Annual Report 2017-2018 by College of Alberta Psychologists

Annual Report 2017-2018

The College Explained The College of Alberta Psychologists (the “College”) regulates the profession of psychology in the province of Alberta. The profession of psychology was initially organized in Alberta in the 1960s as the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta. In 1987 the Psychology Profession Act was passed, and in 1996 the Association was separated into regulatory and fraternal bodies. The College of Alberta Psychologists assumed responsibility for the regulation of the profession. The College was proclaimed under the Health Professions Act on January 15, 2006.

Key Priorities •

protecting the public by regulating the profession through establishing ethical principles, standards of practice, and professional practice guidelines

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fostering the development of the profession and of individual members of the profession

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communicating with government and stakeholders

This annual report covers the fiscal year from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018.

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Table of Contents Message from the Registrar

Message from the President

5 6

Introduction Report of the Council

ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN 2017–2022

REPORTS OF PUBLIC MEMBERS

Reports of the Advisory Committees

3.1

Practice Advisory Committee

3.2

Registration Advisory Committee

Report of the Registrar

REGISTRATION OF COLLEGE MEMBERS

4.1

Registration Process

4.2

Credentials Evaluation Sub-Committee

4.3

Registration Applications

4.4

Registration Approvals Sub-Committee

4.5

Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology

4.6

Oral Examination

4.7

New Registrants

4.8

Number of Members

4.9

Substantial Equivalency Sub-Committee

8 9 18

20 21 21 22 23 23 24 25 26 27 27 27 28 29

Complaint Process

Treasurer’s Report

37 38 50

Audited Financial Statements

Council, Committees and Staff Members

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Message from the Registrar I have now had the privilege of serving my first full year as Registrar. I accepted the responsibility of leading the College to ensure that public, as well as stakeholder, confidence in the professional services of psychologists remains and grows. This is particularly important given the recent success of de-stigmatization efforts and the rise of both allied health and non-regulated professions offering mental health services. This annual report outlines the Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work and many achievements during 2017-18 that serve to protect the public and guide psychologists to the highest ethical and professional standards.

website.

Two of our first achievements in 2017 included the development of five-year strategic and communications-engagement plans. College Council under the leadership of both Lorraine Stewart and Paul Jerry articulated clear vision and mission statements. Six strategic objectives have been approved by Council and are being enacted. These can be found within this report and on our

Dr. Troy Janzen joined the College this year as Deputy Registrar and Complaints Director. Dr. Janzen comes to the College after several years at the University of Alberta. Dr. Deena Martin also joined the College this year. She is the Assistant Deputy Registrar and Director of Professional Guidance. Dr. Martin was most recently with City University and has been instrumental in seeing several professional practice guidelines to fruition including: Disclosure of Personal and Confidential Information; Telepsychology; and Medical Assistance in Dying. These guidelines serve the public interest by equipping psychologists with the knowledge to navigate increasingly complex practice challenges. This past year saw the digitization and online distribution of our primary publication The CAP Monitor. It has been met with widespread accolades. We are also in the early development of online learning modules to replace and enhance the current oral ethics and jurisprudence examination. Just as the science of psychology evolves and grows so must the College. This is likely best reflected in the human resource review conducted during this fiscal year with the goal of excelling as a high-quality employer, fostering both employee engagement and work-life balance. Additional internal enhancements included a cyber security review and accounting enhancements to ensure our financial sustainability. The College participated in several government reviews and initiatives to ensure the mental health needs of all Albertans are at the forefront. These included the Mental Health Amendment Act Review, the Valuing Mental Health Advisory Committee and the Ministerial Panel on Child Intervention - Addiction and Mental Health. The College also met with the Cannabis Legalization Panel and provided a follow-up written submission. Psychologists are frequently part of collaborative healthcare teams. The benefits to the public of integrated health service delivery models are becoming increasingly known. The College is active in several interdisciplinary regulatory initiatives to foster improved service delivery including electronic records and information sharing. Additional collaborative initiatives have been undertaken with the Psychologistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association of Alberta including several joint professional development and continuing education opportunities. Self-regulation is a privilege that is under increasing scrutiny both nationally and internationally. The College is cognizant of the magnitude of this responsibility. By placing the public interest at the forefront of all our activities confidence in the profession of psychology will continue to be well served.

Richard J. Spelliscy, PhD, RPsych Registrar & CEO

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Message from the President It has been an honour to serve as President of the College Council this year. The year could be characterized as one of consolidation and ensuring the College continues on the course set by my predecessor. Over this year, we accomplished a great deal of work. The Registrar moved forward with the Strategic Plan and has made many significant improvements in internal College systems. I know for some this might not sound like exciting work, but the result of the work done this year sees the staff better aligned with their roles, improvements in employment satisfaction, improved benefits, new opportunities for professional growth, and so on. The result, to my eye, is that the people who make the College happen day to day, are in a better place. Our aim is to be a top employer in Alberta, and I believe we are well on our way. Regulation of a profession is not an easy task in this day and age. We know from many sources that self-regulation is under attack world-wide. What was originally a privilege to manage our own affairs, is now weathering the storms of populism and anti-elitist sentiment. It becomes crucial that the College continue to conduct its affairs with transparency and consistency, filtered through that ever-Canadian sentiment of â&#x20AC;&#x153;sober second thought.â&#x20AC;? If I accomplished anything this year, first and foremost, it was done as a team effort, through Council, through the Registrar, and through the College staff. I owe all of these people a huge debt of gratitude for their work and support. A good President does not act alone and I was accompanied by a very strong group of colleagues. My attention was focused on ensuring that major roles (President, Council, Registrar) remained clearly demarked, and the relationship between these roles was clear. Council worked through a large number of regulation changes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; my sincere thanks to our College committees who took on significant work in this regard. With each of these changes, I asked myself how this would look from the outside, from those who might criticize our autonomy. To this end, I wish to thank our Public Members on Council. Their external perspective has proven invaluable. In many cases, their input has allowed Council to meet my intent that the College act in a defensible and accountable manner. I look forward to my final year on Council and I wish my successor smooth sailing.

Paul Jerry, RPsych President

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Introduction The College regulates the practice of registered psychologists and registered provisional psychologists. The scope of practice for the profession is set out in Schedule 22, Section 3 of the Health Professions Act, which states:

In their practice, psychologists do one or more of the following:

(a)

assess, diagnose, treat, guide and support persons or groups of persons in order to enhance development, effective living and quality of life or to prevent, remedy or ameliorate mental, emotional, cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal difficulties;

teach, supervise or consult in the practice of psychology;

(b)

(b.1) manage and conduct research in the science, techniques and practice of psychology;

(c)

provide restricted activities authorized by the regulations.

The College maintains two primary regulated members’ registers under the Health Professions Act: registered psychologists and registered provisional psychologists. The College also maintains a courtesy register for temporary registration, for a period of up to one year, for psychologists registered elsewhere who wish to provide short-term services in Alberta. A non-regulated members’ register for retired members is established in the bylaws. Regulated members of the College may perform the restricted activity of “psychosocial intervention.” The titles “psychologist” and “provisional psychologist” are protected under this legislation. The College approves the use of the title “Doctor” or the abbreviations “Dr,” “PhD,” “EdD” or “PsyD.” The College Council sets the strategic direction and priorities within the context of the Health Professions Act and the College’s mandate. Adjudicative and advisory functions of the College are clearly identified and separated in keeping with the principles of natural justice. These include fairness, objectivity and transparency. The College Council appoints members to two advisory committees, the Practice Advisory Committee and Registration Advisory Committee. These committees provide advice and assistance to Council in ensuring the College’s mandate of public protection is forefront. The Registrar’s role is to function as the Chief Executive Officer of the College and to discharge the responsibilities of the Registrar as mandated in the Health Professions Act and the Psychologists Profession Regulation. The Registrar oversees regulatory compliance of College functions and advises and supports the Council in fulfilling its responsibilities in accordance with College policies. Additionally, the Registrar advocates high professional standards for members and promotes and maintains public relations with agencies, members, government and the public. In addition to the Registrar, the College has staff members who are organized by regulatory and administrative functions. Member volunteers appointed by the Council perform many advisory and adjudicative functions. Their service is invaluable. In fact, without the members’ support and commitment to College committees and processes, self-regulation would be less efficient and effective. We wish to extend many thanks to all our member volunteers for their continuous contributions and the assistance they provide on behalf of the College. Volunteers contributed hundreds of hours to the College in 2017–18. These volunteers included:

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Council members

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members of standing and legislated committees, task forces and ad hoc committees formed to address specific, time-sensitive issues

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members who offer their professional expertise to the College Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Functional Committee Structure

C O UN C IL

R EGISTR AR /C EO

D E PU T Y R E G I ST R AR C o m p l a i nt s D i re c t or

AS S ISTAN T D EP UTY R EGISTR AR D i re c t or, P rof e ssi onal Gui danc e

Adjudicative Committees

Advisory Committees

O ral Ex a mi n a t i o n s Co m mi t t ee

Re g i s t ra t i o n Committee

Rost e r of M e mbe rs: He ari ng Tri bunal and C omp l ai nt Re vi e w C ommi t t e e

Cred en t ia ls Ev a l u a t i o n Sub-C o mm it t ee

Re g i s t ra t i o n A p p ro v a l s S ub - C o m m i t t e e

S ubst ant i al Eq ui val e nc y S ub- C ommi t t e e

P rac t i c e Advi sory C ommi t t e e

Re g i st r a tion A dv isory Committee

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Report of the Council The Council, which governs the College, consists of 10 voting members: â&#x20AC;˘

seven registered psychologists elected by the membership

â&#x20AC;˘

three public members appointed by the provincial government

College officials and one recording secretary also attend Council meetings. The President-Elect and the Treasurer are elected from amongst Council members each September. The Council held five meetings over the course of the fiscal year.

Report of the Council

Organizational Strategic Plan 2017-2022

A five-year (2017–2022) Strategic Plan was developed and approved by CAP Council at their June 17, 2017 meeting. The Strategic Plan was developed after Council expressed a strong desire to ensure all processes and actions reflect the College’s newly articulated mission and values, while meeting our public protection mandate and legislated roles. A new mission and vision statement were also approved.

OUR VISION

Ensuring the interests of the public are protected by enhancing the practice of psychology and engaging psychologists to excel.

OUR MISSION The College of Alberta Psychologists is the regulator for the profession of psychology in Alberta within a diverse, dynamic and increasingly complex discipline. We protect the public, by determining entry-to-practice requirements, enhancing psychologists’ ethical awareness, establishing standards of practice and ensuring that the profession holds the welfare of the people they serve as their highest duty. We are the regulatory voice for Alberta psychology locally, nationally and globally. Our goal is to create compassionate, caring and competent psychologists. The Plan consists of six broad strategic objectives:

ENSURE the ethical principles and standards of practice that govern the profession are enforced in a manner consistent with the stated values of the College and the legislative requirements - protecting the public, guiding the profession and instilling confidence in the self-regulated profession of psychology.

ENGAGE and connect with psychologists on a routine basis to foster and instill their commitment to both the profession and practice of psychology.

ENHANCE the profession by promoting psychologists practicing to their full scope of practice and examining expansion opportunities while simultaneously meeting our public protection mandate.

ENDORSE evidence-based decision-making in all applied and scientific activities as a critical element in defining professional psychology.

EXCEL as a regulator, implementing state of the art operations, leading edge technologies, and elegant, efficient and accessible systems.

ENCOURAGE and inspire psychologists to incorporate the principles of continuous learning, self-care and work-life balance into their professional identities thereby exemplifying the values of the profession.

A complete copy of the Strategic Plan can be found on the College website. The College Council, staff and volunteers have embraced this new plan and committed to working toward its full implementation. At each Council meeting, Council receives information, through the Registrar’s Report, on initiatives relating to the College’s strategic direction. The following provides a synopsis of primary achievements aligned with the strategic plan objectives.

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

1 •

2017–18 was a time of significant transition and change for the College. Personnel were recruited for all three senior executive positions. Council appointed a new Registrar. Two psychologists with extensive practice, teaching and supervision experience from post-secondary institutions were selected to serve as Complaints Director and Director of Professional Guidance. The College is well prepared to ensure its public protection mandate obligations are met by embracing contemporary and proactive strategies, including public and member education as well as prevention.

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The Practice Advisory Committee (PAC) worked toward completion of several professional practice guidelines that the membership identified as priorities. These guidelines are designed to enhance members’ understanding of the complexity of many contemporary issues facing psychologists, including enhancements in both technology and science. PAC will be developing a work plan in 2018 to prioritize additional practice guidelines now that the guidelines are near completion.

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The 2017 Annual Meeting and Professional Development Day on September 16, 2017 was the best attended on record. Evaluative feedback was highly positive, and members believe the information delivered was both useful and well presented.

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Following member and stakeholder consultation, the College adopted the fourth edition of the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists (2017), which supersedes the third edition, drafted in 2000. The revisions reflect current professional practice in psychology. The Code of Ethics addresses or expands on the issues of technology, collaborative/interdisciplinary practice, diversity and globalization, definitions of distinct types of clients, and phrasing related to “imminent serious bodily harm,” as opposed to the previous phrasing of “serious physical harm.” A revised ethical decision-making model was also outlined.

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Registration Review. The College retained Katrina Haymond of Field LLP to assist with a thirdparty review of registration criteria and processes, to ensure its existing criteria and processes are compliant with the Health Professions Act and the Psychologists Profession Regulation. The College received Ms. Haymond’s final report on December 23, 2016. This report has been shared with key stakeholders.

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As a result of the registration review, the College Council established a Registration Review Recommendation Implementation (RRRI) Sub-Committee on June 17, 2017 to address the recommendations contained in the report. Dr. Derek Truscott was appointed as chair of the RRRI SubCommittee. A comprehensive review of the third-party recommendations has been completed. College staff and sub-committee members have met with all of the major degree granting psychology programs in the province. A preliminary plan to transition the credentialing process from a course-by-course process to a program approval process has met with unanimous approval. The RRRI Sub-Committee will be reporting back to Council in the upcoming fiscal year to finalize their recommendations and implementation plan.

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Once the registration review has been completed, the College will undertake a full audit of all existing College bylaws and policies. This is to ensure any changes resulting from the registration review are supported by companion regulations, bylaws and policies. A primary goal of the registration review Annual Report 2017 - 2018

is to ensure its processes are transparent, objective, impartial and fair. This is consistent with the principles of natural justice. •

Online jurisprudence and ethics examination. The College, in its efforts to enhance, modernize and streamline all aspects of its regulatory activities, is transitioning the oral examination to online learning modules. This will enhance both transparency and fairness in the administration of this important registration requirement. Tentatively titled Law and Ethics in Alberta Psychology (LEAP), the oral examination will be re-branded and piloted in the 2018–19 fiscal year.

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Public communication. Information is routinely provided to educate the public about psychology and about psychologists’ roles and responsibilities. The College also addresses concerns and complaints. Members of the public are often referred to the Referral Service of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta, as well as to other organizations when appropriate. The refreshed College website at www.cap.ab.ca is designed to serve the public’s need for information and transparency regarding College processes. Public communication occurs via phone, email and the website’s Contact Us page. The College’s primary mandate of protecting the public is enhanced through easy access to the College. As part of this mandate, the College established a full-time Communications Coordinator position and a Communications and Engagement Plan was developed and implemented during this fiscal year.

ENGAGE and connect with psychologists on a routine basis to foster and instill their commitment to both the profession and practice of psychology.

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The 2017 Annual Meeting and Professional Development Day was held in Edmonton on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the Shaw Conference Centre. Seats for this professional development event were sold out by late August. Over 250 members and/or students attended the event—a notable increase of 40% relative to the previous year.

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We were pleased to host Dr. Gabor Maté from Vancouver as our keynote speaker. Dr. Maté presented on the topic of “Compassion Fatigue” during the morning session. He also offered two afternoon sessions: “How can Psychologists Meet the Opioid Crisis Challenge” and “When the Body says No!” A renowned speaker and bestselling author, Dr. Gabor Maté is highly sought after for his expertise on a range of topics, including addiction, stress and childhood development.

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Additionally, four professional development sessions in the afternoon focused on a range of topics, including:

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o Collaborative Practice Essentials: Knowledge Cafe – E. Greidanus & B. Dye

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o The Psychologist as an Expert Witness – A. Haag

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o Getting Back on the Rails: Managing Supervision Conflict – L. Phillips & G. Schoepp

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o Psychologists Meeting the Needs of the Refugee Community – S. Yohani

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The day ended with a reception in honour of the College’s many volunteers.

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Members were offered the opportunity to provide electronic feedback online following the professional development day. Evaluations of this year’s professional development day were positive, with comments such as: “I thought it was great!” “I enjoyed it all,” and “Great combination of interactive activity and information sessions.” Annual Report 2017 - 2018

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The Professional Guidance Department provides guidance to regulated members in identifying, interpreting and applying regulatory resources (e.g., legislation, Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, Practice Guidelines/Alerts) to their practice situation. Professional guidance is readily available, with 88% of professional guidance inquiries being addressed within 24 hours. The department received 500 inquiries in the past year, up 10% from the previous fiscal year. Themes arising in the consultation process included record-keeping (including release of information), consent, confidentiality and supervision.

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Members accessing professional guidance at the College were sent a link to an anonymous online survey, so they could provide their feedback about the services they received. In this reporting period, the College received 123 responses to the survey (a 24.6% response rate). Over 97% of respondents reported the quality of feedback as positive, with 88% stating their experiences with professional guidance were “very positive.”

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Members have expressed their appreciation for this important resource, and for the assistance it provides them in addressing regulatory practice issues.

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College staff continue to present on a broad range of regulatory issues and common concerns facing members of the profession, including, but not limited to, changes to record-keeping, informed consent, registration processes, ethical practice and complaints and professional conduct. The presentation included psychologists working in schools, hospitals and community mental health facilities, as well as custody and access. These presentations are consistent with the College’s preferred practice of proactive engagement and ensuring members are practicing in a manner consistent with the College’s Standards of Practice and ethical principles.

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The College presented, in collaboration with the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta and Dr. Derek Truscott, the workshop titled “A Day in the Life of a Good Psychologist.” Topics examined included self-care, professionalism, competence and professional boundaries. The workshop was well attended.

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The College and PAA co-present at Town Hall meetings held throughout the province. The meetings are an informal way to engage with members in a manner consistent with one of our strategic objectives. Members are encouraged to seek out the next annual Town Hall meeting in their area, to share their views and aspirations.

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Two supervision consultants appointed by the Council continue to be available to assist provisional psychologists and their supervisors with ethical and practice issues. The College received 52 supervision-related questions in this fiscal year. This valuable resource often prevents potential conflicts between a supervisor and a provisional psychologist.

52 12

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Supervision-related questions received this fiscal year.

ENHANCE the profession by promoting psychologists practicing to their full scope of practice and examining expansion opportunities while simultaneously meeting our public protection mandate.

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The Registrar and Deputy Registrar met with representatives from Persons With Developmental Disabilities. The purpose of the meeting was to address frequent misunderstandings in relationship to interpretation and over-generalization/reliance on use of intelligence scores in defining disabilities. It was specifically emphasized that intelligence alone should not be considered the sole indicator of a disability.

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The Registrar and Deputy Registrar are in regular contact with the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) in relation to psychological injuries in the workplace. Psychologists continue to play a significant role in meeting the mental health needs of injured workers. The College is supportive of recent enhancements within WCB.

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The College is developing professional practice guidelines to support psychologists providing services, within collaborative healthcare environments, to individuals exploring and/or seeking medical assistance in dying services. The College, along with a number of allied health professions, participated in various stakeholder consultations. The College benefited from the leadership and extraordinary efforts of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services to ensure Alberta was in compliance with judicially established rulings.

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The Registrar held several meetings with external stakeholders. This included Alberta Health Services, to address the generic use of the title Mental Health Therapist. This meeting was held at the request of AHS. They expressed a renewed interest in ensuring psychologists can work under the appropriate professional title. Meetings were also held with the Rehabilitation External Stakeholder Committee, AHS Provincial Clinical Information Systems as well as the Community Health Information Stewardship Committee. The latter is one of several government committees dedicated to electronic health records. The province has expressed a strong commitment to moving forward with both digitization and information sharing for treatment/research purposes.

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The College participated in several government reviews and initiatives to ensure the mental health needs of all Albertans are at the forefront. These included the Mental Health Amendment Act, the Valuing Mental Health Advisory Committee and the Ministerial Panel on Child Intervention - Addiction and Mental Health. The College also met with the Cannabis Legalization Panel and provided a follow-up written submission.

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Additional joint stakeholder meetings during this reporting period included meetings with the Assistant Deputy Minister responsible for Prescriptive Services and with Alberta Health Services Provincial Psychology Professional Practice Council.

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The Information Sharing Strategy posited by the Government of Alberta affects psychologists in general, and especially those in multidisciplinary team settings. The College is participating in ongoing discussions with the provincial government in relation to many information and data exchange projects, and is supportive of projects that facilitate the best possible care for Albertans. The College has proposed bringing the profession of psychology under the HIA to facilitate information sharing within collaborative care models when it is in the best interests of Albertans and supports the integrity of professional relationships. Annual Report 2017 - 2018

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Foreign Qualifications Recognition (FQR) Project. The FQR project began in April 2011. Every year, the College is required to provide the Government of Alberta with annual statistics regarding internationally trained applicants. The assessment and recognition of internationally trained applicants’ foreign qualifications, cultural differences and substantial equivalency assessment continue to be reviewed and enhanced by the College. The College also continues to explore ways of assessing prior learning. The College regularly meets with government officials to remain current and ensure ongoing compliance to changes to labour mobility legislation.

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Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA). The CFTA is a trade agreement between all provinces, territories and the federal government. Its objective is to reduce and eliminate, to whatever extent is possible, barriers to worker mobility, trade and investment within Canada, and to establish an open, efficient and stable domestic market. All provinces and territories in Canada are to comply with the obligations under the CFTA. The CFTA was entered into force on July 1, 2017 and replaced the Agreement on International Trade (AIT). The College continues to meet with senior government officials to ensure the spirit of this agreement is upheld.

ENDORSE evidence-based decision-making in all applied and scientific activities as a critical element in defining professional psychology.

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The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) defines a psychologist as someone who studies how we think, feel and behave from a scientific viewpoint, and applies this knowledge to help people understand, explain and change their behaviour. Psychologists engage in research, practice and teaching across a wide range of topics having to do with how people think, feel and behave. Their work can involve individuals, groups and/or families, as well as government and industry organizations. Some psychologists focus their research on animals rather than people.

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The College adopted the fourth edition of the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists (2017), which supersedes the third edition, drafted in 2000. The revisions reflect current professional practice in psychology. The Code of Ethics addresses or expands on the issues of technology, collaborative/ interdisciplinary practice, diversity and globalization, definitions of distinct types of clients and phrasing related to “imminent serious bodily harm,” as opposed to the previous phrasing of “serious physical harm.” A revised ethical decision-making model was also provided.

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The College has begun the process to review the College’s Standards of Practice (2013). These standards establish the minimum expectations for the profession in the provision of psychological services to the public. The College regularly reviews practice standards and other regulatory documents to ensure the profession is current in serving its primary obligation while addressing evolving issues in a proactive manner.

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The College encourages all members to participate in their fraternal body the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA). The primary mandate of the PAA is to advocate for the profession. Nevertheless, they provide a number of continuing competence educational activities and opportunities for professional collaboration. By endorsing collegial and professional associations, the College supports the principle of professional engagement.

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

EXCEL as a regulator, implementing state of the art operations, leading edge technologies, and elegant, efficient and accessible systems.

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The development of the five-year Strategic Plan (2017–2022) was a critical initiative approved by Council on September 15, 2017. The plan will guide the College to continue successfully and effectively meeting its public protection mandate to serve the interests of the public and guide the profession of psychology.

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In addition to the Strategic Plan, College Council also approved a Communications and Engagement Plan (2017–2022). The five-year plan dovetails the Strategic Plan and six strategic objectives. The communication strategies will enable the College to attain each College objective more effectively, in a manner that demonstrates the success and evolution of the College.

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The College undertook a human resource review as the new Registrar’s first priority. The review involved retaining a human resources specialist. Tangible outcomes included the implementation of a comprehensive benefits plan. Two professional development days were held, providing staff with continuing learning opportunities. The College is in the process of developing an Employee Code of Conduct and updating the Employee Handbook, all job descriptions and the annual performance evaluation process.

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Development of an integrated information management system. Upon completion of the registration review, the College anticipates undertaking a formal review of its information management needs. This includes development of the online learning modules platform for both the jurisprudence and ethics examinations. A second platform will be considered to support the Continuing Competence Program once program regulations and education objectives have been approved by government. College staff is reviewing its internal processes to identify additional areas that may be streamlined with enhanced technological resources. An ongoing priority is to facilitate the College’s direction toward a paperless workplace environment.

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Improved access and transparency of College processes. The College website and its primary publication, The CAP Monitor, are core communication venues for the public and for key stakeholders, including government and regulated members. The College’s refreshed website provides easy access to its regulatory documents, including the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists, the Standards of Practice, practice guidelines and practice alerts. These mechanisms are designed to ensure transparency of all College functions and activities. Website enhancements are ongoing to ensure the public has easy access to updated information and members are informed of important regulatory advances in real time. In February 2017 the College’s enhanced online fee payment program for Practice Permit fees was introduced, with heightened security features to protect member data from privacy concerns and cyber security threats.

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The CAP Monitor is published four times per year. It provides valuable information to the profession on critical issues facing the profession and the public. In keeping with the modernization of all College processes and deliverables, the newsletter underwent a complete re-brand, which included online digitalization. The re-brand was met with much praise and acceptance. This is consistent with the strategic priorities of member engagement and technological excellence. Themes of this year’s issues focused on legal issues facing the profession, informed consent for psychological services, cannabis legalization and information sharing. Annual Report 2017 - 2018

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Following on from the Member and Communication Surveys that were sent to all members in 2016, the College identified several salient issues for psychologists. This information was utilized in 2017– 18 to identify various member practice and information priorities. These resulted in several formal articles in The CAP Monitor, including risk management, maintaining records related to third-party referrals, technology and the psychologist, ethics and the psychologist and cannabis legalization. The practice guideline on telepsychology services was an additional deliverable.

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External relations and engagement. The College continues to foster positive, collaborative relationships with government. It meets with various government officials to discuss issues facing the profession, such as revisions to College regulations, the Mental Health Amendment Act, medical assistance in dying, Practice Notes 7 & 8, the opioid crisis and cannabis legalization. The College also consults with government on specific critical issues facing the profession, in order to meet our regulatory obligations and serve the public interest. The Registrar participates on the CommunityBased Health Care Advisory Committee and has participated in the Opioid Management in Primary Care Summit.

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Participation in provincial, national and international associations. The College continues to be actively involved in several provincial, national and international organizations. College representatives regularly attend meetings of the following: i. Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). Initially formed to develop and administer the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), the ASPPB does not have regulatory authority over member jurisdictions but is an organization of psychology regulators across North America that assists regulators in areas such as credentialing, examinations and assessment, ethics and discipline, regulatory, professional and legislative issues, mobility agreements, and professional relations. The ASPPB meets twice yearly and provides opportunities for psychology regulators across North America to remain abreast of trends in regulation and the development of the practice of the profession through continuing education seminars geared to regulators. The ASPPB also provides a mechanism for the mobility of psychologists through the Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology program. Meeting themes included Maintaining Strong Public Protection While Eliminating Unnecessary Barriers to Licensure and Accountability in Regulation. The Registrar presented at the April 2018 conference on the College’s alternative dispute resolution relating to complaints and discipline. ii. Association of Canadian Psychology Regulatory Organizations (ACPRO). This is a fraternal body composed of Canadian provincial psychology regulatory authorities. Other relevant national and international organizations, such as CPA and ASPPB, are ex-officio partners. ACPRO has no regulatory authority over its partners or regulatory jurisdictions. Professional regulation is a provincial responsibility that recognizes both the individual differences and the jurisdictional needs of each province. ACPRO meets twice a year and enables provincial regulatory bodies to discuss and collaborate on issues affecting the practice of psychology, including the mobility of psychologists. iii. Alberta Federation of Regulated Health Professions (AFRHP). This Alberta association provides a forum within which 28 health professions discuss issues of mutual interest specific to the Health Professions Act. All AFRHP colleges can participate in both general-interest and specific-interest group meetings. The College attends a variety of relevant AFRHP subgroup meetings, such as those related to continuing competence and complaint processes. The key issues addressed by

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

the AFRHP include ensuring a sufficient number of public members sit on College Council and committees and providing updates to the common provisions of the HPA and mechanisms to enhance the regulatory approval process. The College Registrar is completing his term as Chair of the AFRHP Executive Committee in 2018. iv. International Congress of Applied Psychology. The College is committed to organizations that promote psychologists to working to their full scope of practice. The Registrar will attend the international conference in June 2018. which is to be held in Montreal, Quebec.

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Continuing Competence Program. The College is waiting for our proposed amendments to the Psychologists Profession Regulation to be approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. A backlog of regulations is waiting to be approved because of competing priorities. The College will monitor legislative developments related to the Continuing Competence Program and will institute the final administrative preparatory steps to implement it once the government proclaims the regulation. Until the regulation has been proclaimed, the College is not authorized to collect information related to continuing competence and it therefore remains a voluntary program.

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Leading by example, the College encourages all staff, psychologists and non-psychologists to engage in work-life balance. By engaging in a variety of continuous learning opportunities as well as health and wellness activities, employees are better prepared to meet their professional responsibilities.

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The College’s proposed continuing competence model specifically encourages work-life balance by recognizing activities that contribute to the professional well-being of members.

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Professional and non-professional volunteering is also recognized by the College in its proposed Continuing Competence Program. Research indicates engaging in a variety of professional and nonprofessional volunteer activities promotes both competence and wellness.

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The College supports the PAA in its recognition of healthy workplaces. To model this, as noted above, the College has taken steps to foster a healthy workplace, in both attitude and action.

•

Self-care standards are embedded in both the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists (2017) and the College’s Standards of Practice (2013). Psychologists must be healthy to meet the needs of their client population.

•

The Information Sharing Strategy posited by the Government of Alberta affects psychologists in general, and especially those in multidisciplinary team settings. The College is participating in ongoing discussions with the provincial government in relation to many information and data exchange projects, and is supportive of projects that facilitate the best possible care for Albertans. The Registrar participates on several committees chaired by the provincial government, including Annual Report 2017 - 2018

•

AHS Provincial Clinical Information Systems, the Community-Based Health Care Advisory Committee, the Community Health Information Stewardship Committee and the Health Information Data Governance Committee. The College has proposed bringing the profession of psychology under the HIA to facilitate information sharing within collaborative care models when it is in the best interests of Albertans and the integrity of both professional and collegial relationships.

•

The College and the PAA have successfully developed a positive and collegial relationship in the interests of both the public and the profession. The College Registrar and the PAA CEO meet regularly to discuss common issues facing the public and the profession. These organizations have participated in several joint activities, ensuring professional psychology in Alberta is perceived in a positive light by the public, their members and government officials.

•

The College and the PAA have made numerous joint/parallel submissions to several government panels, such as the Alberta Mental Health Amendment Act Review, the Child and Youth Advocate Review, the Ministerial Panel on Child Intervention - Addiction and Mental Health and the panel exploring cannabis legalization in Alberta. The College and the PAA have developed a plan to hold joint annual meetings in 2018 to reflect their renewed relationship. This strong, renewed relationship is critical in helping the public understand the unique roles, skills and contributions of professional psychologists in Alberta.

2 Reports of Public Members Elaine Andrews It was an honour to be appointed to the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) in November 2017 and to attend my first CAP Council meeting two days later. At that meeting I was exposed to the Strategic Plan Guiding the Profession and Protecting the Public. I was impressed with the discussion and thought that went into the creation of this valuable document. Since that time, I have had the privilege of providing input into the: Code of Ethics for Psychologists, and the Practice Guidelines: Telepsychology Services and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) to name a few. Thank you for this opportunity to represent the public and to be a part of your professional organization. Bio: Elaine Andrews has a Degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Alberta. She has over 28 years’ work experience. This includes over 22 years in the pharmaceutical industry where she held a variety of leadership roles including: Sales Management, Continuing Health Education, and Patient Health Management. She was a Public Member on the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) Provincial Council from October 2014 to December 2017. During this time, she served on the Appeals Committee; Finance, Audit, and Pension Committee; and the Leadership Review Committee. She volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, Wings of Providence, and the Centre for Family Literacy where she also does some contract work. Two of her students have received the “Lois Hole Adult Learner Award.”

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Gene Marie Shematek As a recently appointed public member of the Council, I have been impressed by the work of the College. I applaud the spirit of volunteerism among College members, as well as the level of commitment of College staff, and I look forward to participating in the Council activities. Bio: Gene Marie Shematek has recently retired as the President of GMS & Associates, Ltd., an Occupational Health and Safety consulting firm based in Calgary, Alberta. Gene holds an MSc from McGill University in Occupational Health Sciences and holds CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist) and ROH (Registered Occupational Hygienist) designations. She has worked extensively in the healthcare industry, both in leadership positions and as a consultant responsible for the development of OHS training materials for many of Albertaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regulated health professions. Gene has developed and delivered numerous courses for the University of Alberta, McGill University, and the University of Calgary. In addition, she is the author of three textbooks. Gene looks forward to serving as a public member of the Council.

Garrett Tomlinson Mr. Tomlinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report was unavailable at the time of publication. Bio: Garrett Tomlinson currently serves the Metis Nation of Alberta as a Regional Consultation Coordinator for Region VI in Peace River and is a Director of a number of public and private corporations. Garrett studied Political Science and Native American Studies at the University of Lethbridge, is an Emergency Medical Technician, and a Master of Laws Candidate at the University of London. Garrett began working with indigenous governments and communities almost 15 years ago, focusing his practice on multi-faceted program development in areas such as health, emergency services and economic development. Using his additional experience in sales and commercial finance, Garrett has designed and implemented a number of programs which have had lasting effects, improving the quality of life in the communities he has served.

The Role of Public Members The role of Public Members is highly valued by the College. Public Members serve a key function by ensuring the public interest is forefront in all College activities. The College would like to express gratitude for the important contribution made by the outgoing Public Members Mr. Kenneth Bainey, Mr. David Ellement and Mr. Michael McLaws.

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Reports of the Advisory Committees

Reports of the Advisory Committees 3.1 Practice Advisory Committee The Practice Advisory Committee (PAC) is a standing committee established by Council. Its mandate is to advise Council about standards, ethics, practice and professional issues. The Practice Advisory Committee worked diligently on three practice guidelines over the past year: Disclosure of Personal or Confidential Information, Medical Assistance in Dying, and Telepsychology Services. During the year, these guidelines were finalized, sent for legal consultation (as required) and distributed for member consultation at the start of the 2018â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2019 fiscal year. The PAC will also continue to oversee the implementation of the Continuing Competence Program. A Continuing Competence Ad Hoc Committee was established to assist the College in meeting its Health Professions Act obligation to have a Continuing Competence Program in place for maintaining the ongoing competency of members. The status of the Continuing Competence Program is outlined above, in the Report of the Council. It will be fully activated once the government approves the regulations supporting the Continuing Competence Program.

3.2 Registration Advisory Committee The Registration Advisory Committee (RAC) is a standing committee that acts in an advisory capacity to Council. The committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mandate is to review all aspects of the registration process and make recommendations to Council. This year, a third-party review of its registration processes was completed. Members of RAC and the College are participating in the implementation of the independent third-party recommendations.

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Report of the Registrar

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Report of the Registrar

4 Registration of College Members 4.1 Registration Process Under the Health Professions Act, the Registration Committee is mandated to consider applications for registration. The Registration Committee has three sub-committees: •

the Credentials Evaluation Sub-Committee (CESC), responsible for approving the academic credentials of applicants

•

the Registration Approvals Sub-Committee (RASC), responsible for approving supervision plans, evaluating documentation related to good character and reputation and issuing final approval of applicants who have completed the registration process

•

the Substantial Equivalency Sub-Committee (SESC), responsible for reviewing credentials and applications for the registration of applicants who do not meet registration requirements

Upon receiving approval of academic credentials, applicants apply to the College to become registered provisional psychologists. Additional registration requirements include: •

completion of 1,600 hours of evaluated, supervised practice under the supervision of a registered psychologist approved by the Registration Approvals Sub-Committee

•

passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology

•

successful completion of the ethics jurisprudence oral examination

•

obtaining documentation indicating they are of good character and reputation (including three professional references, a declaration of their fitness to practice, a criminal record check and a registration verification form)

To continue registration each year, regulated members of the College must provide the following information with their practice permit renewal application: •

a declaration that they maintain professional liability insurance coverage in an amount of no less than $1 million

•

a declaration that they have not been charged with or convicted of a criminal offence

•

a declaration that they have the capacity to safely serve the public interest

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

4.2 Credentials Evaluation Sub-Committee (CESC) Panels of the sub-committee met six times in 2017â&#x20AC;&#x201C;18 to review 340 new applications for evaluation of academic credentials. A total of 231 applications (new and existing) were approved. Two appeals to Council were filed this year. Council upheld the decision of the CESC in each case.

340

New applications reviewed for evaluation of academic credentials

231

Total applications (new and existing) approved

Table 1 Review of Academic Credentials Approvals (New and Existing) April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018 Source

Approved

Alberta

Other Canadian provinces

Internationally trained/educated: United States

Outside North America

Appeals to Council

Total

231

Additionally, the Registrar reviewed 31 new and existing applications for evaluation of academic credentials under delegated authority. Table 2 Approval of Doctoral Credentials April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018 Source

Approved

Alberta

Other Canadian provinces

Internationally trained/educated: United States

Outside North America

Appeals to Council

Total

Additionally, the Registrar reviewed and approved 33 applications for evaluation of doctoral credentials. No appeals were filed regarding the evaluation of doctoral credentials this fiscal year.

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

4.3 Registration Applications After successfully completing the credentials evaluation, a candidate may apply for registration. As shown in Table 3 and Chart 1, the College received 281 applications for registration in 2017â&#x20AC;&#x201C;18. This is a decrease of 24 applicants (9%) from the 305 applications received last year.

281

New applications for registration

Decrease in new applications for registration since last year

Table 3 Applications for Registration April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018 Type of Application

Applications

Provisional psychologists

256

Fast-tracking mechanisms

Re-instatements/re-applications

Courtesy registrants

Appeals to Council

Total

281

Chart 1 Total Number of Registration Applicants by Fiscal Year 350 300

2012-13: 264

250

2013-14: 274

200

2015-16: 279

2014-15: 235 2016-17: 305

150

2017-18: 281

100 50 0

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

4.4 Registration Approvals Sub-Committee The Registration Approvals Sub-Committee (RASC) is responsible for approving supervision plans, evaluating documentation related to good character and reputation and issuing final approvals for applicants who have completed the registration process. Sub-committee members sit in panels of three or more. Nine meetings were held during 2017–18. In total, 630 files were reviewed—605 by the RASC and 25 by the Registrar under delegated authority.

630

Files reviewed

2.5

Years to complete all registration requirements, on average ( Includes 1600 hrs of supervised practice)

The sub-committee also reviewed applications for registration under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, and applicants registered with another regulatory body of psychology in another jurisdiction, which are two fast-tracking mechanisms. Since the Canadian Free Trade Agreement came into effect on July 1, 2017, nine applicants have applied from differing Canadian jurisdictions. At the end of the 2017–18 fiscal year, 737 registered provisional psychologists were registered with the College. It takes provisional psychologists, on average, less than 2.5 years to complete all registration requirements. Currently, 382 registered psychologists provide supervision to registered provisional psychologists. This year’s number of supervisors is a 14% increase from last year’s number of 335.

382

Registered psychologists providing supervision to provisional psychologists

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

4.5 Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), which is administered by ASPPB, is a multiple-choice, computerized examination designed to establish an applicant’s familiarity with the core body of psychological knowledge foundational to clinical practice. While registered as provisional psychologists, applicants must take the EPPP and must obtain a score of 70% or higher. In this fiscal year, 353 provisional psychologists took the examination; 188 (53%) passed and 165 (47%) were unsuccessful. The ASPPB is currently developing a second part to supplement the original EPPP examination. The original EPPP is designed to focus on foundational knowledge critical to entering profession. The EPPP Part 2 will be a skills-based competency examination. It is anticipated that the EPPP Part 2 will be adopted in 2020.

353

53% 47%

Provisional psychologists took the EPPP

Passed Unsuccessful

4.6 Oral Examination The oral examination is designed to assess a minimum standard of knowledge and judgment in matters of jurisprudence and ethics in the practice of psychology. Three-member panels conduct the oral examination. The oral examination is an additional entry-to-practice requirement designed to protect the public in the delivery of psychological services. Oral examinations were held four times in 2017–18. During this period, a large number of provisional psychologists (220) undertook the oral examination; 199 (90.5%) passed and 21 (9.5%) were unsuccessful. No appeals were received in this reporting period.

220

Provisional psychologists took the oral examination

90.5% 9.5%

Passed Unsuccessful

4.7 New Registrants During the fiscal year, 175 registered psychologists were added to the regulated members register, as follows: •

167 provisional psychologists through completion of the registration process

•

7 through the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA)

•

1 through another of the approved fast-tracking registration mechanisms

175

Registered psychologists added to the register this fiscal year Annual Report 2017 - 2018

4.8 Number of Members The total number of new registered psychologists has remained consistent over the last few years at approximately 4.4% annual growth, with an increase of 5% this year. Chart 2 shows the number of regulated members of the College of Alberta Psychologists as of March 31, 2018.

Increase in total number of registered psychologists this year

Average Age of Members

Provisional Psychologists

Registered Psychologists

37 48

85% 15%

76% 24%

Provisional Psychologist Registered Psychologist

Female Male

Chart 2 Number of Regulated Members

2836 737

Registered Psychologists Registered Provisional Psychologists Courtesy Registrants

Between April 1, 2017 and March 31, 2018, 31 registered psychologists were taken off the general register. Of these, 11 were canceled due to non-payment of annual fees, 15 voluntarily canceled and 5 members were deceased. The majority were canceled for non-payment of annual fees. As of March 31, 2018, 693 retired members were on the non-regulated register.

693 28

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Retired members on the non-regulated register

4.9 Substantial Equivalency Sub-Committee (SESC) Applicants who do not meet our registration requirements may, in some circumstances, apply for a substantial equivalency review in accordance with the Health Professions Act. Substantial equivalency is the process of determining the competence of an applicant based on a combination of the qualifications (education, experience, practice, etc.) required for registration as a regulated member. SESC members sit in panels of three or more and are appointed by Council from the Registration Committee. The College received three substantial equivalency review requests in the 2017â&#x20AC;&#x201C;18 fiscal year; two requests were regarding substantial equivalency for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and one request was for academic credentials. Of these requests, one was approved, and two were denied. No appeals were filed to Council.

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Complaint Process

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Complaint Process The goal of the College is to protect the public. One way is by ensuring complaints are handled in a manner consistent with the principles of natural justice, including transparency, objectivity, independence and fairness. The College affords due process to both the complainant and the regulated member in compliance with our legislative obligations under the HPA. The Complaints Director is the College official mandated by the HPA to act on complaints about regulated members. Complaints are processed under Part 4 of the HPA. Members of the public who chose not to participate in the formal complaint process brought forward approximately 315 concerns. These concerns were satisfactorily resolved by various means, including mutually agreed-upon terms of resolution such as letters of clarification/apology, or by production of reports, records, or invoices. Often resolutions to these concerns simply involve encouraging communication with the psychologist to hear the concerns and receive feedback. Typically, resolution agreements involve the complaints department communicating directly with the public and the psychologist to obtain a mutually agreeable solution or encouraging the public to address the issues directly with the psychologist. Forty-seven complaints were carried over from previous fiscal years. Twenty-eight new complaints were filed in the 2017–18 fiscal year and 30 complaints were closed. In total, 75 complaints were active within this fiscal year.

Complaints opened in this fiscal year

Complaints closed

The vast majority of formal complaints are resolved by agreement, without proceeding to a hearing. This is consistent with the College’s mandate of protecting the public interest and enhancing the practice of psychology in a remedial manner when it is both reasonable and commensurate with the allegations. Importantly, remediation processes require the consent of all parties where the complainant is an equal participant in the process. The primary role of the College’s complaint process is public protection. Consent agreements, often involving terms such as ethics/practice reviews, apologies or letters of clarification, may offer several advantages to both parties in terms of timeliness and certainty of outcomes. Members of the public can play a more active role in identifying meaningful terms of resolution that speak directly to their issues. The process is less adversarial and more collaborative. Members of both the public and the profession are more likely to see the outcomes as reasonable and satisfying. Nevertheless, the seriousness and complexity of some complaints may warrant a hearing. Additionally, under existing legislation, the complainant and the psychologist must both consent to a negotiated resolution or an alternative complaint resolution. As a result, a hearing may be the only option available to the College if an agreement between the parties cannot be reached and sufficient evidence exists to suggest that the minimum expectations of professional practice have not been met. No new complaints received during the 2017–18 fiscal year were referred by the Complaints Director to the Hearings Director for a hearing. Hearing Tribunals examine allegations of unprofessional conduct made against psychologists. Complaint Review Committees conduct reviews of the Complaints Director’s decisions. College Council appoints a list of regulated members to serve on both the Hearing Tribunal and the Complaint Review Committee. Hearing Tribunals typically consist of two regulated members and one public member appointed by the government. Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Two hearings were held in the 2017â&#x20AC;&#x201C;18 fiscal year related to complaints received prior to this fiscal year. Both hearings were open to the public. For both hearings, the Hearing Tribunal was presented with agreed-upon statements of facts and sanctions. There are several advantages to such agreements including the willingness of the regulated members to accept responsibility and perceive the sanctions as reasonable. From the public perspective, justice is seen to be done. The College perceives this as an efficient use of resources that serves the public interest in an open, fair and transparent manner. Complaints to the College are multifaceted, typically involving more than one issue/allegation. The most common allegations this year involved concerns about psychologist competence, unprofessional behaviours, consent/informed consent, and bias. Allegations of bias and consent issues often arise from custody/access evaluations where one party does not believe their perspective is fully accepted. A second common complaint is when a professional opinion is rendered without direct and substantial professional contact including an informed consent process and a general or formal assessment (see Standards 6.3 and 6.4). Competence is foundational to the profession of psychology and it is important that psychologists practice only in areas in which they can demonstrate their competence. Allegations of unprofessional conduct are also frequently made when services do not meet expectations. Allegations of bias often arise when the psychologists are perceived to accept the perspective of one party over another or are not careful to balance their assessment process when working with multiple individuals. Psychologists are prohibited from providing a professional opinion that impacts an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rights without direct and substantial contact with that person. Tables 4 through 6 and charts 3 and 4 outline specific complaint information as at the end of the 2017â&#x20AC;&#x201C;18 fiscal year.

Chart 3 Total Number of Complaints Received by Fiscal Year

50 40

2012-13: 26 2013-14: 35

2014-15: 44 2015-16: 30

2016-17: 38 2017-18: 28

10 0

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18

Table 4 Status of Open Complaints April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018 Status

Number of Complaints*

Under investigation

Completing agreed-to terms of resolution

Forwarded to hearing (by the Complaint Review Committee)

Forwarded to hearing (by the Complaints Director)

Awaiting decision from Hearing Tribunal

Hearings held

Completing orders of Hearing Tribunal

Matters heard in Court of Appeal

Dismissed (within review request time period)

Dismissed, appealed and awaiting decision of Complaint Review Committee

Dismissed, appealed and review scheduled in next fiscal year

Section 118

Appeals to Council

Referred to ACR

Total

*Not indicative of total cases, as some open complaints contain more than one status.

Chart 4 New Complaints by Practice Area April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018

Assesment

Counselling

Non-Practice Related

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Table 5 New Complaints by Nature of Allegation April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018 Nature of Allegation Professional boundaries

Competence

Breach of confidentiality

Supervision

Consent/informed consent

Fitness to practice

Bias

Providing an opinion without substantial contact

Failure to fulfill contract

Misrepresentation

Unprofessional behaviour

Billing practices

Record-keeping

Test administration

Continuity of care

Employer notification under section 57 of the HPA

Dual role

Failure to release client file upon request

Total * Complaints typically contain more than one allegation.

Number of Complaints*

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Table 6 Status of Closed Complaints April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018 Status

Number of Complaints

Dismissed (no request for review)

Dismissed (reviewed by Complaint Review Committee) and upheld

Dismissed (request for review received outside of 30-day limitation date, and not accepted)

Terms of resolution successfully completed

Complaint abandoned/withdrawn

Withdrew from practice

No jurisdiction to accept complaint

Orders of Hearing Tribunal completed

Court of Appeal

Total

Complaints to the Alberta Ombudsman Two Ombudsman complaints have been carried over from the previous fiscal year. For the first complaint, the chief concern was the length of time the proceedings took to address a complaint. The College has provided a detailed response outlining the reasons for the delay. These included various attempts to resolve the complaint and the offer of a second hearing to address the sufficiency of reasons provided by a Hearing Tribunal. As of this reporting period, the office of the Ombudsman has not yet issued its decision. The second complaint to the Ombudsman has two components: whether the College’s Acting Complaints Director’s decision to dismiss was administratively fair; and whether the Complaint Review Committee’s decision to not accept the complainant’s request for review was administratively fair. The Complaint Review Committee decided to not accept the request for review as the request for review was received five days past the 30-day limitation date outlined in the HPA. As of this reporting period, the office of the Ombudsman has not yet issued its decision.

Complaints to the Office of the Information Privacy Commissioner of Alberta (OIPC) No complaints to the OIPC were received about the College during this reporting period.

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Treasurerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report Audited Financial Statements

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Treasurerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report I am pleased to report on the fiscal status of the College for this past fiscal year. Once again, KPMG LLP served as auditors to the College of Alberta Psychologists. Audited financial statements for the College of Alberta Psychologists for the fiscal year April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018 are provided in the following report. Council has tasked the Registrar to address any audit recommendations in order to ensure the College operates under fiscal best practices. I am also pleased to report that the College is in an improved financial position. The College has also addressed all historical and recent audit findings during the current fiscal year. Council expresses its thanks to College staff for their contributions to sound fiscal management and financial sustainability of the College.

Roger Gervais, PhD, RPsych Treasurer

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Financial Statements of

COLLEGE OF ALBERTA PSYCHOLOGISTS Year ended March 31, 2018

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

KPMG LLP 2200, 10175-101 Street Edmonton Alberta T5J 0H3 Canada Tel (780) 429-7300 Fax (780) 429-7379

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT To the Members of the College of Alberta Psychologists We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the College of Alberta Psychologists, which comprise the statement of financial position as at March 31, 2018, the statements of operations, changes in net assets and cash flows for the year then ended, and notes, comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. Managementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Responsibility for the Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Auditorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Opinion In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the College of Alberta Psychologists as at March 31, 2018 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-forprofit organizations.

Chartered Professional Accountants August 31, 2018 Edmonton, Alberta

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

COLLEGE OF ALBERTA PSYCHOLOGISTS Statement of Financial Position

March 31, 2018, with comparative information for 2017 2018

2017

Assets Current assets: Cash Accounts receivable Prepaid expenses and deposits

Investments (note 2) Capital assets (note 3)

565,539 1,131 16,428 583,098

5,592,406 55,161

765,948 9,658 16,662 792,268 4,780,987 52,853

6,230,665

5,626,108

80,996 2,291,500

230,494 2,180,453

Liabilities and Net Assets Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Deferred revenue Current portion of obligations under capital lease (note 4) Obligations under capital lease (note 4) Net assets: Investment in capital assets Unrestricted Commitments (note 5) $

5,108 2,377,604

4,658 2,415,605

15,035

20,143

35,018 3,803,008 3,838,026

28,052 3,162,308 3,190,360

6,230,665

5,626,108

See accompanying notes to financial statements. On behalf of the Council: Treasurer

Registrar

1 Annual Report 2017 - 2018

COLLEGE OF ALBERTA PSYCHOLOGISTS Statement of Operations

Year ended March 31, 2018, with comparative information for 2017 2018 Revenue: Annual membership fees Examinations Credentials evaluation committee Investment income Applications Other Sundry Legal fee recoveries Late payment penalty fees

Expenses: Discipline Council Examinations Credentials evaluation committee Project, committee and task force HPA compliance Foreign qualification recognition project

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

647,666

2,191,583 154,350 107,675 54,579 56,450 18,708 14,764 14,700 2,612,809 203,724 70,455 82,906 15,127 59,019 28,324 459,555

1,182,428 167,920 83,052 67,892 66,084 39,033 16,710 11,459 7,306 4,431 3,192 1,370 1,650,877 2,098,701

Excess revenue over expenses

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

230,676 98,485 78,589 24,853 14,256 965 447,824

General administration: Salaries and benefits Rent Bank charges and interest Office Repairs and maintenance Professional fees Amortization Licenses, dues and fees Records management Insurance Website Newsletter and publications Gain on disposal of capital assets

2,262,129 154,250 101,250 62,069 52,525 51,613 28,330 22,457 11,744 2,746,367

2017

1,027,719 154,663 79,685 72,137 68,147 51,368 21,384 15,104 97,575 4,138 4,778 730 (740) 1,596,688 2,056,243 $

556,566

COLLEGE OF ALBERTA PSYCHOLOGISTS Statement of Changes in Net Assets Year ended March 31, 2018 Invested in capital assets Balance, beginning of year

Excess revenue (expenditures) Investment in capital assets Balance, end of year

28,052

3,162,308

(16,710)

664,376

23,676

(23,676)

35,018

2018 Total

Unrestricted

3,803,008

3,190,360

2017 Total $

2,633,794

647,666

556,566

3,838,026

3,190,360

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

3 Annual Report 2017 - 2018

COLLEGE OF ALBERTA PSYCHOLOGISTS Statement of Cash Flows

Year ended March 31, 2018, with comparative information for 2017 2018

2017

Cash provided by (used in): Operations: Excess revenue over expenses Adjustments for: Amortization Gain on disposal of capital assets Change in non-cash operating working capital: Accounts receivable Prepaid expenses and deposits Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Deferred revenue

Financing: Repayment of obligations under capital lease Investments: Purchase of capital assets Purchase of investments, net Decrease in cash position Cash position, beginning of year Cash position, end of year

During the year, the College paid interest of $2,153 (2017 - $1,499). See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

647,666

556,566

16,710 -

21,384 (740)

8,527 234 (149,498) 111,047 634,686

(5,443) 1,211 54,250 216,065 843,293

(4,658) (4,658)

(6,508) (6,508)

(19,018) (811,419) (830,437)

(31,627) (853,553) (885,180)

(200,409)

(48,395)

765,948

814,343

565,539

765,948

COLLEGE OF ALBERTA PSYCHOLOGISTS Notes to Financial Statements Year ended March 31, 2018

College of Alberta Psychologists (the "College") is a not-for-profit organization continued under the Health Professions Act. The College's primary purpose is to regulate and monitor the practice of its members. It is exempt from the payment of income tax under the Income Tax Act. 1.

Significant accounting policies: These financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations in Part III of the CPA Canada Handbook. The College's significant accounting policies are as follows. (a) Revenue recognition: The College follows the deferral method of accounting. Any restricted grants received are recognized as revenue when the related expenses are incurred. Deferred fee revenue represents the fees received relating to a subsequent period. Revenues from annual membership fees, examinations, credentials evaluation committee and applications are recognized in the year in which the related services are provided and collection is reasonably assured. Revenue from legal fee recoveries is recognized when collection is reasonably assured. (b) Capital assets: Capital assets are recorded at cost. Amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the following periods: Asset

Period

Computer hardware Computer software Equipment under capital lease Furniture and equipment

5 years 3 years 5 years 5 years

Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight line basis over the shorter of the term of the lease and the estimated useful life of the asset.

5 Annual Report 2017 - 2018

COLLEGE OF ALBERTA PSYCHOLOGISTS Notes to Financial Statements (continued) Year ended March 31, 2018

Significant accounting policies (continued): (c) Financial instruments and risk management: Financial instruments are recorded at fair value on initial recognition. Freestanding derivative instruments that are not in a qualifying hedging relationship and equity instruments that are quoted in an active market are subsequently measured at fair value. All other financial instruments are subsequently recorded at cost or amortized cost unless management has elected to carry the instruments at fair value. The College has elected to carry its investments at fair value. Transaction costs incurred on the acquisition of financial instruments measured subsequently at fair value are expensed as incurred. All other financial instruments are adjusted by transaction costs incurred on acquisition and financing costs, which are amortized using the straight line method. Financial assets are assessed for impairment on an annual basis at the end of the fiscal year if there are indicators of impairment. If there is an indicator of impairment, the College determines if there is a significant adverse change in the expected amount or timing of future cash flows from the financial asset. If there is a significant adverse change in the expected cash flows, the carrying value of the financial asset is reduced to the highest of the present value of the expected cash flows, the amount that could be realized from selling the financial asset or the amount the College expects to realize by exercising its right to any collateral. If events and circumstances reverse in a future period, an impairment loss will be reversed to the extent of the improvement, not exceeding the initial carrying value. (d) Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

COLLEGE OF ALBERTA PSYCHOLOGISTS Notes to Financial Statements (continued) Year ended March 31, 2018

Investments: 2018 Mutual Funds Guaranteed investment certificates, bearing interest at 1.20% to 1.80% (2017 - 1.20% to 1.75%) maturing April 2018 to July 2020 (2017 - April 2017 to March 2019)

3,755,669 $

1,836,737

2017

5,592,406

1,372,812

3,408,175 $

4,780,987

Capital assets:

Cost Computer hardware Computer software Leasehold improvements Equipment under capital lease Furniture and equipment

2018 Net book value

Accumulated amortization

2017 Net book value

82,503 51,578 54,033 26,974 111,434

64,296 46,313 54,033 7,193 99,526

18,207 5,265 19,781 11,908

18,370 2,440 25,176 6,867

326,522

271,361

55,161

52,853

7 Annual Report 2017 - 2018

COLLEGE OF ALBERTA PSYCHOLOGISTS Notes to Financial Statements (continued) Year ended March 31, 2018

Obligations under capital lease: Future minimum lease payments under capital leases for equipment are as follows: 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter

Total minimum lease payments

23,841

Less amount representing interest at 9.33%

3,698

Present value of net minimum capital lease payments

20,143

Current portion of obligations under capital lease

5,108 $

6,812 6,812 6,812 3,405 -

15,035

Commitments: The College occupies office space under an operating lease through May 2020. Approximate total annual base rental payments are as follows:

2019 2020 2021

88,974 88,974 14,829

192,777

Under the terms of the lease for office space, the College is also responsible for its proportionate share of operating costs.

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

COLLEGE OF ALBERTA PSYCHOLOGISTS Notes to Financial Statements (continued) Year ended March 31, 2018

Financial risks: The College has a risk management framework to monitor, evaluate and manage the principal risks assumed in investments. The risks that arise from transacting financial instruments include credit risk, liquidity risk, and price risk. Price risk arises from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and market prices. The College does not use derivative financial instruments to alter the effects of these risks. Changes in interest rates and credit ratings are the main cause of changes in the fair value of the College's investments resulting in a favourable or unfavourable variance compared to current value. Interest rate risk is mitigated by managing maturity dates and payment frequency. Credit risk is mitigated by investing in guaranteed investment certificates issued by financial institutions or similar entities. It is management's opinion that the College is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risk arising from its financial instruments.

9 Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Council, Committees and Staff Members 2017-2018

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Council, Committees and Staff Members, 2017â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2018 Council President Past-President President-Elect Treasurer Members-at-Large Public Members

Ex officio Members

Mr. Paul Jerry Dr. Lorraine Stewart Dr. Kevin Alderson Dr. Roger Gervais Ms. Hanita Dagan Dr. Reagan Gale Dr. Kerry Mothersill Mr. Kenneth Bainey (to Nov 25, 2017) Mr. David Ellement (to Nov 25, 2017) Mr. Michael McLaws (to Nov 25, 2017) Ms. Elaine Andrews (from Nov 21, 2017) Ms. Gene Marie Shematek (from March 20, 2018) Mr. Garrett Tomlinson (from March 20, 2018) Dr. Richard Spelliscy Ms. Wendy El-Issa

Executive Committee of Council President Past-President President-Elect Treasurer Public Member

Mr. Paul Jerry Dr. Lorraine Stewart Dr. Kevin Alderson Dr. Roger Gervais Ms. Elaine Andrews (from Nov 21, 2017) Mr. David Ellement (to Nov 25, 2017)

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Advisory Committees

Practice Advisory Committee Dr. Christoph Wuerscher, Chair

Mr. Rob McGarva

Dr. Jon Amundson

Dr. Richard Spelliscy, ex officio

Dr. Lana Hawkins

Dr. Deena Martin, ex officio

Dr. Marianne Hrabok

Ms. Kathy Semchuk, ex officio

Dr. Shirley Karseboom

Continuing Competence Ad Hoc Committee Dr. Lorraine Breault

Dr. Christoph Wuerscher

Dr. Dennis Brown

Dr. Richard Spelliscy, ex officio

Mr. Paul Jerry

Ms. Kathy Semchuk, ex officio

Continuing Competence Consultants Dr. Dennis Brown

Dr. Christoph Wuerscher

Ms. Bonnie Rude-Weisman

Publications Committee Mr. Harvey Brink

Dr. Richard Spelliscy, ex officio

Dr. James Canniff

Ms. Melanie Barclay, ex officio

Mr. Paul Jerry

Registration Advisory Committee Dr. Christina Rinaldi, Chair

Dr. Jill Turner

Mr. Walter Goos

Dr. Richard Spelliscy, ex officio

Ms. Melody Hopchin

Ms. Ingrid Thompson, ex officio

Dr. Greg Schoepp

Supervision Consultants Dr. Jon Amundson

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Mr. Walter Goos

Adjudicative Committees

Credentials Evaluation Sub-Committee Dr. Ali AL-Asadi, Chair

Mr. Peter Laycock

Dr. Wendy Hawkins, Panel Chair

Dr. Helen Madill

Dr. Andrew Howell, Panel Chair

Dr. Koreen Martfeld

Dr. Lori Rossi, Panel Chair

Ms. Christine Sribney

Ms. Amanda Baird

Dr. Richard Spelliscy, ex officio

Dr. Marcia Gordeyko

Ms. Kymberly Wahoff, ex officio

Oral Examinations Committee Dr. Erik Wikman, Chair Panel Chairs:

Examiners:

Dr. Tanya Beran

Dr. Ali AL-Asadi

Dr. Lorraine Breault

Dr. Sherry Antonucci

Mr. Theodore Cadman

Ms. Lana Bryanton

Dr. Sharon Cairns

Ms. Jeannine Crofton

Ms. Cheryl Chase

Mr. Lewis Dell

Dr. Judy Chew

Ms. Phoenix Friesen

Dr. Emma Climie

Ms. Patricia Hagarty

Dr. Gerald Cossitt

Dr. Marianne Hrabok

Mr. Terence Creighton

Dr. Gloria Jacobucci

Dr. Jim Eliuk

Ms. Joanna Jewell

Dr. Nancy Fisher

Ms. Shirley Karseboom

Dr. Andrew Haag

Ms. Soraya Lakhani

Ms. Lee Hackney

Mr. Yeung Yue Paul Lam

Ms. Connie Leclair

Dr. Stewart Longman

Ms. Jacqueline Leland

Dr. Richard Lucardie

Dr. Brent Macdonald

Dr. Andre Pierre Masson

Ms. Erin Makowsky

Dr. John Streukens

Ms. Ashley Marsh Dr. Deena Martin Ms. Jenny McAlister Dr. Dawn McBride Ms. Milena Meneghetti Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Oral Examinations Committee Continued... Ms. Brittany Mae Meredith Dr. Susan Middleton Dr. Janet Miller Dr. Lynda Phillips Ms. Terilyn Pott Ms. Shauna Pupp Mr. Jesse Rabinovitch Ms. Sumerlee Samuels Mr. Devnath Sawh Dr. Kathleen Schwartzenberger Mr. Jeffrey Smith Ms. Andrea Stelnicki Dr. Jennifer Thannhauser Dr. Chee-Ping Tsai Dr. Kevin Wallace Dr. Corrick Woodfin Dr. Theresa Zolner Dr. Richard Spelliscy, ex officio Ms. Danielle Salame, ex officio

Registration Approvals Sub-Committee Dr. Greg Schoepp, Co-Chair

Dr. Jill Turner, Co-Chair

Dr. Adam McCrimmon

Dr. Jacqueline Pei, Panel Chair

Mr. Stanislaw Mlynczak-Bochenski

Ms. Anneta Alexandrovich

Ms. Rosemarie Nardella

Dr. Julia Burbidge

Dr. Noella Piquette

Ms. Dawn Chalas

Dr. Troy Rieck

Mr. Colin Collett

Dr. Linda Rose

Ms. Zuraida Dada

Ms. Stephanie Salamon

Dr. Daniel Garfinkel

Dr. James Sanders

Dr. Sheila Gothjelpsen

Ms. Aaryn Viczko

Ms. Carrie Laturnus

Dr. Richard Spelliscy, ex officio

Ms. Christine Lee

Ms. Ingrid Thompson, ex officio

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Roster of Members: Hearing Tribunal and Complaint Review Committee Dr. Robert Acton

Ms. Elizabeth Massiah

Dr. Ali AL-Asadi

Dr. Arlin Pachet

Dr. Lorraine Breault

Ms. Bonnie Rude-Weisman

Mr. Theodore Cadman

Dr. Elizabeth Saxton

Dr. Sharon Cairns

Dr. Greg Schoepp

Dr. Irene Estay

Dr. Erik Wikman

Dr. Teresita JosĂŠ

Dr. Troy Janzen, ex officio

Dr. Susann Laverty

Ms. Lindsey Bowers, ex officio

Substantial Equivalency Sub-Committee Dr. Ali AL-Asadi, Chair

Dr. Richard Spelliscy, ex officio

Mr. Theodore Cadman

Ms. Ingrid Thompson, ex officio

Dr. Greg Schoepp

Ms. Kymberly Wahoff, ex officio

Dr. Jill Turner

Staff of the College of Alberta Psychologists Registrar & CEO

Dr. Richard Spelliscy

Deputy Registrar and Complaints Director

Dr. Troy Janzen

Assistant Deputy Registrar and Director of Professional Guidance

Mr. Aaron Block (to July 19, 2017)

Assistant Deputy Registrar and Director of Professional Guidance

Dr. Deena Martin (from Sept 12, 2017)

Finance and Administration Coordinator

Ms. Wendy El-Issa

Complaints Coordinator and Hearings Director

Ms. Lindsey Bowers

Administrative Assistant to the Registrar

Ms. Kathy Semchuk

Registration Coordinator

Ms. Ingrid Thompson

Registration Assistant and Oral Examinations Coordinator

Ms. Danielle Salame

Credentials Evaluation Coordinator

Ms. Kymberly Wahoff

Communications Coordinator

Ms. Melanie Barclay

Receptionist/Office Assistant

Ms. Renetta Geisler

Annual Report 2017 - 2018

2100 Sun Life Place 10123 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 99 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3H1 Phone: (780) 424-5070 Toll free: 1-800-659-0857 (in Alberta) Fax: (780) 420-1241 Email: psych@cap.ab.ca Website: www.cap.ab.ca