of complaint
Resolution of complaint by Registrar
Review of complaint dismissal
Independent review committee
Decision of independent review committee
Decision of independent review committee final
Referral for assessment for incapacity
Investigation Committees
Investigating complaint by investigation committee
Additional information to investigation committee
New matters reviewed by investigation committee
Dismissal of complaint by investigation committee
Disposition of complaint by investigation committee
Notification and disclosure of disposition
Settlement Agreements and Consent Revocation Agreements
Preparing and tendering settlement agreements
Investigation committee recommendations on settlement agreement
Hearing committee acceptance or rejection of settlement agreement
Settlement agreements and hearings
Consent revocation
Hearings
Notice of hearing
Amendment of notice of hearing
Public notice of hearing
Attendance at hearing and publication bans
Hearing procedures
Respondent fails to attend hearing
Subpoenaed witness fees
Recording evidence at hearing
Preserving evidence
Disposition by hearing committee
Written decision of hearing committee
Disclosure of hearing committee’s decision to dismiss complaint
Disclosing and publishing licensing sanctions
Summary of decision
Publication if finding of incapacity
Costs for investigation and hearing
Reinstatement of Registration or Licence
Applying for reinstatement of registration or licence
Investigation for reinstatement application
Reinstatement application proceedings
Attendance at reinstatement application proceeding
Public notice of reinstatement application proceeding
Decision of reinstatement committee
Costs of reinstatement application
Part 5: Custodianship of Patient Records
Definitions for
Part 5
Appointment of custodian
Duties of custodian
Solicitor-client costs for appointment proceedings
Discharge of custodian
Destruction of patient records by College
Removal of custodian by Court
Varying or setting aside court order
Service and notice
Liability of College and custodian
Part 6: Dispensing of Drugs
Drug Information System
Duty to update Drug Information System
Part 1:
Interpretation and Administration
Citation
1 These regulations may be cited as the Medical Act Regulations .
Definitions
2 In these regulations,
“academic year” means the period between the start and end date of a program as
determined by an educational institution;
“Act” means the Medical Act ;
“applicable fee” means the fee set by Council under clause 8(1)(
a) of the Act;
“caution” means a warning from an investigation committee that a person may
have breached the standards of professional ethics or practice in circumstances that
are not determined under these regulations to warrant a licensing sanction;
“clinical traineeship” means a period of medical training, other than training that is
part of a post-graduate training program;
“competence assessment” means a process that assesses competence by using
methods and tools such as any of the following to assess an array of competencies:
interviewing, verification of documents, reference reviews, direct observation,
reflective practice, self assessments, chart audits, written or oral tests;
“full licence” means a licence issued to a person registered on the Full Medical
Register;
“independent review committee” means a committee appointed under subsection
90(3) to review dismissals of complaints by the Registrar;
“internal review process” means the process set out in
Part 3 to review decisions
on registration and licensing made by the Registrar;
“licence list” means a list of licensees maintained in accordance with subsection
7(2) for each category of licence;
“licensing year” means a 12-month period determined by Council for the issuance,
renewal and expiry of licences;
“Medical Identification Number for Canada” means a unique personal identifier for
medical students and physicians in Canada established by the Federation of
Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada and the Medical Council of Canada;
“physician assistant licence” means a licence issued to a person on the Conditional
Register who meets the criteria for a physician assistant licence;
“Physician Assistant Program” means a program approved by the Registrar based
on criteria approved by Council for using physician assistants within a healthcare
setting or facility;
“podiatrist licence” means a licence issued to a person on the Conditional Register
who meets the criteria for a podiatrist licence;
“post-graduate training licence” means a licence authorizing the holder of the
licence to engage in the practice of medicine within the requirements of a
post-graduate training program or clinical traineeship;
“post-graduate training program” means a post-graduate medical education
program approved by the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University, in which a
post-graduate student practises medicine in the Province to the extent permitted by
the program;
“post-graduate practising licence” means a licence issued to a post-graduate
training licensee authorizing the licensee to practise medicine outside the
requirements of their post-graduate training program;
“Program Director” means the director of a Physician Assistant Program who is
approved by the Registrar;
“Registration Appeal Committee” means the committee appointed under
Section
14 of the Act to hear appeals from decisions of the Registration Committee;
“restricted licence” means a licence authorizing a licensee who does not otherwise
meet the criteria for a full licence to practise medicine in accordance with the
conditions and restrictions on their licence;
“role description” means a written statement approved by the Program Director
describing the roles and responsibilities of a physician assistant practising within a
Physician Assistant Program;
“supervisor” means a medical practitioner who oversees the practice of another
member in accordance with
Section 18.
Notice of decisions of the College
(1) Decisions of the Registrar or any committee of the College may be sent to a
recipient electronically, by courier or by mail.
(2) Decisions sent to a recipient are deemed to be sent on the date the decision was
transmitted.
Appointment of public representatives to committees
(1) Council must appoint a committee to provide recommendations to Council
regarding the appointment of public representatives to Council or other committees
of the College.
(2 ) The committee appointed under subsection (1) must
(
a) publicly advertise to invite expressions of interest in service as a public
representative on the Council or on a committee;
(
b) conduct an interview process to nominate potential public representatives
for Council approval;
(
c) ensure that nominated public representatives meet all criteria required by
Council, including complying with all of the following:
(
i) they are not, and have never been, a physician,
(ii) they are able and willing to serve fairly, impartially and in the public
interest,
(iii) they are able to devote appropriate time and attention to the role of
public representative,
(iv) they are willing to contribute to the attainment of the purposes of the
College.
(3) The Council must consider all nominated persons recommended by the committee
and appoint public representatives to fill any vacancies on Council or committees.
(4) Public representatives must remain in office for 2 or 3 year terms, as determined by
Council, in order to provide a staggering of terms for public representatives.
Part 2: Registration and Licensing
Waiver of criteria for registration or licensing
5 The Registrar, the Registration Committee or the Registration Appeal Committee may
waive any of the criteria for registration or licensing or renewal of a licence set out in
these regulations for either of the following reasons:
(a)it is required by law;
(
b) it is consistent with the objects and purpose of the College.
Categories of registers
(1) The following are the categories of registers required to be kept:
(
a) Full Medical Register;
(
b) Education Register;
(
c) Conditional Register.
(2) Each register must contain all of the following information for each member, with
the exception of student members:
(
a) name;
(
b) date of birth;
(
c) name and location of education program completed;
(
d) year of graduation from education program;
(
e) date of entry in the register;
(
f) Medical Identification Number for Canada.
(2A) Despite clause (2)(f), a member holding a physician assistant licence or a podiatrist
licence is not required to have a Medical Identification Number for Canada.
(3) The Registrar must change and notate a register if any of the following occurs:
(
a) data was entered incorrectly;
(
b) the Registrar receives confirmation of a member’s death;
(
c) a member’s registration or licence is revoked;
(
d) a member resigns from a register as a result of
(
i) an investigation committee, as part of an informal resolution of the
complaint, or a hearing committee authorizing their resignation, or
(ii) as part of an informal resolution of a complaint or otherwise, the
member requesting in writing and the Registrar approving their
resignation;
(
e) a member does not renew their licence in accordance with these regulations.
Categories of licences
(1) The following are the categories of licences available to be issued under each
register:
(
a) under the Full Medical Register, a full licence;
(
b) under the Education Register, all of the following licences:
(
i) a post-graduate training licence,
(ii) a post-graduate practising licence,
(iii) a clinical assessment licence;
(
c) under the Conditional Register, all of the following licences:
(
i) a defined licence,
(ii) a temporary licence,
(iii) a clinical assistant licence,
(iv) an academic licence,
(
v) a restricted licence,
(vi) a physician assistant licence,
(vii) a podiatrist licence.
(2) The record for each category of licence required by subsection 15(2) of the Act
must be maintained by the Registrar in the form of a licence list that contains all of
the following for each licensee:
(
a) name;
(
b) registration number;
(
c) Medical Identification Number for Canada;
(
d) date the licence was issued.
(2A) Despite clause (2)(c), a member holding a physician assistant licence or a
podiatrist licence is not required to have a Medical Identification Number for
Canada.
(3) The Registrar must change and notate a licence list if any of the following occurs:
(
a) data was entered incorrectly;
(
b) the Registrar receives confirmation of a licensee’s death;
(
c) a licensee no longer meets the criteria for the relevant licence;
(
d) at a licensee’s request, upon the surrender of their licence in accordance
with
Section 20 of the Act;
(
e) a licensee has not paid fees or other assessments levied under the Act or
these regulations;
(
f) a licensee’s licence is suspended, for the term of the suspension;
(
g) a licensee’s registration or licence is revoked;
(
h) a licensee resigns from a register as a result of
(
i) an investigation committee, as part of an informal resolution of the
complaint, or a hearing committee authorizing their resignation, or
(ii) as part of an informal resolution of a complaint or otherwise, the
member requesting in writing and the Registrar approving their
resignation.
Restoration of registration and licence
(1) A person whose name has been removed from the register or a licence list may
apply for restoration to the register and the issuance of the corresponding licence
by doing all of the following:
(
a) meeting the criteria for registration in the register and the criteria for the
licence;
(
b) paying the applicable fees;
(
c) if the removal was authorized by the Registrar or a committee, obtaining the
approval of the Registrar or committee;
(
d) if the removal was because the member’s licence or registration was
revoked by a Hearing Committee, complying with the process for
reinstatement under Sections 122 to 128.
(2) Any conditions or restrictions imposed on a member’s licence that have not
expired remain in effect on any new licence issued to the member under subsection
(1).
Public record
9 All of the following information for each person authorized to practise must be included
in the record required to be available to the public under subsection 13(3) of the Act:
(
a) their name and registration number;
(
b) their category of licence;
(
c) any conditions or restrictions on their licence, if the Registrar determines it
is in the public interest to make the conditions or restrictions available to the
public;
(
d) any licensing sanctions imposed on the person that are not otherwise subject
to a publication ban.
Medical specialist list
10 The Registrar must maintain a list of members whose names appear on a register and
who qualify to be recognized as a medical specialist in accordance with criteria approved
by Council, in categories of medical specialty established by Council.
Registration Committee composition, quorum and voting
(1) The Registration Committee consists of at least
(a) 1 public representative; and
(b) 5 medical practitioners.
(2) A quorum of the Registration Committee consists of any 3 members of the
Committee.
(3) All Registration Committee decisions require the vote of a majority of the quorum
of the Committee.
Registration Appeal Committee composition, quorum and voting
(1) The Registration Appeal Committee consists of at least
(a) 1 public representative; and
(b) 5 medical practitioners.
(2) The Chair of the Registration Appeal Committee may appoint a panel of 3 or more
persons from the Committee, at least 1 of whom must be a public representative, to
act as the Registration Appeal Committee to hear an appeal.
(3) If the Chair of the Registration Appeal Committee is not appointed to a panel, the
Chair must appoint a chair for the panel.
(4) A quorum of the Registration Appeal Committee consists of any 3 members of a
panel.
(5) All decisions of a panel of a Registration Appeal Committee require the vote of a
majority of the quorum of the panel.
(6) A member of the Registration Appeal Committee may not concurrently serve on
the Registration Committee.
Proceedings before committees
(1) This
Section applies to the Registration Committee and the Registration Appeal
Committee.
(2) The members of any committee may waive notice of any meeting or hearing of the
committee.
(3) The proceedings of any meeting or hearing of a committee are not invalidated
because a member of the committee fails to receive notice of the meeting or
hearing.
(4) If the term of office of any person sitting on a committee expires during a
proceeding of the committee, the chair of the committee may extend the person’s
term of office until the proceeding concludes.
Registration and licensing decisions by Registrar
(1) After receiving the information required from an applicant for registration or
licensing or for renewal of their licence, the Registrar must refer the matter to the
Registration Committee if any of the following apply:
(
a) there is any issue regarding whether the applicant has the current capacity,
competence and character to safely and ethically practise;
(
b) for an applicant for registration in the Full Medical Register, there is any
issue identified under clause 19(1)(
d) or subsection 19(2).
(2) In accordance with subsection 16(5) of the Act, when issuing or renewing any
licence other than a full licence, the Registrar may issue the licence with or without
conditions or restrictions.
(3) If the Registrar determines that an applicant does not meet the criteria for
registration or licensing or renewal of a licence for reasons other than those listed
in subsection (1) and denies the application or imposes conditions or restrictions on
the licence, the Registrar must notify the applicant by doing all of the following:
(
a) providing the applicant with a written decision with reasons;
(
b) if conditions or restrictions are imposed, informing the applicant of the
review process in
Section 15, as required by
Section 19 of the Act;
(
c) if the application is denied, informing the applicant of the internal review
process set out in
Part 3, as required by
Section 19 of the Act.
Registration and licensing decisions referred to Registration Committee
(1) If an application is referred to the Registration Committee under subsection 14(1)
or as a result of an applicant objecting to conditions or restrictions imposed under
subsection 14(2), the Registration Committee must review the application and all
the information provided by the Registrar to determine whether the applicant meets
the criteria for registration or licensing, or renewal of their licence.
(2) Before making its decision under this Section, the Registration Committee may
(
a) request that the Registrar obtain new information;
(
b) extend the term of a member’s existing licence until it has made a decision.
(3) When reviewing an application for a licence or renewal of a licence, the
Registration Committee may do any of the following:
(
a) for any licence other than a full licence, approve or remove the conditions or
restrictions imposed by the Registrar or impose different conditions or
restrictions on the licence;
(
b) for renewal of a full licence, advise the applicant that conditions or
restrictions are required and recommend a restricted licence or invite the
applicant to apply for another category of licence.
(4) If the Registration Committee determines that an applicant meets the criteria for
registration or licensing or renewal of a licence, the Committee must approve the
application and direct the Registrar to register the applicant and issue the licence,
or renew the licence.
(5) If the Registration Committee determines that an applicant does not meet the
criteria for registration or licensing or renewal of a licence and denies the
application or imposes conditions or restrictions on the licence, the Committee
must notify the applicant by
(
a) providing the applicant with a written decision with reasons; and
(
b) informing the applicant of the right to appeal to the Registration Appeal
Committee.
Absence from practice or change in practice
(1) Before returning to clinical practice after an absence of 3 years or longer, a person
must
(
a) notify the Registrar of their intention to return to clinical practice in writing
before they return to clinical practice; and
(
b) successfully complete a competence assessment as determined by the
Registrar.
(2) Before changing the scope of their clinical practice to an area in which they have
not practised for the 3 years immediately preceding, a person must
(
a) notify the Registrar in writing of their intention to change the scope of their
clinical practice; and
(
b) satisfy the Registrar that they have the appropriate education or training and
are competent to practise in the area or, if the Registrar is not satisfied,
successfully complete a competence assessment as determined by the
Registrar.
(3) Any member who has been practising outside the Province must provide, at time
intervals approved by Council, a certificate of professional conduct before
returning to practise in the Province.
Appealing Registrar’s requirement for competence assessment
(1) A person who disagrees with the Registrar’s decision under
Section 16 requiring
them to complete a competence assessment may, no later than 30 days after the
date of the Registrar’s decision, request the decision be referred to the Registration
Committee.
(2) Before making a decision under subsection (3), the Registration Committee may
(
a) request that the Registrar obtain additional information; and
(
b) extend the term of a member’s existing licence until it has made a decision.
(3) The Registration Committee must review a decision referred under subsection
(1) and must do 1 of the following:
(
a) affirm the decision of the Registrar;
(
b) determine that a different form of competence assessment is required;
(
c) determine that a competence assessment is not required.
(4) If the Registration Committee decides that a competence assessment is required in
accordance with clause (3)(
a) or (b), the Committee must notify the person by
(
a) providing the person with a written decision with reasons; and
(
b) informing them of their right to appeal to the Registration Appeal
Committee.
Supervisor’s duties
(1) A supervisor must oversee the practice of the supervised member to ensure that the
expected standard of care and conduct is met and that patient safety is not
compromised.
(2) A supervisor must ensure that the supervised member receives support in the form
of orientation to practice, advice, guidance and professional networking
opportunities.
Full Medical Register
Full Medical Register—application and criteria for registration
(1) An applicant for registration in the Full Medical Register must submit a completed
application form on a form prescribed by the Registrar, together with all of the
following:
(
a) the applicable fee, within the time determined by the Registrar and through
a method acceptable to the Registrar;
(
b) proof satisfactory to the Registrar that the applicant
(
i) meets the criteria in subsection (3), and
(ii) is the person named in the documentation submitted in support of the
application;
(
c) if they are currently or previously registered or licensed in another
jurisdiction, certificates of professional conduct from any of the
jurisdictions, as required by the Registrar;
(
d) any additional information required by the Registrar to assess whether the
applicant meets the criteria for registration in the Full Medical Register.
(2) The Registrar may require an applicant to participate in an interview with the
Registrar to assess whether the applicant meets the criteria for registration in the
Full Medical Register.
(3) The following are the criteria a person is required to meet for registration in the
Full Medical Register:
(
a) they are
(
i) a graduate of a medical university or school that meets criteria
approved by Council,
(ii) a licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada, or an acceptable
alternative as determined by resolution of Council, and
(iii) 1 of the following:
(
A) a person who has attained certification with the College of
Family Physicians of Canada,
(
B) a pre-1993 licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada who
has completed a rotating internship approved by the Registrar,
(
C) a certificant of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons
of Canada,
(
D) a person who holds a current defined licence who has met the
requirements set out in a policy approved by Council;
(
b) they have a Medical Identification Number for Canada, or provide written
consent to permit the College to obtain a Medical Identification Number for
Canada for the applicant;
prescribed by the Registrar;
(
d) they are a Canadian citizen or legally entitled to live and work in Canada;
(
e) they have medical liability protection, malpractice insurance or other form
of indemnity in the manner and amount required by the Registrar;
(
f) they are participating satisfactorily in the continuing professional
development program;
(
g) they are not prohibited or restricted from practising medicine through the
decision of any adjudicating body or through voluntary agreement or
otherwise;
(
h) they have the current capacity, competence and character to safely and
ethically practise medicine;
(
i) for an applicant who has been absent from clinical practice or wishes to
change the scope of their practice, they comply with
Section 16.
Full Medical Register and licence—notification of approval and review of decision
(1) When an application for registration in the Full Medical Register is approved, the
Registrar must notify the applicant of the approval.
(2) An applicant for registration in the Full Register or for a full licence or renewal of
a full licence whose application is denied by the Registrar may request an internal
review of the decision in accordance with
Section 67.
Full licence—criteria
21 The criteria for a full licence are as set out in subsection 19(3) for registration in the Full
Medical Register.
Full licence—permitted activities
22 A full licence holder is permitted to do all of the following:
(
a) practise medicine in accordance with the Act, the regulations and the
bylaws;
(
b) if elected, hold office on the Council;
(
c) serve as an appointed member of any committee of the College;
(
d) attend and participate in annual or special meetings of the College;
(
e) vote at an annual or special meeting of the College;
(
f) receive copies of official College publications.
Full licence—term
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a full licence remains in effect until the end
of the licensing year or an earlier expiry date specified on the licence.
(2) A full licence ceases to be valid if any of the following occurs:
(
a) the licence is suspended or revoked;
(
b) the licensee’s registration is revoked;
(
c) the licence is changed through the imposition of terms, conditions or
restrictions under the Act or regulations;
(
d) the member fails to continue to meet the criteria for a full licence;
(
e) the licence is surrendered in accordance with
Section 20 of the Act.
Full licence—application and criteria for renewing
(1) A member applying to renew a full licence must submit a completed application
on a form prescribed by the Registrar together with all of the following:
(
a) payment of the applicable fee, within the time determined by the Registrar;
(
b) proof satisfactory to the Registrar that the member
(
i) continues to meet the criteria set out in clauses 19(3)(
d) to (i), and
(ii) meets the renewal criteria in clause (2)(b);
(
c) if they practised outside the Province in the previous year, a certificate of
professional conduct from the jurisdiction to prove that there are no
outstanding complaints, prohibitions, conditions or restrictions against the
member engaging in practice in the Province.
(2) A member applying to renew a full licence must meet all of the following criteria:
(
a) they continue to meet the criteria for registration set out in clauses 19(3)(
a) to (i);
(
b) they are in compliance with or have made arrangements to comply with the
requirements of any practice assessment program they are selected to
participate in.
Education Register
Education Register—criteria for registration
(1) Except as provided in
Section 26 for a student member, an applicant for
registration in the Education Register must meet all of the following criteria:
(
a) they have graduated from a medical university or school that meets criteria
approved by the Council;
(
b) they have passed the required examinations and assessments as set out in a
policy approved by Council;
(
c) they are protected by medical liability protection, malpractice insurance or
other form of indemnity in the manner and amount required by the
Registrar;
(
d) they have a Medical Identification Number for Canada;
the Registrar;
(
f) other than by conditions or restrictions imposed on a licence, they are not
prohibited or restricted from practising medicine through the decision of any
adjudicating body, through voluntary agreement or otherwise;
(
g) they have the current capacity, competence and character to safely and
ethically practise medicine;
(
h) criteria for 1 of the following:
(
i) entry on the undergraduate medical-education student list in
Section
25,
(ii) a post-graduate training licence in
Section 28,
(iii) a post-graduate practising licence in
Section 32,
(iv) a clinical assessment licence in
Section 36.
(2) An applicant for registration in the Education Register and issuance or renewal of a
any licence listed in clause (1)(
h) who objects to any conditions or restrictions
imposed on their licence by the Registrar under subsection 14(2) may request the
decision be referred to the Registration Committee under
Section 15.
(3) An applicant for registration in the Education Register and issuance or renewal of
any licence listed in clause (1)(
h) whose application is denied by the Registrar
under
Section 14 may request an internal review of the decision in accordance with
Section 67.
Undergraduate medical-education student list—application and criteria
(1) A student applying to have their name entered on the undergraduate medical-education student list must submit a completed application in a form prescribed by
the Registrar together with all of the following:
(
a) payment of the applicable fee;
(
b) proof satisfactory to the Registrar that the applicant meets the criteria in
subsection (2);
(
c) any additional information the Registrar requires to assess whether the
applicant meets the criteria required for entry in the list.
(2) All of the following are the criteria an applicant must meet for entry on the
undergraduate medical-education student list:
(
a) they meet the registration criterion for indemnity in clause 25(1)(c);
(
b) they are enrolled in an undergraduate medical-education program approved
by Council;
(
c) they have approval from the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University, to
engage in clinical education in the practice of medicine in the Province.
(3) On receiving the information required by subsection (1), the Registrar must
consider the application and enter the person’s name on the undergraduate
medical-education student list if they meet the criteria for entry in subsection (2).
(4) If an applicant does not meet the criteria in subsection (2) and the Registrar denies
their application, the Registrar must notify the applicant by
(
a) providing the applicant with a written decision with reasons; and
(
b) informing the applicant of the internal review process set out in
Part 3, as
required by
Section 19 of the Act.
(5) The Registrar must maintain a list of the undergraduate medical-education students
who meet the criteria for the list that includes all of the following for each student:
(
a) name;
(
b) Medical Identification Number for Canada, if available;
(
c) expected year of graduation.
(6) The Registrar must remove the name of a student who no longer meets the criteria
in subsection (1) from the undergraduate medical-education student list and from
the Education Register.
Undergraduate medical-education student list—permitted activities
27 A person whose name is entered on the undergraduate medical-education student list is
authorized to engage in clinical training, to the extent required by the undergraduate
medical-education program, that is
(
a) justified by the competence and experience of the student; and
(
b) supervised by a supervisor approved by the Faculty of Medicine at
Dalhousie University.
Post-graduate training licence—application and criteria
(1) An applicant for a post-graduate training licence must submit a completed
application on a form prescribed by the Registrar together with all of the following:
(
a) payment of the applicable fee;
(
b) proof satisfactory to the Registrar that the applicant meets all of the criteria
subsection (2);
(
c) if currently or previously registered or licensed in another jurisdiction,
certificates of professional conduct from any of the jurisdictions, as required
by the Registrar.
(2) All of the following are the criteria an applicant must meet for a post-graduate
training licence:
(
a) they meet all of the registration criteria for the Education Register in clauses
25(1)(
a) to (g);
(
b) they are
(
i) enrolled in a post-graduate training program approved by the
Registrar and are required to engage in clinical training in the
practice of medicine to the extent required by the post-graduate
training program, or
(ii) participating in a clinical traineeship approved by the Registrar.
Post-graduate training licence—permitted activities
29 A post-graduate training licence holder is permitted to do all of the following:
(
a) engage in clinical training in the practice of medicine
(
i) to the extent that is justified by their competence and experience,
(ii) only as required by their post-graduate training program or clinical
traineeship,
(iii) within any conditions or restrictions imposed on their licence,
(iv) for a licensee enrolled in a post-graduate training program,
supervised by a supervisor approved by the post-graduate training
program;
(
b) receive copies of official College publications;
(
c) attend and participate in annual or special meetings of the College as a
non-voting member.
Post-graduate training licence—term
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a post-graduate training licence remains in
effect until the date specified on the licence.
(2) A post-graduate training licence ceases to be valid if any of the following occurs:
(
a) the licence is suspended or revoked;
(
b) the licensee’s registration is revoked;
(
c) the member fails to continue to meet the criteria for a post-graduate training
licence;
(
d) the licence is surrendered in accordance with
Section 20 of the Act.
Post-graduate training licence—application and criteria for renewing
(1) A member applying to renew a post-graduate training licence must submit a
completed application on a form prescribed by the Registrar together with all of the
following:
(
a) payment of the applicable fee, within the time determined by the Registrar;
(
b) proof satisfactory to the Registrar that the member continues to meet the
criteria required by clauses 25(1)(
e) to (
g) and clause 28(2)(b).
(2) A member applying to renew a post-graduate training licence must meet all of the
criteria for a post-graduate training licence in
Section 28.
Post-graduate practising licence—application and criteria
(1) An applicant for a post-graduate practising licence must submit a completed
application on a form prescribed by the Registrar together with all of the following:
(
a) payment of the applicable fee, within the time determined by the Registrar;
(
b) proof satisfactory to the Registrar that the member meets the criteria in
subsection (2);
(
c) if currently or previously registered or licensed in another jurisdiction,
satisfactory certificates of professional conduct from any of the jurisdictions,
as required by the Registrar.
(2) All of the following are the criteria an applicant must meet for a post-graduate
practising licence:
(
a) they hold a post-graduate training licence;
(
b) they are a Canadian citizen or legally entitled to work in Canada;
(
c) they have the approval of the program director of the post-graduate training
program in which the applicant is enrolled to permit the applicant to practise
medicine outside the requirements of the post-graduate training program;
(
d) they have supervision in place from a supervisor approved by the Registrar.
Post-graduate practising licence—permitted activities
33 A post-graduate practising licence holder is permitted to do all of the following:
(
a) practise medicine
(
i) to the extent that is justified by their competence and experience,
(ii) within any conditions or restrictions imposed on their licence,
(iii) under the supervision of a supervisor approved by the Registrar;
(
b) receive copies of official College publications.
Post-graduate practising licence—term
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a post-graduate practising licence remains in
effect for the academic year in which it is issued.
(2) A post-graduate practising licence ceases to be valid if any of the following occur:
(
a) the licence is suspended or revoked;
(
b) the licensee’s registration is revoked;
(
c) appropriate supervision is no longer available;
(
d) the program director of the post-graduate training program withdraws their
approval for post-graduate practising;
(
e) the member fails to continue to meet the criteria for a post-graduate
practising licence;
(
f) the licence is surrendered in accordance with
Section 20 of the Act.
Post-graduate practising licence—application and criteria for renewing
(1) A member applying to renew a post-graduate practising licence must submit a
completed application on a form prescribed by the Registrar together with all of the
following:
(
a) payment of the applicable fee, within the time determined by the Registrar;
(
b) proof satisfactory to the Registrar that the applicant continues to meet
(
i) the criteria for a post-graduate training licence required by clause
28(2)(
a) and specified in clauses 25(1)(
c) to (g), and
(ii) the criteria in clauses 28(2)(
b) to (e);
(
c) if currently or previously registered or licensed in another jurisdiction,
certificates of professional conduct from any of the jurisdictions, as required
by the Registrar.
(2) A member applying to renew a post-graduate practising licence must meet all of
the criteria for a post-graduate practising licence.
Clinical assessment licence—application and criteria
(1) An applicant for a clinical assessment licence must submit a completed application
on a form prescribed by the Registrar together with all of the following:
(
a) payment of the applicable fee, within the time determined by the Registrar;
(
b) proof satisfactory to the Registrar that the applicant meets the criteria in
subsection (2);
(
c) if currently or previously registered or licensed in another jurisdiction,
certificates of professional conduct from any of the jurisdictions, as required
by the Registrar.
(2) All of the following are the criteria an applicant must meet for a clinical
assessment licence:
(
a) they must meet all of the registration criteria for the Education Register in
clauses 25(1)(
a) to (g);
(
b) they are engaged in a competence assessment approved by the Registrar.
Clinical assessment licence—permitted activities
37 A clinical assessment licence holder is permitted to do all of the following:
(
a) practise medicine
(
i) only as required for the competence assessment,
(ii) to the extent that is justified by their competence and experience,
(iii) within any conditions or restrictions imposed on their licence,
(iv) under the supervision of a supervisor approved by the Registrar;
(
b) receive copies of official College publications;
(
c) attend and participate in annual or special meetings of the College as a
non-voting member.
Clinical assessment licence—term
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a clinical assessment licence remains in
effect until the date specified on the licence.
(2) A clinical assessment licence ceases to be valid if any of the following occurs:
(
a) the licence is suspended or revoked;
(
b) the licensee’s registration is revoked;
(
c) the member fails to continue to meet the criteria for a clinical assessment
licence;
(
d) the clinical assessment is terminated;
(
e) the clinical assessment is successfully completed;
(
f) another licence is issued to the member;
(
g) the licence is surrendered in accordance with
Section 20 of the Act.
Conditional Register
Conditional Register—criteria for registration
(1) Except as provided in
Section 46 for a temporary licence and
Section 59 for a
restricted licence, an applicant for registration on the Conditional Register must
meet all of the following criteria:
(
a) they have graduated from a university or school that meets criteria approved
by Council;
(
b) they have passed the examinations and assessments, and hold any required
certifications, as set out in a policy approved by Council;
(
c) they have a Medical Identification Number for Canada;
prescribed by the Registrar;
(
e) they are a Canadian citizen or legally entitled to live and work in Canada;
(
f) they have medical liability protection, malpractice insurance or other form
of indemnity in the manner and amount required by the Registrar;
(
g) they are participating satisfactorily in the continuing professional
development program;
(
h) other than by conditions or restrictions imposed on a licence, they are not
prohibited or restricted from practising through the decision of any
adjudicating body or through voluntary agreement or otherwise;
(
i) they have the current capacity, competence and character to safely and
ethically practise;
(
j) for an applicant who has been absent from clinical practice or wishes to
change the scope of their practice, they comply with
Section 16;
(
k) they meet the criteria for 1 of the following licences:
(
i) defined licence,
(ii) temporary licence,
(iii) clinical assistant licence,
(iv) academic licence,
(
v) restricted licence,
(vi) a physician assistant licence,
(vii) a podiatrist licence.
(1A) Despite clause (1)(c), a member holding a physician assistant licence or a podiatrist
licence is not required to have a Medical Identification Number for Canada.
(2) An applicant for registration in the Conditional Register and issuance or renewal of
any licence listed in subclauses (1)(k)(
i) to (iv) who objects to any conditions or
restrictions imposed on their licence by the Registrar under subsection 14(2) may
request the decision be referred to the Registration Committee under
Section 15.
(3) An applicant for registration in the Conditional Register and issuance or renewal of
any licence listed in subclauses (1)(k)(
i) to (iv) whose application is denied by the
Registrar under
Section 14 may request an internal review of the decision in
accordance with
Section 67.
Defined licence—application and criteria
(1) An applicant for a defined licence must submit a completed application in the form
prescribed by the Registrar together with all of the following:
(
a) payment of the prescribed application fee;
(
b) proof satisfactory to the Registrar that the applicant
(
i) meets all of the registration criteria for the Conditional Register in
clauses 39(1)(
a) to (j), and
(ii) meets all of the licence criteria in subsection (2);
(
c) if they are currently or previously registered or licensed in another
jurisdiction, certificates of professional conduct from any of the
jurisdictions, as required by the Registrar.
(2) All of the following are the criteria that must be met for a defined licence:
(
a) they meet all of the registration criteria for the Conditional Register in
clauses 39(1)(
a) to (j);
(
b) they have a sponsor who meets the requirements in
Section 44;
(
c) they have a supervisor who meets the requirements in
Section 45;
(
d) they meet any additional criteria considered necessary by the Registrar.
Defined licence—permitted activities
41 A defined licence holder is permitted to do all of the following:
(
a) practise medicine
(
i) in accordance with the Act, these regulations and the bylaws,
(ii) within the conditions and restrictions of their licence, including any
conditions determined by their sponsor,
(iii) within the geographic location determined by their sponsor;
(
b) serve as an appointed member of any committee of the College;
(
c) vote at annual or special meetings of the College;
(
d) if elected to the Council, hold office;
(
e) receive copies of official College publications;
(
f) attend and participate in annual or special meetings of the College.
Defined licence—term
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a defined licence remains in effect until the
end of the licensing year or an earlier expiry date specified on the licence.
(2) A defined licence ceases to be valid if any of the following occurs:
(
a) the licence is suspended or revoked;
(
b) the licensee’s registration is revoked;
(
c) the sponsor or supervisor withdraws as sponsor or supervisor;
(
d) the licensee fails to comply with the conditions or restrictions of their
licence;
(
e) the defined licence is replaced by another licence;
(
f) the licensee fails to continue to meet the criteria for a defined licence;
(
g) the licence is surrendered in accordance with
Section 20 of the Act.
Defined licence—application and criteria for renewing
(1) A member applying to renew a defined licence must submit a completed
application on a form prescribed by the Registrar together with all of the following:
(
a) payment of the applicable fee, within the time determined by the Registrar;
(
b) proof satisfactory to the Registrar that the member
(
i) continues to meet all of the registration criteria for the Conditional
Register in clauses 39(1)(
a) to (
j) and the licence criteria in
subsection 40(2), and
(ii) meets the renewal criteria in clauses (2)(
b) and (c);
(
c) if they practised outside the Province in the previous year, a certificate of
professional conduct from the jurisdiction to prove that there are no
outstanding complaints, prohibitions, conditions or restrictions against the
member engaging in practice in the Province.
(2) A member applying to renew a defined licence must meet all of the following
criteria:
(
a) all of the criteria for a defined licence;
(
b) they are in compliance with or have made arrangements to comply with the
requirements of any practice assessment program they are selected to
participate in;
(
c) they meet the requirements of subsection (3).
(3) A defined licence may only be renewed for a maximum number of years, as
determined by a policy approved by Council, in accordance with requirements set
out in the policy.
Defined licence—sponsor of holder
(1) A sponsor of a defined licence holder must meet all of the following criteria:
(
a) they must be registered in the Full Medical Register and hold a full licence;
(
b) unless otherwise approved by the Registrar, they must hold a senior position
in the health authority in which the supervised licensee will be practising;
(
c) they must be approved by the Registrar;
(2) A sponsor of a defined licence holder must do all of the following:
(
a) arrange for and approve, in writing, the supervisor required by clause
40(2)(c);
(
b) report to the Registrar in writing on the supervised licensee’s performance
on a yearly basis, or as considered necessary by the Registrar;
(
c) notify the Registrar immediately if
(
i) there are any concerns about the supervised licensee’s practice, or
(ii) the supervised licensee ceases to practise within the health authority.
(3) A sponsor of a defined licence holder may not withdraw as their sponsor without
consulting the Registrar and giving adequate notice, as determined by the
Registrar, to both the Registrar and the licensee.
Defined licence—supervisor of holder
(1) A supervisor of a defined licence holder must meet all of the following criteria:
(
a) they must hold 1 of the following licences:
(
i) full licence,
(ii) academic licence,
(iii) defined licence, and no longer require supervision;
(
b) unless otherwise approved by the Registrar, they must be engaged in a scope
of practice similar to the supervised licensee;
(
c) unless otherwise approved by the Registrar, they must practice medicine in
the same geographic area as the supervised licensee, as determined by the
Registrar;
(
d) they must be approved in writing as a supervisor by the supervised
licensee’s sponsor and the Registrar.
(2) A supervisor of a defined licence holder must do all of the following:
(
a) they must report on the supervised licensee’s performance to
(
i) the licensee’s sponsor, as required by the sponsor, and
(ii) the Registrar, as required by the Registrar;
(
b) they must notify the Registrar immediately if
(
i) there are any concerns about the supervised licensee’s practice, or
(ii) the supervised licensee ceases to practise within the health authority.
(3) A supervisor of a defined licence holder may not withdraw as their supervisor
without consulting the Registrar and giving adequate notice, as determined by the
Registrar, to both the Registrar and the licensee.
Temporary licence—application and criteria
(1) An applicant for a temporary licence must submit a completed an application in the
form prescribed by the Registrar together with all of the following:
(
a) payment of the prescribed application fee;
(
b) proof satisfactory to the Registrar that the applicant
(
i) meets all of the criteria in subsection (2), and
(ii) intends to practise medicine in the Province for a limited time period.
(2) The criteria for a temporary licence are as set out in subsection 19(3) for
registration in the Full Medical Register.
Temporary licence—permitted activities
47 A temporary licence holder is permitted to do all of the following:
(
a) practise medicine
(
i) in accordance with the Act, the regulations and the bylaws,
(ii) within the conditions and restrictions of their licence, and
(iii) for the period of time specified on their licence;
(
b) receive copies of official College publications;
(
c) attend and participate in annual or special meetings of the College as
non-voting members.
Temporary licence—term
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a temporary licence remains in effect for the
period of time specified on the licence, which may be for a term of
(
a) up to 6 months;
(
b) longer than 6 months, only if extended by the Registrar under this Section.
(2) A temporary licence ceases to be valid if any of the following occurs:
(
a) the licence is suspended or revoked;
(
b) the licensee’s registration is revoked;
(
c) the member fails to continue to meet the criteria for a temporary licence;
(
d) the licence has been replaced by another licence;
(
e) the licence is surrendered in accordance with
Section 20 of the Act.
(3) A temporary licence holder may apply to the Registrar for an extension to the term
of their licence.
(4) If the Registrar considers it appropriate, the Registrar may extend the term of a
temporary licence holder’s licence by up to 6 months if the member continues to
meet the criteria set out in subsection 46(2).
(5) A decision of the Registrar under subsection (4) is final.
Clinical assistant licence—application and criteria
(1) An applicant for a clinical assistant licence must submit a completed application on
a form prescribed by the Registrar together with all of the following:
(
a) payment of the applicable fee;
(
b) proof satisfactory to the Registrar that the applicant meets all of the criteria
subsection (2);
(
c) if currently or previously registered or licensed in another jurisdiction,
certificates of professional conduct from any of the jurisdictions, as required
by the Registrar.
(2) All of the following are the criteria an applicant must meet for a clinical assistance
licence:
(
a) they meet all of the registration criteria for the Conditional Register in
clauses 39(1)(
a) to (j);
(
b) they have a sponsor who meets the requirements of
Section 53;
(
c) they have appropriate supervision in place in accordance with the
requirements in clause 53(2)(a).
Clinical assistant licence—permitted activities
50 A clinical assistant licence holder is permitted to do all of the following:
(
a) practise medicine
(
i) within the scope of practice approved by the College,
(ii) under the supervision of a medical practitioner, as set out in clause
53(2)(a), and
(iii) within the conditions and restrictions of their licence;
(
b) serve as an appointed member of any committee of the College;
(
c) vote at annual or special meetings of the College;
(
d) if elected to the Council, hold office;
(
e) receive copies of official College publications;
(
f) attend and participate in annual or special meetings of the College.
Clinical assistant licence—term
51 (1 ) Except as provided in subsection (2), a clinical assistant licence remains in effect
until the date it expires.
(2) A clinical assistant licence ceases to be valid if any of the following occurs:
(
a) the licence is suspended or revoked;
(
b) the licensee’s registration is revoked;
(
c) the member fails to continue to meet the criteria for a conditional licence;
(
d) the licence is replaced by another licence;
(
e) there is no longer an approved sponsor;
(
f) the licence is surrendered in accordance with
Section 20 of the Act.
Clinical assistant licence—application and criteria for renewing
(1) A member applying to renew a clinical assistant licence must submit a completed
application on a form prescribed by the Registrar together with all of the following:
(
a) payment of the applicable fee, within the time determined by the Registrar;
(
b) proof satisfactory to the Registrar that the member continues to meet the
criteria for a clinical practice licence required by
(i) clause 49(2)(
a) and specified in clauses 39(1)(
d) to (j), and
(ii) clauses 49(2)(
b) and (c).
(2) A member applying to renew a clinical assistant licence must meet all of the
criteria for a clinical assistant licence.
Clinical assistant licence—sponsor of holder
(1) A sponsor of a clinical assistant licence holder must meet all of the following
criteria:
(
a) they must be a member who holds a full licence or academic licence;
(
b) unless otherwise approved by the Registrar, they must be a department head
at the facility where the clinical assistant will be practising.
(2) A sponsor of a clinical assistant licence holder must do all of the following:
(
a) appoint a member, or members, who meets the criteria in
Section 54 to act
as the supervisor required by clause 49(2)(c);
(
b) report to the Registrar in writing on the supervised licensee’s performance
on a yearly basis, or as considered necessary by the Registrar;
(
c) notify the Registrar immediately if
(
i) there are any concerns about the supervised licensee’s practice, or
(ii) the supervised licensee ceases to practise within the facility.
(3) A sponsor of a clinical assistant licence holder may not withdraw as their sponsor
without consulting the Registrar and giving adequate notice, as determined by the
Registrar, to both the Registrar and the licensee.
Clinical assistant licence—supervisor of licensee
(1) A supervisor of a clinical assistant licence holder must hold 1 of the following
licences:
(
a) full licence;
(
b) defined licence;
(
c) academic licence.
(2) A supervisor of a clinical assistant licence holder must do all of the following:
(
a) they must report on the supervised licensee’s performance to
(
i) the licensee’s sponsor, as required by the sponsor, and
(ii) the Registrar, as required by the Registrar;
(
b) they must notify the Registrar immediately if
(
i) there are any concerns about the supervised licensee’s practice, or
(ii) the supervised licensee ceases to practise within the health authority.
(3) A supervisor of a clinical assistant licence holder may not withdraw as their
supervisor without consulting the Registrar and giving adequate notice, as
determined by the Registrar, to both the Registrar and the licensee.
Academic licence—application and criteria
(1) An applicant for an academic licence must submit a completed application on a
form prescribed by the Registrar together with all of the following:
(
a) payment of the applicable fee;
(
b) proof satisfactory to the Registrar that the applicant meets all of the criteria
in subsection (2);
(
c) if currently or previously registered or licensed in another jurisdiction,
certificates of professional conduct from any of the jurisdictions, as required
by the Registrar.
(2) All of the following are the criteria an applicant must meet for an academic
licence:
(
a) they meet all of the registration criteria for the Conditional Register in
clauses 39(1)(
a) to (j);
(
b) they are not eligible for a full licence or a defined licence;
(
c) they are a member of the Faculty of Medicine of Dalhousie University, as
evidenced by a letter from the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine;
(
d) they are recommended for an academic licence by the Dean of the Faculty
of Medicine at Dalhousie University;
(
e) they have training in a specialty comparable to that leading to certification
by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or the College
of Family Physicians of Canada, as approved by the Registrar.
Academic licence—permitted activities
56 An academic licence holder is permitted to do all of the following:
(
a) practise medicine
(
i) in accordance with the Act, the regulations and the bylaws,
(ii) within the conditions and restrictions of their licence, and
(iii) within their duties as a member of the Faculty of Medicine,
Dalhousie University;
(
b) if elected to the Council, hold office;
(
c) serve as an appointed member of any committee of the College;
(
d) vote at annual or special meetings of the College;
(
e) receive copies of official College publications;
(
f) attend and participate in annual or special meetings of the College.
Academic licence—term
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), an academic licence remains in effect until
the end of the calendar year in which it is issued or an earlier date specified on the
licence.
(2) An academic licence ceases to be valid if any of the following occur:
(
a) the licence is suspended or revoked;
(
b) the licensee’s registration is revoked;
(
c) the licensee fails to continue to meet the criteria for an academic licence;
(
d) the licence is replaced by a defined licence or a full licence;
(
e) the licence is surrendered in accordance with
Section 20 of the Act.
Academic licence—application and criteria for renewing
(1) A member applying to renew an academic licence must submit a completed
application on a form prescribed by the Registrar together with all of the following:
(
a) payment of the applicable fee, within the time determined by the Registrar;
(
b) proof satisfactory to the Registrar that the member
(
i) continues to meet the criteria in clauses 39(1)(
e) to (j), as required by
clause 55(2)(a), and
(ii) meets the renewal criteria in subsection (2)(b);
(
c) if currently or previously registered or licensed in another jurisdiction,
certificates of professional conduct from any of the jurisdictions, as required
by the Registrar.
(2) A member applying to renew an academic licence must meet all of the following
criteria:
(
a) they must meet all of the criteria for an academic licence in subsection
55(2);
(
b) they are in compliance with or have made arrangements to comply with the
requirements of any practice assessment program they are selected to
participate in.
Restricted licence—criteria
59 (1 ) An applicant or member meets the criteria for a restricted licence if they meet both
of the following criteria:
(
a) conditions or restrictions have been imposed
(
i) with the member’s consent, by the Registrar, the Registration
Committee or the Registration Appeal Committee, or
(ii) as a result of a decision of any committee, on their full licence; and
(
b) they meet the criteria for a full licence except as follows:
(
i) they do not meet the criterion in clause 19(3)(
g) respecting not being
prohibited or restricted from practising medicine, or
(ii) they do not meet 1 or more of the criteria in subsection 19(3), but the
Registrar determines that urgent or other circumstances exist to
dispense with the criteria.
(2) To be issued a restricted licence, a member must submit payment of the applicable
fee.
Restricted licence—permitted activities
60 A restricted licence holder is permitted to engage in the same activities as a full licence
holder, subject to the conditions and restrictions imposed on their licence.
Restricted licence—term
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a restricted licence remains in effect until the
end of the calendar year in which it is issued, or another date specified by the
Registrar.
(2) A restricted licence ceases to be valid if any of the following occurs:
(
a) the licence is suspended or revoked;
(
b) the licensee’s registration is revoked;
(
c) the member fails to comply with the conditions or restrictions on their
licence;
(
d) the licence is replaced by another category of licence;
(
e) the licence is surrendered in accordance with
Section 20 of the Act.
Restricted licence—application and criteria for renewing
62 A member applying to renew a restricted licence must continue to meet the criteria for a
restricted licence in subsection 59(1) and provide proof satisfactory to the Registrar that
they continue to meet the criteria.
No review or appeal of certain conditions and restrictions with renewal of restricted
licence
63 Conditions or restrictions agreed upon or ordered by an investigation committee or a
hearing committee cannot be reviewed or appealed when applying for a renewal of a
restricted licence under
Section 62, and an investigation committee or hearing committee
retains jurisdiction over any conditions or restrictions imposed by it.
Physician assistant’s licence—application and criteria
63A
(1) An applicant for a physician assistant licence must submit a completed application
on a form prescribed by the Registrar together with all of the following:
(
a) payment of the applicable fee;
(
b) proof satisfactory to the Registrar that the applicant meets all of the criteria
in subsection (2);
(
c) if currently or previously registered or licensed in another jurisdiction,
certificates of professional conduct from any of the jurisdictions, as required
by the Registrar.
(2) An applicant for a physician assistant licence must meet all of the registration
criteria for the Conditional Register in clauses 39(1)(a), (
b) and (
d) to (j).
(3) Despite this Section, conditions or restrictions may be imposed on a physician
assistant licence
(
a) with the member’s consent, by the Registrar, the Registration Committee or
the Registration Appeal Committee; or
(
b) as a result of a decision of any committee.
Physician assistant licence—permitted activities
63B A physician assistant licence holder is permitted to do all of the following:
(
a) practise in areas of the practice of medicine
(
i) within their individual scope of practice,
(ii) within their role description and within the parameters of a Physician
Assistant Program,
(iii) under the supervision of a physician approved by the Program
Director,
(iv) within the standards of practice applicable to physician assistant
licence holders approved by Council, and
(
v) within the conditions and restrictions of their licence, if any;
(
b) serve as an appointed member of any committee if the terms of reference of
the committee permit physician assistant licence holders to serve on the
committee;
(
c) vote at annual or special meetings of the College if permitted by the bylaws;
(
d) if elected to the Council, hold office;
(
e) receive copies of official College publications;
(
f) attend and participate in annual or special meetings of the College.
Physician assistant licence—term
63C
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a physician assistant licence remains in effect
until the date it expires.
(2) A physician assistant licence ceases to be valid if any of the following occur:
(
a) the licence is suspended or revoked;
(
b) the licensee’s registration is revoked;
(
c) the member fails to continue to meet the criteria for a physician assistant
licence;
(
d) the licence is replaced by another licence;
(
e) the licence is surrendered in accordance with
Section 20 of the Act.
Physician assistant licence—application and criteria for renewing
63D A member applying to renew a physician assistant licence must submit a completed
application on a form prescribed by the Registrar together with all of the following:
(
a) payment of the applicable fee, within the time determined by the Registrar;
(
b) proof satisfactory to the Registrar that the member continues to meet the
criteria for a physician assistant license required by
Section 63A.
Physician assistant licence—designations
63E
(1) A person holding a physician assistant licence is authorized to use only the
designation “Physician Assistant” or “P.A.”
(2) A person must not use the designation “Physician Assistant” or “P.A.”, or any
derivation or abbreviation of those designations, unless they are registered and hold
a current physician assistant licence.
Podiatrist licence—application and criteria
63F
(1) An applicant for a podiatrist licence must submit a completed application on a
form prescribed by the Registrar together with all of the following
(
a) payment of the applicable fee;
(
b) proof satisfactory to the Registrar that the applicant meets all of the criteria
in subsection (2);
(
c) if currently or previously registered or licensed in another jurisdiction,
certificates of professional conduct from any of the jurisdictions, as required
by the Registrar.
(2) An applicant for a podiatrist licence must meet all of the registration criteria for the
Conditional Register in clauses 39(1)(a), (
b) and (
d) to (j).
(3) Despite this Section, conditions or restrictions may be imposed on a podiatrist
licence
(
a) with the member’s consent, by the Registrar, the Registration Committee or
the Registration Appeal Committee; or
(
b) as a result of a decision of any committee.
Podiatrist licence—permitted activities
63G A podiatrist licence holder is permitted to do all of the following:
(
a) practise in areas of the practice of medicine
(
i) within the scope of practice for podiatry established by Council,
(ii) within their individual scope of practice,
(iii) within the conditions and restrictions of their licence, if any, and
(iv) within the standards of practice applicable to podiatrist licence
holders approved by Council;
(
b) serve as an appointed member of any committee of the College, if the terms
of reference of the committee permit podiatrist licence holders to serve on
the committee;
(
c) vote at annual or special meetings of the College if permitted by the bylaws;
(
d) if elected to the Council, hold office;
(
e) receive copies of official College publications;
(
f) attend and participate in annual or special meetings of the College.
Podiatrist licence—term
63H
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a podiatrist licence remains in effect until the
date it expires.
(2) A podiatrist licence ceases to be valid if any of the following occur:
(
a) the licence is suspended or revoked;
(
b) the licensee’s registration is revoked;
(
c) the member fails to continue to meet the criteria for a podiatrist licence;
(
d) the licence is replaced by another licence;
(
e) the licence is surrendered in accordance with
Section 20 of the Act.
Podiatrist licence—application and criteria for renewing
63I A member applying to renew a podiatrist licence must submit a completed application
on a form prescribed by the Registrar together with all of the following:
(
a) payment of the applicable fee, within the time determined by the Registrar;
(
b) proof satisfactory to the Registrar that the member continues to meet the
criteria for a podiatrist licence required by
Section 63F.
Podiatrist licence—designations
63J
(1) A person holding a podiatrist licence is authorized to use the designation
“Podiatrist”, “Podiatric Surgeon”, “Doctor of Podiatric Medicine”, “Pod.” or any
derivation or abbreviation of those designations.
(2) A person holding a podiatrist licence is authorized to use the designation “Doctor”
or “Dr.” only if it is used with the word “podiatry” or a derivation of the word
“podiatry”.
(3) A person must not use the designation “Podiatrist”, “Podiatric Surgeon”, “Doctor
of Podiatric Medicine” or “Pod.”, or any derivation or abbreviation of those
designations, unless they are registered and hold a current podiatrist licence.
Part 3: Review and Appeal of Registration and Licensing Decisions
Definitions for
Part 3
64 In this Part,
“appeal” means an appeal of a decision of the Registration Committee;
“applicant” means an applicant for registration or licensing who is requesting a
review of a decision of the Registrar or Registration Committee, as applicable;
“application” means an application for registration or licensing;
“hearing” means a hearing before the Registration Appeal Committee.
Internal Review Process
Selection of internal review subcommittee
(1) The Registration Committee must establish an internal review subcommittee
composed of at least 3 and, except as provided in subsection (2), no more than 5
members of the Registration Committee, at least 1 of whom must be a public
representative.
(2) The Registration Committee may appoint additional members to the internal
review subcommittee, if the committee considers it necessary.
(3) The Registration Committee must appoint 1 member of the internal review
subcommittee to act as chair of the subcommittee.
(4) The internal review process must be conducted by the internal review
subcommittee.
(5) A quorum of the internal review subcommittee consists of any 3 members of the
internal review subcommittee.
Internal review process
(1) Any decision of the Registrar to deny registration or refuse to issue or renew a
licence may be reviewed under the internal review process.
(2) A person requesting an internal review must pay the applicable fee for internal
review.
(3) The fee paid under subsection (2) must be refunded to the applicant if the internal
review results in the granting of registration or the issuing of a licence.
Request for internal review
(1) A request for an internal review must be made to the Registrar in writing no later
than 30 days after the date the Registrar’s decision was sent to the applicant.
(2) The Registrar must refer a request for internal review to the chair of the internal
review subcommittee.
Information provided to subcommittee and applicant
68 No later than 30 days after receiving a request for an internal review, the Registrar must
provide the internal review subcommittee and applicant with all of the following:
(
a) a copy of the written decision under review;
(
b) a copy of all records related to the application and in the possession of the
College, subject to any lawful restrictions;
(
c) any written information the Registrar considers necessary.
New information and submissions of the applicant
(1) An applicant may provide new information and make written submissions to the
internal review subcommittee
(
a) up to 10 business days after receiving information under
Section 68; or
(
b) if requested by the applicant, within a longer time period permitted by the
internal review subcommittee.
(2) New information and written submissions provided under subsection (1) must be
copied to the Registrar.
Subcommittee may decide without meeting applicant
70 An internal review subcommittee may decide any matter without meeting in person with
the applicant.
Decision of internal review subcommittee
(1) An internal review subcommittee must review all material and submissions
provided to it and may make any decision that the Registrar could have made with
respect to an application.
(2) An internal review subcommittee must make its decision no later than a reasonable
time and must render a written decision with reasons no later than 30 days
following the time the subcommittee makes its decision.
Decision of internal review subcommittee final
72 A decision of an internal review subcommittee is final.
Registration Appeal Committee
Appeals to be heard by Registration Appeal Committee
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), an appeal from a decision of the Registration
Committee must be conducted by the Registration Appeal Committee.
(2) If an agreement is reached under the Regulated Health Professions Network Act to
hold an appeal under that Act, the provisions of the Regulated Health Professions
Network Act apply.
Request for appeal
(1) A request for an appeal must be made in writing to the Registrar no later than 30
days from the date the Registration Committee’s decision was sent to the applicant.
(2) An appeal must stipulate the grounds for the appeal.
(3) An applicant requesting an appeal must pay the applicable fee.
(4) The fee paid under subsection (3) must be refunded to the applicant if the appeal
results in the granting of registration or the issuing of a licence.
Information provided to Registration Appeal Committee and applicant
75 Within a reasonable time after receiving a request for an appeal, the Registrar must
provide the Registration Appeal Committee and the applicant with all of the following:
(
a) a copy of the written decision being appealed;
(
b) a copy of all records related to the application and in the possession of the
College, subject to any lawful restrictions;
(
c) any written information the Registrar considers necessary.
Security may be required
(1) On application from the College, the Registration Appeal Committee may require
an applicant to deposit security for an appeal with the College in an amount and in
the form the Committee determines.
(2) The security paid under subsection (1) must be refunded to the applicant if the
appeal results in the granting of registration or the issuing of a licence.
Costs of appeal
77 Other than a refund of the fee paid under subsection 66(2) and security paid under
subsection 76(1), an applicant is not entitled to any costs for an appeal.
Powers of the Registration Appeal Committee
(1) The Registration Appeal Committee may determine its own procedure, which may
include doing any of the following:
(
a) ordering pre-hearing procedures, including pre-hearing conferences that are
held in private, and direct the times, dates and places of the hearing for
those procedures;
(
b) ordering that a hearing, parts of a hearing or pre-hearing conference be
conducted using a means of telecommunication that permits the parties and
the committee to communicate simultaneously;
(
c) administering oaths and affirmations;
(
d) receiving and accepting any evidence and information on oath, affidavit or
otherwise as the Registration Appeal Committee considers fit, whether
admissible in a court of law or not;
(
e) adjourning or postponing a proceeding;
(
f) amending or permitting the amendment of any document filed in connection
with the proceeding.
(2) The Registration Appeal Committee may determine whether the proceedings
before it must be conducted through written submissions, or whether the parties
have a right of attendance before the Registration Appeal Committee for the
presentation of evidence or submissions.
Time and place of appeal hearing
79 If the Registration Appeal Committee determines that a hearing that requires the
attendance of the parties must be held, the Registration Appeal Committee must fix a
reasonable time and place for the hearing.
Notice of appeal hearing to applicant
80 The Registrar must provide written notice of an appeal hearing that requires the
applicant’s attendance to be given to the applicant at least 14 days before the date set for
the hearing.
Conduct of hearing before Registration Appeal Committee
(1) The parties to a hearing are the College and the applicant.
(2) In a hearing before the Registration Appeal Committee, the parties have the right to
all of the following:
(
a) representation by legal counsel;
(
b) if the hearing requires the attendance of the parties, the opportunity to
present evidence and to make submissions;
(
c) disclosure of all relevant information and documents.
(3) The applicant is a compellable witness in a hearing.
(4 ) The proceedings of a hearing must be electronically recorded.
Evidence at hearing
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), none of the following evidence is admissible
at a hearing unless the opposing party has been given the following at least 10 days
before the date of the hearing:
(
a) for written or documentary evidence, an opportunity to examine the
evidence;
(
b) for expert evidence, a copy of the expert’s written report or, if there is no
written report, a written
summary of the evidence and the expert’s
qualifications;
(
c) if the Registration Appeal Committee authorizes the attendance of
witnesses, the identity of the witnesses.
(2) The Registration Appeal Committee may allow the introduction of evidence that
would be otherwise inadmissible and may make any directions it considers
necessary to ensure that a party is not prejudiced by the admission of the evidence.
Applicant fails to attend hearing
83 If an applicant fails to attend a hearing, the Registration Appeal Committee may proceed
with a hearing in the applicant’s absence and take any action authorized under the Act
and these regulations.
Conclusion of hearing
(1) The Registration Appeal Committee must render its decision with reasons within a
reasonable time after
(
a) the hearing concludes, if a hearing is held; or
(
b) its review of the written evidence and written submissions, if no hearing is
held.
(2 ) The Registration Appeal Committee may make any decision the Registrar or the
Registration Committee could have made with respect to the application, and may
do any of the following:
(
a) order the imposition of conditions or restrictions on the licence of the
appellant;
(
b) assess any costs to be paid by the applicant and determine how any security
is credited towards the costs or refunded to the applicant under subsection
76(2).
(3 ) In clause (2)(b), “costs” includes all of the following:
(
a) expenses incurred by the College in the application process;
(
b) expenses incurred by the College for the activities of the Registration
Appeal Committee;
(
c) the College’s solicitor and client costs, including disbursements and HST,
relating to the application and the appeal, including those of College counsel
and counsel for the Registration Appeal Committee;
(
d) fees for retaining a court reporter and preparing transcripts of the
proceedings;
(
e) travel costs and reasonable expenses of any witnesses, including expert
witnesses, required to appear for the appeal.
Decision of Registration Appeal Committee is final
85 A decision of the Registration Appeal Committee is final.
Part 4: Professional Conduct Process
Definitions for this
Part
86 In this Part,
“hearing” means a hearing before a hearing committee.
Initiating and Investigating Complaint
Member referred by Registrar for assessment for incapacity
(1) On receiving information, other than a complaint, that suggests a member may be
incapacitated, the Registrar may, if the member agrees, refer the member for an
assessment for incapacity.
(2) If an assessment under subsection (1) suggests incapacity, the Registrar may refer
the matter for remediation as agreed upon between the member and the Registrar.
(3) The Registrar may initiate a complaint against a member who
(
a) does not agree to be referred for an assessment for incapacity under
subsection (1); or
(
b) the Registrar determines is not compliant with remediation agreed upon
under subsection (2).
Preliminary investigation of complaint
(1) On receiving or initiating a complaint, the Registrar may appoint an investigator to
conduct a preliminary investigation of the complaint under this Section.
(2) When conducting a preliminary investigation, an investigator may request
additional written or oral explanation from the complainant, the respondent or a
third party.
(3) The Registrar or an investigator may, with a respondent’s consent, arrange for the
respondent to do 1 or more of the following during a preliminary investigation:
(
a) submit to physical or mental examinations by a qualified person or persons
designated by the Registrar, and authorize the reports from the examinations
to be given to the Registrar;
(
b) submit to a review or audit of the respondent’s practice by a qualified
person or persons designated by the Registrar, and authorize a copy of the
review or audit to be given to the Registrar;
(
c) complete a competence assessment or other assessment or examination to
determine whether the respondent is competent to practise, and authorize
the assessment or examination report to be given to the Registrar;
(
d) produce any records kept about the respondent’s practice that the Registrar
or investigator consider appropriate.
(4) Expenses incurred to take any action under subsection (3) must initially be paid by
the College, but may be awarded as costs against the respondent under any of the
following circumstances:
(
a) under
Section 121;
(
b) as part of the terms of a consensual reprimand or consensual conditions or
restrictions;
(
c) by consent.
Resolution of complaint by Registrar
(1) Taking into account the results of a preliminary investigation, the Registrar must
do 1 or more of the following:
(
a) dismiss the complaint and notify the complainant and the respondent of the
dismissal if the Registrar decides that any of the following apply:
(
i) the complaint is outside the jurisdiction of the College,
(ii) the complaint cannot be substantiated,
(iii) the complaint is frivolous or vexatious,
(iv) the complaint constitutes an abuse of process,
(
v) the complaint does not allege facts that, if proven, would constitute
professional misconduct, conduct unbecoming, incompetence or
incapacity, or would merit a caution;
(
b) informally resolve the complaint if the Registrar considers that the
complaint may be satisfactorily resolved consistent with the objects of the
College;
(
c) authorize the resignation of the member;
(
d) if the member and the Registrar agree, refer the member for an assessment
for incapacity and, if the assessment suggests incapacity, refer the matter for
remediation as agreed upon between the member and the Registrar;
(
e) refer the matter to an investigation committee.
(2) If the Registrar considers it useful, the Registrar may provide written advice
relevant to the complaint that is of a non-disciplinary nature to any of the following
persons:
(
a) the complainant;
(
b) the respondent;
(
c) any person affected by the complaint.
(3) The Registrar must provide a copy of any written advice provided under clauses
(2)(
a) or (
c) to the respondent.
Review of complaint dismissal
(1) No later than 30 days after a complainant is notified of a dismissal by the Registrar
under clause 89(1)(a), the complainant may submit a written request to the
Registrar for review of the dismissal by the independent review committee.
(2) The Registrar must send any request for a review of a complaint dismissal received
under subsection (1) to both of the following:
(
a) the respondent;
(
b) the chair of the investigation pool.
(3) On receiving a request for review of a complaint dismissal under clause (2)(b), the
chair of the investigation pool must appoint an independent review committee to
review the dismissal.
Independent review committee
(1) The independent review committee consists of all of the following, none of whom
are members of Council:
(a) 1 public representative;
(b) 2 members of the investigation pool.
(2) A quorum of the independent review committee consists of the 3 persons
appointed under subsection (1).
(3) All decisions of an independent review committee require the vote of a majority of
the quorum of the committee.
Decision of independent review committee
(1) After reviewing a complaint, any other material considered by the Registrar and the
Registrar’s decision, an independent review committee may do any of the
following:
(
a) confirm the dismissal of some or all of the complaint;
(
b) overturn the dismissal of some or all of the complaint and do both of the
following:
(
i) order an investigation of any aspects of the complaint that have not
been dismissed,
(ii) refer the matter to be considered by an investigation committee under
Section 95.
(2) An independent review committee must render its decision in writing, with
reasons, and provide a copy of the decision to all of the following within a
reasonable time:
(
a) the Registrar;
(
b) the complainant;
(
c) the respondent.
Decision of independent review committee final
93 A decision of an independent review committee is final.
Referral for assessment for incapacity
(1) If an assessment for incapacity agreed to under subsection 87(1) or clause 89(1)(
d) cannot be resolved by way of agreement between the Registrar and the member,
the matter must be referred to an investigation committee.
(2) If an assessment for incapacity agreed to under subsection 87(1) or clause 89(1)(
d) is resolved by way of agreement between the Registrar and the member, the
Registrar must advise the complainant of all of the following:
(
a) that the matter has been resolved through remediation under subsection
87(1) or clause 89(1)(d), whichever is applicable;
(
b) any conditions or restrictions placed on the member’s ability to practise that
are also made available to the public by the Registrar;
(
c) that if the member does not comply with the remedial resolution, the matter
will be referred to an investigation committee for processing in accordance
with the regulations.
Investigation Committees
Investigating complaint by investigation committee
(1) If a matter has been referred to an investigation committee, the investigation
committee may appoint an investigator to conduct or to further an investigation.
(2) When investigating a complaint under subsection (1), an investigator may do any
of the following:
(
a) request additional written or oral explanation from the complainant, the
respondent or a third party;
(
b) request an interview of the complainant, the respondent or a third party;
(
c) investigate any matter relating to the respondent that arises in the course of
the investigation in addition to the complaint, that may constitute any of the
following:
(
i) professional misconduct,
(ii) conduct unbecoming the profession,
(iii) incompetence,
(iv) incapacity.
(3) A respondent may submit any information relevant to the complaint to an
investigator, including medical information or patient records.
(4) When an investigator has completed their investigation, they must prepare a report
of the investigation and provide a copy of the investigation report to the
investigation committee.
Additional information to investigation committee
(1) During an investigation, an investigation committee may at any time direct an
investigator to conduct any additional investigation that the investigation
committee considers necessary.
(2) In addition to the report of the investigation, an investigation committee may
receive any information relevant to the matters before it.
(3 ) An investigation committee may do any of the following during an investigation:
(
a) provide direction with regard to the investigation;
(
b) conduct some or all of the investigation;
(
c) exercise any of the powers conferred upon it under the Act and these
regulations.
New matters reviewed by investigation committee
97 If any matter in addition to a complaint is considered by an investigation committee, the
matter is part of the same investigation and is subject to all the same procedural rules and
rights as the initial complaint.
Dismissal of complaint by investigation committee
(1) An investigation committee may dismiss a complaint and notify the complainant
and the respondent of the dismissal if an investigation committee decides that any
of the following apply:
(
a) the complaint is outside the jurisdiction of the College;
(
b) the complaint cannot be substantiated;
(
c) the complaint is frivolous or vexatious;
(
d) the complaint constitutes an abuse of process;
(
e) the complaint does not allege facts that, if proven, would constitute
professional misconduct, conduct unbecoming, incompetence or incapacity,
or would merit a caution.
(2) If the investigation committee considers it useful, it may provide written advice
relevant to the complaint that is of a non-disciplinary nature to any of the following
persons:
(
a) the complainant;
(
b) the respondent;
(
c) any person affected by the complaint.
(3) The Registrar must provide a copy of any written advice provided under clause
(2)(
a) or (
c) to the respondent.
Disposition of complaint by investigation committee
(1) An investigation committee must give the respondent a reasonable opportunity to
appear before the investigation committee disposes of the matter, and may request
or require other persons to appear before it.
(2) An investigation committee may require the respondent to produce any records or
documents kept about the respondent’s practice.
(3) An investigation committee may require the respondent to do 1 or more of the
following:
(
a) submit to physical or mental examinations by a qualified person or persons
designated by an investigation committee, and authorize the reports from the
examinations to be given to the investigation committee;
(
b) submit to a review or audit of the respondent’s practice by a qualified
person or persons designated by the investigation committee, and authorize
a copy of the review or audit to be given to the investigation committee;
(
c) submit to a competence assessment or other assessment or examination an
investigation committee directs to determine whether the respondent is
competent to practise, and authorize the assessment or examination report to
be given to the investigation committee;
(
d) produce any records kept about the respondent’s practice that the
investigation committee considers appropriate.
(4) Expenses incurred for a respondent to comply with a requirement under subsection
(3) must initially be paid by the College, but may be awarded as costs against the
respondent under the following circumstances:
(
a) under
Section 121;
(
b) as part of the terms of a consensual reprimand or consensual conditions or
restrictions;
(
c) by consent.
(5) After providing the opportunity to appear before the investigation committee under
subsection (1), the committee must do 1 or more of the following:
(
a) dismiss the complaint;
(
b) if considered useful by the committee, provide advice relevant to the
complaint that is of a non-disciplinary nature to 1 or more of the following
persons:
(
i) the complainant,
(ii) the respondent,
(iii) any other person affected by the complaint;
(
c) informally resolve the complaint;
(
d) caution the respondent;
(
e) refer the respondent to the Registrar for a competence assessment as
determined by the Registrar, and require the respondent to pay for any costs
arising from the assessment;
(
f) make a determination that there is sufficient evidence that, if proven,
(
i) would constitute any of the following:
(
A) professional misconduct,
(
B) conduct unbecoming,
(
C) incompetence,
(
D) incapacity, and
(ii) warrants imposing a licensing sanction.
(6) The Registrar must provide a copy of any written advice provided under subclause
(5)(b)(
i) or (iii) to the respondent.
(7) If an investigation committee makes a determination under clause (5)(f), the
investigation committee must do 1 of the following:
(
a) with the respondent’s consent, order 1 or both of the following:
(
i) that the respondent receive a reprimand,
(ii) that conditions or restrictions be imposed on the respondent’s
licence;
(
b) refer the matter or matters for a hearing, and if the committee considers it
appropriate, direct the Registrar on behalf of the College to attempt to
negotiate a settlement agreement in accordance with
Section 101.
Notification and disclosure of disposition
(1) A licensing sanction imposed under clause 99(7)(
a) must be published in
accordance with subsection 118(2).
(2) If an investigation committee refers a matter to a hearing committee under clause
99(7)(b), the Registrar must advise the complainant of the referral and may do 1 or
more of the following
(
a) disclose to the public that a matter has been referred for a hearing;
(
b) advise others of the referral for a hearing.
Settlement Agreements and Consent Revocation Agreements
Preparing and tendering settlement agreements
(1) A proposed settlement agreement may be initiated in writing by the Registrar or
the respondent at any time before a hearing begins.
(2 ) A proposed settlement agreement must include all of the following:
(
a) sufficient facts and admissions to support the agreed disposition;
(
b) an agreement on costs;
(
c) the respondent’s consent to a specified disposition conditional on the
acceptance of the settlement agreement by an investigation committee and a
hearing committee.
(3) A settlement agreement may include any disposition that could be ordered by a
hearing committee under the Act or these regulations.
(4) If both the Registrar and the respondent agree with the content of a proposed
settlement agreement, the Registrar must refer the settlement agreement to an
investigation committee for consideration in accordance with
Section 102.
(5) The Registrar and the respondent may agree to use a mediator to prepare a
settlement agreement, and the costs for the mediator must be divided equally
between the College and the respondent unless otherwise agreed.
(6) If the Registrar and the respondent cannot agree on the content of a proposed
settlement agreement, the matter must be referred for a hearing.
Investigation committee recommendations on settlement agreement
(1) An investigation committee may recommend acceptance of a settlement agreement
if it is satisfied that all of the following conditions are met:
(
a) the public is protected;
(
b) the conduct or its causes can be, or have been, successfully remedied or
treated, and the respondent is likely to successfully pursue any remediation
or treatment required;
(
c) the content of the proposed settlement agreement provides sufficient facts
and admissions to support the agreed disposition;
(
d) settlement is in the best interests of the public and the profession.
(2) If an investigation committee recommends acceptance of a settlement agreement,
the investigation committee must refer the settlement agreement to the hearing
committee for consideration in accordance with
Section 103.
(3) If the investigation committee does not recommend acceptance of a settlement
agreement, the investigation committee must do 1 of the following:
(
a) recommend changes to the settlement agreement that
(
i) if agreed upon by the Registrar and the respondent will result in
acceptance by the investigation committee, or
(ii) if not agreed upon by the Registrar and the respondent will result in
rejection by the investigation committee;
(
b) reject the settlement agreement and refer the complaint considered by the
investigation committee to a hearing committee for a hearing.
Hearing committee acceptance or rejection of settlement agreement
(1) If a hearing committee accepts a settlement agreement, the settlement agreement
forms part of the order of a hearing committee disposing of the matter and, except
as provided in subsections 104(3) and (4) for breaches of the settlement agreement,
there is no hearing.
(2) If a hearing committee does not accept a settlement agreement, it must do 1 of the
following:
(
a) suggest amendments to the settlement agreement and return it to the
Registrar and the respondent for review;
(
b) reject the settlement agreement, in which case the matter is referred to
another panel of a hearing committee for a hearing.
(3) If both the Registrar and the respondent do not agree with the amendments to a
settlement agreement suggested under clause (2)(a), the settlement agreement is
deemed to be rejected and the matter must be referred to another panel of the
hearing committee for a hearing.
(4) If both the Registrar and the respondent agree with the amendments to a settlement
agreement suggested under clause (2)(a), the settlement agreement must be
approved by a hearing committee.
(5) A person who sits on a panel of a hearing committee that considers a settlement
agreement must not sit on a panel of a hearing committee that conducts a hearing
related to the same complaint.
Settlement agreements and hearings
(1) If a settlement agreement is rejected by a hearing committee, a hearing must
proceed without reference to the settlement agreement or any admissions contained
in the settlement agreement until after the hearing committee has determined
whether professional misconduct, conduct unbecoming, incompetence or
incapacity has been proven.
(2) Before deciding whether to award costs in a hearing, a hearing committee may be
given a copy of any settlement agreements exchanged between the parties.
(3) An admitted breach by a respondent of any term in an accepted settlement
agreement must be referred to a hearing committee for a hearing.
(4) An alleged breach by a respondent of any term in an accepted settlement
agreement must be referred to an investigation committee as a Registrar’s
complaint.
Consent revocation
(1) A respondent who admits or does not contest the allegations set out in either of the
following may, with the consent of the Registrar, submit a proposed consent
revocation agreement to the hearing committee for approval:
(
a) the complaint; or
(
b) the decision of an investigation committee under subsection 99(7).
(2) A proposed consent revocation agreement must include allegations that, if proven,
would result in a revocation of the respondent’s registration and licence.
(3) A hearing committee may accept or refuse a proposed consent revocation
agreement submitted under subsection (1), and must provide a written decision
with reasons.
(4) A decision to accept a consent revocation agreement must in all respects be treated
in the same manner as a revocation ordered by a hearing committee following a
hearing, including disclosure and publication in accordance with
Section 118.
Hearings
Notice of hearing
(1) A notice of hearing must be served on the respondent in accordance with the Act.
(2) A notice of hearing must state all of the following:
(
a) the details of the charges;
(
b) that the respondent may be represented by legal counsel.
Amendment of notice of hearing
(1) At any time before or during a hearing, a hearing committee may, on its own
motion or on the motion of a party to the hearing, amend or alter the notice of
hearing for any of the following reasons:
(
a) to correct an alleged defect in substance or form;
(
b) to make the notice conform to the evidence, if there appears to be a
difference between the evidence and the notice or if the evidence discloses
any of the following that is not stated in the notice:
(
i) potential professional misconduct,
(ii) conduct unbecoming the profession,
(iii) incompetence,
(iv) incapacity.
(2) A respondent must be given an opportunity to prepare an answer to an amendment
or alteration to a notice of hearing made by a hearing committee.
(3) After receiving a respondent’s answer under subsection (2), a hearing committee
may decide that an amendment or alteration to the notice of hearing should not be
made and, if considered appropriate, may refer any new allegations to the Registrar
for processing as a complaint.
Public notice of hearing
108 Subject to any publication bans, the Registrar must give public notice of any scheduled
hearings through the College’s website or by any alternate means the Registrar considers
appropriate, including all of the following information:
(
a) the name of the member;
(
b) the date, time and location of a hearing;
(
c) reference to any application being made for an order under subsection
109(2) to exclude the public.
Attendance at hearing and publication bans
(1) Except as provided in subsections (2) or (3), a hearing is open to the public.
(2) At the request of a party, a hearing committee may order that the public, in whole
or in part, be excluded from a hearing or any part of it if a hearing committee is
satisfied that any of the following apply:
(
a) personal, medical, financial or other matters that may be disclosed at the
hearing are of such a nature that avoiding public disclosure of those matters
in the interest of the public or any person affected outweighs adhering to the
principle that hearings should be open to the public;
(
b) the safety of any person may be jeopardized by permitting public
attendance.
(3) A hearing committee may make an order that the public be excluded from a part of
a hearing that deals with a request for an order to exclude the public in whole or in
part under subsection (2).
(4) A hearing committee may make any orders that it considers necessary, including
orders prohibiting publication or broadcasting, to prevent the public disclosure of
matters disclosed in a hearing, in any decision rendered by a hearing committee, or
with respect to any matter under subsection (2) or (3).
(5) Subject to any order made under this Section, a hearing committee must state at a
hearing its reasons for any order made under this Section.
(6) Despite any decision to exclude the public under this Section, a complainant may
attend a hearing unless the hearing committee directs otherwise.
Hearing procedures
(1) A complainant other than the Registrar cannot participate as a party at a hearing.
(2) A hearing committee may determine any additional rules of procedure for hearings
that are not covered by the Act or these regulations.
(3) A hearing committee may exclude a complainant or any witness other than the
respondent from a hearing until the complainant or witness is required to give
evidence.
(4 ) Witnesses at a hearing must testify under oath or solemn affirmation.
(5) An oath or affirmation taken at a hearing may be administered by any member of a
hearing committee or other person in attendance authorized by law to administer
oaths or affirmations.
(6) A hearing committee may require a respondent to do 1 or more of the following
during a hearing:
(
a) submit to physical or mental examinations by a qualified person or persons
designated by a hearing committee, and authorize examination reports to be
given to the hearing committee;
(
b) submit to a review or audit of the respondent’s practice by a qualified
person or persons designated by a hearing committee, and authorize a copy
of the review to be given to the hearing committee;
(
c) submit to a competence assessment or other assessment or examination a
hearing committee directs to determine whether the respondent is competent
to practise, and authorize the assessment report or examination to be given
to the hearing committee;
(
d) produce any records kept about the respondent’s practice that the hearing
committee considers appropriate.
(7) If a respondent fails to comply with a requirement under subsection (5), a hearing
committee may order that the respondent’s licence be suspended until the
respondent complies.
(8) Expenses incurred for a respondent to comply with a requirement under subsection
(5) must be initially paid by the College, but may be awarded as costs against a
respondent under
Section 121.
Respondent fails to attend hearing
111 After receiving proof of service of the notice of hearing in accordance with
Section 50 of
the Act, a hearing committee may proceed with a hearing in a respondent’s absence and
take any action authorized under the Act and these regulations without further notice to
the respondent.
Subpoenaed witness fees
112 Witnesses who are present under subpoena at a hearing are entitled to claim the same
allowances as witnesses attending a trial of an action in the Supreme Court of Nova
Scotia.
Recording evidence at hearing
(1) All evidence presented at a hearing must be recorded by a person authorized by the
College.
(2) Evidence may be presented at a hearing in any manner that a hearing committee
considers appropriate, and the committee is not bound by the rules of law
respecting evidence applicable to judicial proceedings, but must consider what
evidence to receive in a fair manner.
Preserving evidence
114 Evidence present to a hearing committee and information obtained by an investigation
committee or an investigator for a complaint that has not been dismissed by the
investigation committee must be preserved, electronically or otherwise, for at least 5
years from the date the evidence is presented or the information is obtained.
Disposition by hearing committee
115 A hearing committee that finds professional misconduct, conduct unbecoming,
incompetence or incapacity on the part of a respondent may dispose of the matter in any
manner it considers appropriate, including doing 1 or more of the following, and must
include orders for the action in the committee’s disposition of the matter:
(
a) revoke the respondent’s registration or licence;
(
b) for a respondent who held a temporary licence at the time of the incident
giving rise to the complaint, revoke the respondent’s ability to obtain
registration or require the respondent to comply with any conditions or
restrictions imposed by the committee if registration is granted;
(
c) authorize the respondent to resign their registration;
(
d) suspend the respondent’s licence for a specified period of time;
(
e) suspend the respondent’s ability to obtain a licence for a specified period of
time;
(
f) suspend the respondent’s licence pending the satisfaction and completion of
any conditions a hearing committee orders;
(
g) impose any restrictions or conditions, or both, on the respondent’s licence
for a specified period of time;
(
h) reprimand the respondent and direct that the reprimand be recorded in the
records of the College;
(
i) direct the respondent to pass a particular course of study or satisfy a hearing
committee or any other committee established under the Act of the
respondent’s general competence to practise or competence in a particular
field of practice;
(
j) refer the respondent to for a competence assessment as determined by the
Registrar, and require the respondent to pay for any costs associated with
the assessment;
(
k) direct the respondent to pay a fine in an amount determined by the hearing
committee for findings that involve
(
i) practising while not holding a valid licence to practise, or
(ii) professional misconduct or conduct unbecoming the profession;
(
l) direct the respondent to pay any costs arising from compliance with an order
under clause (g), (
i) or (j);
(
m) publish or disclose its findings in accordance with the Act and these
regulations.
Written decision of hearing committee
116 A hearing committee must prepare a written decision that includes the reasons for its
findings and the reasons for its disposition of the matter, and must publish its decision or
information from its decision in accordance with
Section 118.
Disclosure of hearing committee’s decision to dismiss complaint
(1) Except as prohibited by any publication bans and subject to subsection (2), a
hearing committee may disclose or publish a decision or part of a decision that
dismisses a complaint in the manner determined by the hearing committee.
(2) A hearing committee must provide a copy of its full decision to the Respondent.
Disclosing and publishing licensing sanctions
(1) Except as prohibited by any publication bans and as excluded under
Section 120, a
hearing committee must direct the Registrar to do all of the following for any
licensing sanction that is issued following resolution of a complaint through a
hearing or consent revocation process:
(
a) give a copy of the decision to the respondent and the complainant;
(
b) publish a copy of the full decision in all of the following:
(
i) the College website,
(ii) the Professional Conduct Digest retained by the College and
available to the public,
(iii) any official publication determined by the Registrar;
(
c) make the appropriate entries in the registers of the College and, if
applicable, on the member’s licence;
(
d) provide some or all of the decision or a
summary of the decision, or a notice
of the decision to any of the following the Registrar considers necessary:
(
i) other regulatory bodies,
(ii) any past, present or intended employer of the respondent,
(iii) any district health authority,
(iv) any identified individuals,
(
v) the public, through the newspaper or other media as determined by
the Registrar.
(2) Except as prohibited by any publication bans and as excluded under
Section 120,
the Registrar must do all of the following for any licensing sanction that is issued
by an investigative committee or through a settlement agreement:
(
a) make the appropriate entries in the registers of the College and, if
applicable, on the member’s licence;
(
b) publish the decision or a
summary of the decision in all of the following:
(
i) the College website,
(ii) the professional conduct digest retained by the College and available
to the public,
(iii) any official publication determined by the Registrar;
(
c) notify any of the following of the licensing sanction and provide a copy of
the
summary to them along with any other information requested:
(
i) other regulatory bodies,
(ii) any past, present or intended employer,
(iii) any district health authority,
(iv) any entities or individuals the Registrar considers necessary;
(
d) give the respondent a copy of the decision;
(
e) give some or all of the decision as determined by the Registrar, to the
complainant;
(
f) give any of the following to any person the Registrar considers appropriate:
(
i) the decision,
(ii) a
summary of the decision,
(iii) parts of the decision,
(iv) notice of the decision.
Summary of decision
119 Except as prohibited by any publication bans and as excluded under
Section 120, if the
Registrar publishes a
summary of a decision, the
summary may contain any information
the Registrar considers necessary and must contain all of the following information:
(
a) the member’s name, city or town of residence, registration number;
(
b) the provision of the Act or the regulations under which the licensing
sanction is issued;
(
c) the date of the decision;
(
d) sufficient facts to support the admissions and the disposition;
(
e) the admissions of the respondent;
(
f) an acknowledgment that the admissions constitute a disciplinary matter;
(
g) the disposition ordered by the Committee;
(
h) the reasons for the decision.
Publication if finding of incapacity
120 If there is a finding of incapacity, the Registrar must disclose only such information
relating to the incapacity as is necessary to ensure the objects of the College are met.
Costs for investigation and hearing
(1) For purposes of this Section, “costs” includes all of the following:
(
a) expenses incurred by the College in the investigation of a complaint;
(
b) expenses incurred by the College for the activities of an investigation
committee and a hearing committee;
(
c) expenses incurred for participation in any competence assessment arising
from a decision of an investigation committee or a hearing committee;
(
d) expenses incurred under subsection 88(4), 99(4) or 110(6);
(
e) the College’s solicitor and client costs, including disbursements and HST,
relating to the investigation and hearing of a complaint, including those of
College counsel and counsel for a hearing committee;
(
f) fees for retaining a court reporter and preparing transcripts of the
proceedings;
(
g) travel costs and reasonable expenses of any witnesses, including expert
witnesses.
(2) Except when awarded costs under this Section, a respondent is responsible for all
expenses incurred in their defence.
(3) If a hearing committee finds professional misconduct, conduct unbecoming the
profession, incompetence or incapacity on the part of the respondent, it may order
that the respondent pay costs in whole or in part.
(4) If a hearing committee considers that a hearing was not necessary, it may order the
College to pay some or all of the respondent’s legal costs.
(5) The Registrar may suspend the licence of any respondent who fails to pay the costs
within the time ordered until payment is made or satisfactory arrangements for
payment are made.
Reinstatement of Registration or Licence
Applying for reinstatement of registration or licence
(1) An application for reinstatement of registration or a licence that has been revoked
by a hearing committee must be submitted in writing to the Registrar together with
the applicable fee.
(2) An application must include any information the Registrar requires for assistance
in determining whether the objects of the professional conduct process will be met
if re-instatement is granted.
Investigation for reinstatement application
(1) On receiving a reinstatement application, the Registrar may gather additional
information with respect to the reinstatement application or request that an
investigation be conducted to gather relevant and appropriate information
concerning the application.
(2) Any information gathered under subsection (1) must be provided to the applicant.
(3) The Registrar must provide the reinstatement committee with the reinstatement
application together with any information gathered under subsection (1).
Reinstatement application proceedings
(1) The reinstatement committee must set a date for a proceeding to review a
reinstatement application and must advise the applicant of the date.
(2) The parties to a reinstatement application proceeding are
(
a) the College, represented by the Registrar or a person designated by the
Registrar; and
(
b) the applicant for reinstatement.
(3) Evidence before the reinstatement committee must be taken under oath or
affirmation and must be recorded, and is subject to cross-examination.
Attendance at reinstatement application proceedin