Physiotherapists
Continuing Competence
Continuing Competence Program
Participation Now Mandatory Under Health Professions Act
As part of Physiotherapy Alberta's commitment to competent practice and public safety, member professional development has always been encouraged and expected. Now under the Health Professions Act, participation in Physiotherapy Alberta's continuing competence program is mandatory for members on the general register and a requirement for practice permit renewal, regardless of practice area, role or experience. The Act also requires Physiotherapy Alberta to monitor member participation.
It is recognized that the half-life of health care knowledge may be as short as five years and it is a constant challenge to keep up-to-date while balancing all the other demands of being a health care professional. Physiotherapy Alberta's continuing competence program supports physiotherapists in their ongoing efforts to continue to maintain and enhance competence while delivering up-to-date, safe, effective, and efficient care to Albertans.
There are two components to the continuing competence program:
Reflective practice review
- promotes practice reflection regardless of role and encourages appropriate learning to maintain and enhance competence
- must be completed each year
- assesses understanding and the application of practice standards, legislation and rules to physiotherapy practice
- must be completed every five years
In future years, the program may be expanded to include mandatory continuing education and practice visits; however, there are no such requirements at this time.
