About Standards & Regulations
The regulations developed under the Psychotherapy Act, 2007, and the Professional Practice Standards for Registered Psychotherapists provide the framework for regulating CRPO members. Regulations and standards are enforceable in law. Many professional practice standards are unwritten; they are the standards that are commonly understood and accepted by members of the profession.
There are three regulations under the Psychotherapy Act, 2007:
- Professional Misconduct Regulation
- Quality Assurance Regulation
- Registration Regulation
The Professional Misconduct Regulation defines parameters of professional practice, identifying specific behaviours that constitute misconduct and could trigger disciplinary action by the College. Provisions cover a wide range of professional activities, from record-keeping to advertising and billing practices, as well as unacceptable conduct such as abuse of a client or a client’s representative, and inappropriate use of titles.
The Quality Assurance Regulation provides the framework for developing CRPO’s Quality Assurance Program, a statutory program designed to support members’ continuing competence through ongoing engagement in self-reflection, assessment and professional development.
The Registration Regulation sets out registration requirements for the registration categories of members.
The College relies on the framework of law, regulations and standards in a number of ways, for example:
- To determine whether an applicant is qualified to become registered with CRPO.
- To assess whether a member is meeting their professional obligations and maintaining their knowledge, skill and judgment.
- To address complaints made against a member.
Where there are concerns about a candidate’s application or a member’s practise, conduct or competence, the College relies on committee panels to determine the issues and outcomes. Panels are made up of fellow members of the profession in addition to members of the public. They are familiar with relevant laws, regulations, standards and professional practice. They also have special training in carrying out panel proceedings, which may include review of relevant materials, deliberation and hearings, in a manner that is fair and impartial.
Professional Practice Standards for Registered Psychotherapists
The Professional Practice Standards for Registered Psychotherapists deal with issues of general professionalism and conduct, such as conflict-of-interest, confidentiality of client information, consent and record-keeping. They describe the minimum acceptable professional standards expected of members; they are not intended as best practices. Members are expected to practise in a manner that meets or exceeds the Standards, applying them consistently in their practice environments.
The Standards are the product of extensive research, discussion and debate. As a final step in their development, the Standards were circulated for system partner comment and revised on that basis. In January 2014, Council adopted the Professional Practice Standards for Registered Psychotherapists. They have since been revised and will continue to experience revision as law, regulation, standards and public attitudes evolve. As the need arises, the College may supplement the Standards with explanatory guidelines that provide more information about applying the Standards in particular circumstances.
