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Referrals

Standard 1.9: Referrals

The Professional Practice Standards regarding referrals. This includes the five standards, examples in demonstrating the standard, definitions, and related resources.


Conduite professionnelle
Referrals

Standard 1.9: Referrals

The Professional Practice Standards regarding referrals. This includes the five standards, examples in demonstrating the standard, definitions, and related resources.

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The Standard

 

1.9.1 Registrants take all of the following steps prior to making a referral:

 

a) Adequately inform the client about any referral they propose to make.

 

b) Obtain the client’s informed consent to refer.

 

c) Take reasonable steps to assure themselves of the competence and character of the professional to whom the client is being referred.

 

1.9.2 When registrants refer clients to an individual or business the registrant has a personal or professional relationship with, they do all of the following:

 

a) Fully disclose the extent of the relationship.

 

b) Provide alternatives.

 

c) Assures the client their decision will not affect their care from the referring registrant.

 

1.9.3 Registrants avoid self-referral unless all of the following have been fulfilled:

 

a) The benefit to the registrant is disclosed to the client.

 

b) Alternative options are provided.

 

c) The client is reassured that the existing relationship will not be affected by the client’s decision.

 

1.9.4 Registrants do not accept commission fees or otherwise benefit materially from providing referrals to other professionals.

 

1.9.5 Registrants, including individuals acting on their behalf, respond to incoming referrals within a reasonable timeframe by providing a response either confirming or denying capacity and competency to take on an additional client.

Standard 1.9

Demonstrating the Standard

  • Standard 1.9

    A registrant demonstrates meeting the standard, for example, by:

    • Informing clients of the reason a referral is being proposed.
    • Taking steps to ensure that the other professional is qualified and competent.
    • Periodically ensuring regular referral contacts remain active, in good standing with their college of registration (if any), and able to take on new clients.

  • Standard 1.9

    A registrant demonstrates meeting the standard, for example, by:

    • Disclosing to the client any actual or perceived conflict of interest in proposing a referral or self-referral.
    • When proposing self-referral, providing at least three appropriate referral options including the registrant themself, and reassuring the client that the existing relationship will not be affected.
    • Documenting any disclosure relating to referral or self-referral.

Key Definitions

  • Key Definitions

    Self Referral

    Occurs when a registrant suggests that a client see them for a different or additional service (e.g., offering group therapy to an individual therapy client), or to see the registrant through a different organization or program (e.g., referring an EAP client to the registrant’s private practice).

Standard 1.9

Commentary

Registrants refer clients to other professionals in various circumstances: due to temporary unavailability of the registrant; a full client load; supplementing the care of a client; or where the registrant is unable to provide the kind of care required. Registrants are professionally obligated to refer a client to another professional when the registrant lacks the knowledge, skill, or judgment to offer needed services (see Standard 2.1 Consultation, Clinical Supervision and Referral).

 

When referring clients to other professionals, registrants inform clients of the reasons for and implications of referral and obtain the client’s informed consent before making the referral. Registrants shall also take reasonable steps to ensure that the other professional is appropriately trained or certified; that they adhere to accepted standards of their profession; and that any information provided by the registrant about the other professional is accurate. Whenever possible, it is advisable to provide the names of more than one professional when making a referral.

 

Should a registrant be unable to accept a referral or appointment request, due to reasons of competency or availability, they are not obligated to suggest alternatives or make further referrals. The original referring registrant is responsible for making reasonable efforts to provide additional referrals.

Self-referral occurs when an RP working in one professional setting refers clients to themselves in another professional setting. For instance, a registrant working in an agency or Employee Assistance Program may refer a client to their own private practice.

 

Registrants are not prohibited from making self-referrals, so long as the following safeguards are followed: the conflict is disclosed to the client (e.g. the registrant stands to gain by making the self-referral); options are provided (e.g. whenever possible, a list is offered of three similar service providers including the registrant); and the client is reassured that if they choose to obtain the service elsewhere, the existing relationship and service will not be affected.

 

Technically, a referral to a related person or corporation places the registrant in a conflict of interest. However, there will be situations where this is appropriate. As long as the registrant adheres to the safeguards outlined above, and they document the conversation occurring around the referral or self-referral, they will not be creating an irreconcilable conflict of interest.

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