Registrant
> However, she is wondering about when a client wants to stay with H.
>n> She has these questions:>n> * Who owns the filenThe practice.
> * Who owns the client (as in, can the client follow her if theyn> want and if the do.
Typically the clients and their files belong to the practice. The associate should discuss with the practice what to do if a client requests to follow the associate. IF the practice is okay with it (the practice does not have a non-compete clause or similar restriction on associates who leave and/or the practice is okay with clients following the associate), clients could choose to follow the associate, or the practice could choose to make another psychologist available in the practice to continue working with the client.
Does she have to create a new file.
If a client was able to follow the associate, then the associate would start a new file in the new practice. This would require a new consent form with the new practice. As part of that consent process, the client could be advised that they could request a copy of the file be transferred from the old practice to the new practice. The old practice would be able to charge a fee to the client, though it would not be mandatory to do so. The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) has regulations which outline acceptable fees.
> * What obligation does the company have if they own the file to ensuren> that she completes all necessary paper worknAs noted the practice owns the files. The practice’s obligations are more for the practice to address than the associate to advise the practice what NSBEP says. I am not sure what paperwork is being referred to here? However, I would say that the practice would want to ensure that active clients are notified that the associate is leaving and there is an option for active clients to continue receiving services if desired.
> * What is her obligation in this situation.
The associate should discuss an exit plan with the practice. This would include ensuring that active clients are notified that the associate is leaving either notified by the associate or by the practice (but again, that is why the associate should be discussing this matter with the practice). If care/service is not complete with the clients before the associate leaves, the associate should ensure that there is either someone else who can take on the client in the practice, or there is another option for them to keep receiving services if desired.
Thank you for informing NSBEP about being subpoenaed for court. Considering the circumstances you have noted, NSBEP would not have a problem with you attending court while being off the register. You would simply need to be clear to the Court about your current registration status with NSBEP (that you were on the Candidate Register but are currently off the register). While we understand that you are suggesting it might be more appropriate for the other psychologist to testify, ordinarily once a person is subpoenaed, he/she would not have a choice about whether to attend or not (or suggest someone attend in their place), so we cannot provide advice on this matter. If desired, you would be able to contact your professional liability provider’s pro bono hotline for legal advice. Tail Insurance coverage (and presumably this service) usually extends for a certain period following one’s policy being active.
Additionally, in relation to subpoenas in general, we usually note to registrants that there is an FAQ documents provided by the Supreme Court, Family Law Nova Scotia, and Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service.
Here are the URLs:
https://www.nsfamilylaw.ca/processes/witnesses-subpoenas
https://novascotia.ca/pps/faq_witness.asp
The psychologist is registered to practice, so has/is completing any requirements as part of the action. Client has the right to know about past discipline – that is why we so post disciplinary decisions on the website. However, I don’t think it would be the responsibility of the psychologist to bring to the client’s attention unless they thought there would be harm to the client.
To address your concerns;nWhen the practice is the custodian of client files, they would have obligations under PHIA legislation (and any other legal obligations associated with the role of custodian) in order to respond to requests for file information, in the manner they deem appropriate in relation to their PHIA obligations. In some settings, a previous employer might provide a courtesy call to let one know that they have released the file, however, if one is no longer an employer, the prior employer is not required to do this.
nNSBEP cannot provide specific recommendations as it would note that you are no longer an employee at the practice. However, NSBEP recommends obtaining legal consultation – especially if you feel it would be helpful in responding to the lawyer who has written to you. You could always start with the pro bono legal hotline that is part of your insurance.
For more information on release of file materials, please consult the “September 2014 – Position on Release of File Materials (including raw data and test materials)”
https://www.nsbep.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Raw-Data-General-Disclosure.pdf
I discussed this with the Registrar and he made some good points.
“I think allowing permission to do it just once could set a bad precedent. Could also put us and or a registrant in a bad light with respect to third parties such as Insurance (if they respond to a claim made by the client), and so forth. If she was reinstated, that would show up on her online listing for the relevant period (would it not)? If $ is an issue, maybe reinstatement could be for less than a month and prorated accordingly?”nTherefore, I would say to the psychologist that you looked into / consulted on this matter, but Policy would not allow this work to be conducted while one is on the Inactive Register. However, in these circumstances, we could certainly place you back on the full register for a limited time to do this work. If you would like to do this then we could arrange for you to pay the pro-rated registration fee for one month ($67.08),I think if a registrant were subpoenaed to court we would consider it. But not as sure here.
Good of her to check in and I appreciate the tendency to accommodate in this case, but this would run afoul of the inactive register. I am thinking she could just pay a pro-rated fee for one month only ($67.08) and do it all above board, so to speak. Leave it with me and I will talk with the Registrar.
If a registrant would like to change their status from Out-of-Province to Full then we will require proof of their registration in the other jurisdiction. If he can provide this proof then we can change his registration from out-of-province to Full registration. Such proof does not have to be any special letter or form just something verifying his registration is active.
As the regulator of the profession of psychology in Nova Scotia, the Board is statutory mandated to serve and protect the public interest. The Board accomplishes this mandate, in part, through its registration processes set out in the Psychologists Act.
A criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify an applicant from registration with the Board. In reviewing an application for registration, the Board considers criminal convictions along with all the other information submitted by the applicant in order to determine whether the applicant is able to practise psychology in a safe, competent, and ethical manner. If there are reasonable grounds to believe that an applicant will practise in a manner contrary to the public interest or if there is a nexus between the criminal conduct and the applicant’s ability to practise psychology, the Board may decline registration.
I trust you will find this information helpful.
To expand one’s competence and/or scope, the Board recommends that candidates refer to the Learning Plan process in page 21 of the Supervision Handbook:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/SupervisionHandbook.pdf
As you will note, part of the process involves looking the candidate and their supervisor considering what may have already been completed in the past as part of the individual’s graduate level training and then considering what didactic activities would be proposed as part of the plan.
Once you complete this process, you could submit your plan and Registration Subcommittee of the Board would need to review the plan in order to provide feedback.
Yes this is possible and I noted that the supervisor has indicated she is providing oversight. More information is outlined in page 3 of the following document for employers and candidates. This person can feel free to share this information with others she feel it will benefit. Here is a link to the document from the Board’s website.
n
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Information_for_Employers.pdf
Please change his status to withdrawn in the database, effective January 1, 2021.
Appreciate him letting us know that he is not renewing, so no suspension will be required for him.
You could let her know that, yes, the Board would expect to see graduate coursework covering neuropsychology, along with the practica/internship she notes. Upon reviewing the completed application, the Board would make a determination based on all available documentation using the requirements outlined in the definition of the practice area of neuropsychology:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Appropriate_Practice_Areas.pdf
If the applicant declares neuropsychology they would need to address the requirements in its definition.
To answer your question, the decision to keep your maiden name or to change it is a personal one to each individual. NSBEP does not have jurisdiction on your decision with regard to personal use. However, if you are changing your name professionally, please provide NSBEP with an updated Photo ID that reflects the name change, as we will need to make a change in the Register of NSBEP in this case.
The answer is yes. thanks. She could continue to use her maiden name professionally.
As you mentioned, NSBEP would expect that, once registered, a psychologist would reactivate their full registration in the event that they wish to work within the psychology field. Situations involving those working under another psychologist’s registration are seen as applying to circumstances where the supervisee has not yet reached the level of autonomous practice (students, interns, non-autonomous staff, etc.)
To answer your question on taking a leave from practice, you have two options:1) Request a Leave of Absence from the Register. This can be done via email.
2) Change from Full Registration to Retired Registration. The fee is only $100 per year and the change could be requested by email at this time. However you could wait until registration renewal in the fall. One can still retain the title of Registered Psychologist (Retired) while holding the Retired category of registration, but there is no ability or practice or requirement to maintain Continuing Competence.
With either of the above options, one could request a return to full registration within a 2 year period without having to submit a new application to the Board. This request could be completed by email and you would need to pay the appropriate registration fees at the time. I have attached a line to the retirement planning guidelines, this may give you further clarification.
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/NSBEP_guidelines_for_retirement_planning.pdf
These activities would not be considered direct observation; however, they would still be considered valid methodologies for supervision.
Direct observation is considered to have taken place when the supervisor observes the candidate completing direct work with clients. For more information about this and other issues that can arise, NSBEP has provided some guidelines on supervision:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/GENERAL_GUIDELINES_FOR_SUPERVISION_REPORTS_2019.pdf
Generally if one is on maternity leave and not on the Candidate Register because of this, NSBEP would not expect them to be practicing, where they have chose to come off the Register. Even if a candidate were on the Inactive Register, the policy is that they should not be practicing psychology. If they are off the register then signing off at this time as a Psychologist (Cand. Reg) would be a violation of the Psychologists Act.
It would be important, therefore, not to do so and for clients to be made aware that the individual is not currently a psychologist. There would be no harm in having an actively registered psychologist ethically co-sign reports. The Board has a position statement on co-signing which may be of assistance. Here is a link to the URL:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Policy_Advisory_Cosigning_Reports.pdf
Under PHIA legislation, when the psychologist is an employee, the custodian is either the person responsible for running the group practice or the employer, and not the employee. Normally the consent form for service is signed on the practice’s consent form as well. Therefore, your plan to have a signed form authorizing transfer of files sounds appropriate, provided you discuss this approach with the custodian. Some practices/organizations have put in written policies and practices around clients and their records in the event that a psychologist leaves the practice.
In any event, it is always helpful for the associate to discuss their transition with the existing practice to ensure a smooth transition. And, if clients are following the associate to their new practice, it’s important to have a signed consent form authorizing any files that are being transferred or copied to the practice of the associate.
Please feel free to share this email with others if it would be helpful.
Yes, the Board has received the complaint and signed consent documents.
To answer your question regarding the timeline, please be advised that the process can take from 6 to 18 months from the time the complaint has been received to the time a decision is made by the Hearing Committee.
As to the status, I can tell you that it is on-going.
To answer your question, when a registrant completes the renewal, there are 4 tabs that form the overall process. The custodian is named on the tab #3, right before the renewal form.
I think she should maintain her registration. Although her application may be complete, as you know, it won’t be reviewed until next year, and If she lets it go then when the Board reviews her application she will no longer be registered, and it won’t be a transfer anymore. Moreover, she won’t be granted regular registration until after she completes the Transfer Interview. Given the scheduling, she may be unable to have her interview until June or later and she could utilize courtesy registration if she needed registration, provided she held registration in the other jurisdiction If she does not maintain registration, then she will be unable to utilize courtesy registration while waiting. With all this considered, I do think its best to maintain registration.
Actually since this would still involves a change in the supervision arrangement from co-supervision to supervision with 1 supervisor only. the board will still want the Change of Supervisor Evaluation Form completed, along with the supervision report from the outgoing supervisor covering the months of supervision with him (only since his last report was submitted).
During COVID-19, the Board has been allowing all supervision to be held virtually. However it will be examining this allowance in future, as restrictions are expected to be lifted over the summer. There may be some continuation of this allowance into the new year, or a hybrid model considered.
You are welcome or check back with NSBEP later in the summer as it will be considering whether to continue to allow virtual supervision and how frequently. In the event that NSBEP reverts back to prior requirements. policy would allow the supervisor and candidate to conduct supervision using electronic means twice per year. You could also request the use of additional virtual sessions by following the process in pages 5 & 6 of the Supervision Handbook.
For further clarification, I have attached a link to the section of the supervision handbook which talks about this.
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/SupervisionHandbook.pdf
To answer your question, the Board does not require its registrants to obtain consent if they intend to incorporate. There is nothing in our statute or policy which would prevent registered psychologists from incorporating their psychological practice.
Here is the link to the section of our website which talks about this:
https://www.nsbep.org/information-for-registrants/for-all-registrants/faq/#incorporationnPlease note – There are no regulations from the Board governing primary voting shareholder, director of the company of officer. No permit is required by the Board.
As well, the Board does not have to approve the name of the company.
I understand you were looking for someone to call you. Since what you are questioning is a policy set by the Board and staff cannot exercise discretion since the policy is clear. So speaking to a staff person would not lead to a different outcome.
However, any registrant who wishes to dispute a Board policy is welcome to ask staff to take his/her concerns to the Board, since policies are set by the Board not staff. This is not to suggest that there will be a different result, necessarily, but we would guarantee that it could be taken to the Board for consideration. We can verbally take forward your request along with the details or you are more than welcome to submit a letter, which could be taken to the next Board meeting on February 22.
In addition to providing you with the longstanding policy and rationale on why the Board does not issues refunds, I consulted with the Assistant Registrar. He supports the information provided to you in my prior email on the Board Policy concerning payment of fees. He did ask that a considered response be sent to you by email. I am sending this to information by email and then I will call to follow-up on the email.
In addition to the policy information and rationale provided, other factors NSBEP takes into account each year are the following:The Policy stated on the online form where registrants pay registration fees (and elsewhere) is that the NSBEP does not issue refunds.
Notices are sent on September 15, so NSBEP does provide plenty of advance notice for registrants to consider their circumstances and complete renewals.
Registrants have the ability to pay by November 15 and receive a discounted rate on their registration fee.
Multiple email reminders about registration were sent to registrants. In fact, 6 emails reminding registrants to renew were sent, in addition to a copy being sent by regular mail to anyone who had not completed renewal by October 15.
We have no record of unreturned emails or voice messages regarding renewals. Additionally, it is the registrant’s responsibility to allow sufficient time to complete their renewals.
The Board Office was closed over the holidays, but we provided advance notice that the office would be closed.
Policies are set by the Board and staff cannot decide to selectively interpret a longstanding and clear policy on fees. Staff would not be able to reverse a Policy.
However, any registrant who wishes to dispute a Board policy is welcome to ask staff to take his/her concerns to the Board, since policies are set by the Board, not staff. This is not to suggest that there will be a different result, necessarily, but if you would like, we could take your request to the Board for consideration. We can verbally take forward this matter or you are welcome to submit a letter, which could be taken to the next Board meeting on February 22.
Please let me know if you wish to pursue through either of these options.
The Board would still be in a position to address a complaint that involved allegations in NS even when a psychologist moves to another jurisdiction. The investigation committee would have authority on final decisions including publication but we would except that another jurisdiction where the psychologist is registered would be notified, in the case of disciplinary actions in NS.
To answer your question, I was advised that NSBEP doesn’t vet individual videos for self-directed learning, and I suggest that you could list the videos and the source if you would like. It could be tied to one’s CC Learning Plan and would be within the discretion of the registrant, and would receive the credit as you noted.
In addition to notifying the NSBEP of this employment, which she has done by email, she can update her contact information as well. She could login and update her profile to add private practice as a setting and add the private practice contact information if she wishes. I would make sure to add her new additional employer in the database at this time in case she misses this when updating her other info.
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Consultation_with_NSBEP.pdf
Unfortunately, we require the envelope to be post-marked November 15th at the latest in order to be considered in the office by the end of the deadline.
I have spoken to the assistant registrar and the Board doesn’t have guidelines specific to multidisciplinary practice, however, he did want the opportunity to provide some information for this enquiry. Whenever starting a practice NSBEP would recommend that you review the NSBEP Standards for Providers of Psychological Service. As well, you could also review the PDF attached for a listing of relevant legislation and other guidance you might see through the lens of operating a clinic:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Binder_Standards_Legislation_Guidelines.pdf
In a multi-disciplinary clinic, it would be important that the public clearly understands what services they are receiving (whether psychological services versus the other health services that are provided in the multi-disciplinary clinic) and from whom (the qualifications of the provider, e.g., psychologist or one of the other healthcare professionals). This would be consistent with the NSBEP position on billing to ensure that billing is transparent about services provided and by whom:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/billing_practices.pdf
We would also suggest that that document on starting and operating an independent practice might be helpful:
https://cpa.ca/cpasite/UserFiles/Documents/publications/PAA%20Guidebook.pdf
While the attached excerpts from the NSBEP Standards of Professional Conduct do not explicitly mention bartering, this is how NSBEP has approached the issue in the past. We are sharing the whole excerpt, but the key points below are likely most relevant:Principle 6nA registrant shall reach an agreement with an individual, group or organization concerning the psychological services to be provided, the fees to be charged and the billing arrangements prior to providing service.
6.1 A registrant sets fees based on the amount of time spent and complexity of the services rendered and does not base fees on the basis of advantage or clinically significant benefits accruing to the individual receiving services.
Principle 9nA registrant does not seek special benefit or advantage from relations with a client.
9.6 A registrant shall not use information obtained during the provision of psychological services to directly or indirectly acquire advantage over or exploit a client or to improperly acquire a benefit.
9.7 A registrant shall not persuade or influence a client to make gifts or contributions.
9.8 A registrant shall not accept a gift of more than token value.
NSBEP does not prohibit master’s level candidate registrants from supervising others, e.g., practicum students. Like all candidates, NSBEP always cautions those providing supervision to individuals who may not be experienced/regulated professionals. Moreover it would be important that any registrant consider whether they would be comfortable taking on such a role.
Here is a link to the NSBEP publication on supervision scenarios which you may find useful to reference:
https://www.nsbep.org/downloads/Supervision_Scenarios.pdf
This supervision may be acceptable for the University program and to the respective regulatory body that the applicant ultimately applies to. However, NSBEP does not accept graduates of this M.Ed. program, so it would be helpful for the supervisee to be aware that by receiving practicum supervision from a registrant of the NSBEP they are not being trained to become a provider of psychological services. Rather we would expect such students in this program likely plan to become counselling therapists.
NSBEP supervision is limited to what issues are raised in candidate register supervision, so we would not generally see your supervision of Georgina extending to the services provided by the practicum supervisee. Additionally, as you’ll note in the above referenced publication, NSBEP expects that another professional would also likely be involved with the supervision of the practicum student who would have knowledge of their future regulated profession and scope (counselling therapist).
Thank you for getting back to me about my questions. Just a bit ofnclarification for me:So if I understand correctly, clients do not have the option to choosento continue with me if the practice has a non-compete. Even though Inwould not ‘solicit’ clients that are ‘owned’ by the practice, it isnsurprising that a client wouldn’t have the right to seek services from me should they choose.
I would presume that clients would be offered the option of seeingnsomeone else at the practice, but in the case(s) where a client wouldnprefer to continue seeing me despite alternatives presented, it soundsnlike they don’t have that right if the practice isn’t ok with it?This highlights the need for discussion with the employer when an associate is leaving.
I think you are generalizing to a somewhat distinct issue from the question as we initially saw it. We provided advice around ownership, given the associate is an employee of the private practice. It would be important and ethical for the associate to consider any contracts with their employer. The reason is that they could potentially be considered in breach of contract and the practice might subsequently raise concerns around Integrity in Relationships if an associate knew the expectations (or ought to have known them) and only took the perspective that the client had the right to choose without addressing the contractual obligations, and did not have a conversation with the practice around the the practice’s expectations beforehand. When NSBEP had contacts in the past involving psychologists leaving a private practice, it has often involved differences of opinion between the practice and the psychologist leaving on the some of the very issues you have raised. If you have legal questions around contractual obligations and even other potential questions, we would urge you to take advantage of the pro-bono legal hotline available through your insurer. Ultimately, we cannot stress enough the importance for you to have an in-depth conversation with the practice owner and to work on an exit approach to address the most ethical approach in the various scenarios you might encounter when leaving the practice.
Now with all that said, of course a client can always decide to go to whomever they choose. However, this is really an incomplete consideration for the psychologist leaving (and would have been irresponsible direction from NSBEP) when an associate is leaving a practice where they are an employee, given all of the points raised above.
The paperwork I was referring to is that I see some clients throughn3rd party so depending on the notice/exit plan, I would want adequatentime to close files or provide termination/progress reports to thencase managers. I wanted to know what obligations I had around this andnwhat obligations the practice would have for continuity of care – ornif it was more of a ‘work it out as best as you can’ situation.
In this case, the associate would be expected to complete the appropriate paperwork so that the files are in order when they leave the practice to allow for continuity of service.
I’m hoping you could provide me with some direction regarding an application. I’m currently registered in Alberta. I am from Nova Scotia and have been considering the idea of a return for some time. I think COVID has given me a bit more of a push to seriously start an inquiry.
I had in the past thought it not possible to transfer a license from Alberta to NS, given the exception to the CFTA that NS was granted specifically for Alberta. I was aware that a candidate from Alberta could transfer with a period of supervision, but was not willing to undergo that. I’ve read the update from 2020, in which this restriction was lessened.
My first point of clarification is – based on my understanding, if a candidate from Alberta has competency in psychometric assessment and diagnosis, and can prove this, there may not need to be a period of supervision – is this correct?That is correct.
Additionally, what would constitute proof of this competency? I currently practice administering formal assessments across forensic, clinical and I suppose school psychology to a limited scope. I would be able to provide clear documentation of my additional training, as well as hours of consultation with a licensed doctoral level psychologist who is a faculty member at a University here.
Yes, that approach would be acceptable.
For my next point, I wanted to see if you could provide some clarity regarding domains of practice. As you are likely aware, in Alberta, our college does not keep additional designations on file regarding areas of practice. I primarily work clinical and forensic. What would constitute sufficient experience, training, etc. for a candidate to declare their scope of practice, if the candidate’s regulatory body does not keep records of areas of practice?Given you have noted that you complete formal assessment work, the materials you have offer to provide seem like they would contain sufficient evidence for consideration, along with this activity being noted on the form completed by CAP. Usually under service populations, CAP will note on the NSBEP Confirmation of Registration form (this form is filled out as part of the CFTA transfer process) whether one has formal or general assessment as part of their practice.
I do recognize it is difficult to comment generally on the application process, before an application is made. However, I wanted to get some clarity on these two specific items so I am able to submit all of the information you may require in my initial application.
In the new registration year – would Jan or Feb be the start of the pro-rated fees since the fees now begin in July?Yes, the NSBEP website was updated in January to reflect, but I know registrants just ask questions instead of reading some times. Here is the link for reference as it lays it all out very clearly for them: https://www.nsbep.org/about-nsbep/all-fees/nIf this is the case would it make any difference for the psychologist to withdraw and pay the re-instatement fee and pro-rated fee in Jan or Feb when she returns or should she pay the inactive fees. She would have to pay the Mar – June 2021 and then July to June 2022.
Actually, she is currently on the Inactive Register so her fees are paid up until the end of June 2021. If she fully withdrew, she would only save $50 since the reinstatement fee is $50. The savings from withdrawing would happen in July through December 2021, but then she would need to pay $50 reinstatement fee plus the pro-rated fees in Jan or Feb 2022. She could instead just renew in July 2021 with inactive registration and pay $100 then and then we could switch her to full registration when she is ready in Jan / Feb 2022, and she just would need to pay the pro-rated fee at the time. However if $50 makes a difference in July she would withdraw at that time.
As you probably recall, the following is a stated requirement in the Conditions of Candidacy for those on the Candidate Register:You are not permitted to engage in your own independent practice work during the period of candidacy. It is important for you to have access to a registered psychologist for collegial support, consultation and supervision relating to workplace matters. If a psychologist is not available onsite then another manager/supervisor who can provide evaluative feedback to your Board Supervisor would be acceptable. In this instance you must have another psychologist for collegial support and consultation about workplace matters, in addition to your NSBEP Supervisor.
In keeping with the above requirements, candidate registrants could be co-owners with a registered psychologist, but they would need to have workplace supervision available to them, in addition to their NSBEP supervisor. They should be able to name the registered psychologist(s) who can provide workplace supervision and consultation. It would also be important to have a plan in the event that the registered psychologist left the practice/partnership, as otherwise it would become an independent practice of 2 candidates.
Sure. I added this email address to her record in the database and then followed the process that the registrant would use to send her the link to get a new password. The reason she would not have been able to do this is because the address was not in our records. I received the attached confirmation that the email was sent to her email address that she provided.
Actually, in future all you need to do is go to add the second email address in the database and then visit the link where any registrant would login, and click the link “forgot password”. Then enter their registration number and email address and it will send an email to the registrant. I am happy to help with the geeky stuff as well.
So in order to approve a change registration status to Out-of-Province, NSBEP will still require proof of her registration in the other jurisdiction. Such proof does not have to be any special letter or form, just something verifying her registration is active.
Once you receive this proof, then you can change her registration to Out-of-Province from Full registration, to take effect at renewal time.
You have reached the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology.
Although the Board’s office hours are Monday through Friday 9-1, please feel free to leave a message. We aim to respond within 24-48 hours on working days but may respond more quickly if we are able to do so.
Alternatively visiting our website at www.NSBEP.org may answer your enquiry. We strive to answer frequently asked questions on our website. You may also reach us by email at nsbep@nsbep.org.
I have a two-part question about maternity leave and the EPPP, which I am hoping you can answer JnI became a Candidate Register effective Sept 9th, 2016, which means that my deadline to write the EPPP was September 9, 2018. However, I had a year-long maternity leave, and simultaneous removal from the register, effective October 2nd, 2017 – October 1st, 2018.
When is my new deadline to write the EPPP?Sep 9, 2019nI am again preparing for another maternity leave July, 2018 – July, 2019. What would my deadline then be in consideration of this period of removal from the registry?If she either withdraws from the register or goes on the inactive register for Jul 2019-July 2020, then her new deadline would be Sep 9, 2020.
She is eligible to take the EPPP at any time even during a withdrawal from the register or if she goes on the inactive register.
Ethically, we would generally refer the registrant to II.42. II.43, II.44 in the Code of Ethics for Psychologists (Fourth Edition).
Legally my understanding is that there is no legislation specific for professions compelling a psychologist to report another treating professional, as there is in Ontario. The Psychologists Act does not have such a clause and we do not have umbrella legislation for health professionals in NS so each regulatory body has its own statute meant to govern its own members, not those in other professions. The exceptions would be if the concerns somehow fell under the purview of legislation such as Adult Protection, Children and Family Services Act, etc. She may wish to contact Child Welfare as a general enquiry and complete a general consultation without providing the client’s name. Since this person is now an adult they may be able to quickly answer but it still could not hurt to check with Child Welfare.
She might also consider working with the adult client and encouraging them to contact authorities again, though I’m not sure how this would work with police if this was already reported. However this could still be a step the psychologist might encourage the client could be encouraged to take.
I don’t think they know much about registration fees for psychologists. You could let her know that there are no taxes on registration fees so no other version of receipt that could be provided.
As you have noted, you did not locate an authorization in the file to release the content of of the file.
There may be legal mechanisms that interested parties can utilize to obtain access to the file, but in the absence of a legal requirement to provide the information, the professional standards would otherwise continue to apply, and you would maintain confidentiality, as you would for a living client.
Additionally, under the Personal Health Information Act, an individual may be designated as a substitute decision maker who could access a record. If this were the case for his wife, then this designation may extend beyond death. I’m sorry but NSBEP cannot provide legal advice and cannot say for certain that if his wife was designated as a substitute decision maker that it would continue to extend to this point in time. We can only state that this may apply and you would need to obtain legal advice in the event that his wife raises this matter or would like to investigate such a question at this time.
Most recently NSBEP has approached this situation in the following ways:1. The candidate was encouraged to seek out a different NSBEP supervisor, and the former NSBEP supervisor could provide workplace supervision if desired.
2. In the event that the candidate was unsuccessful in securing another NSBEP supervisor, you may request that your current NSBEP Supervisor continue to provide supervision for the remainder of candidacy. If you would like to request this exemption, you should submit a letter (by email) and the request would have to be reviewed by the Registration Subcommittee of the Board. The Board does not guarantee pre approval of this arrangement. Should this option be desired, a psychologist would need to be secured who would be prepared to act as a backup or alternate NSBEP supervisor should a conflict arise during the remainder of supervision. While no formal supervision would be required from this supervisor, a plan should be established to consult with them throughout the remaining supervision period to ensure they are accessible for consultation with any issues that could arise.
According to Provincial Law (age of majority), someone is not an adult until they have reached the age of 19. It would not be unreasonable for a registrant working with the adult population to consider providing service to an 18year-old.
To answer your question, yes more information will be provided after the last day to withdraw nominations passes. This will take place on September 18th. Registrants will have 2 weeks to vote.
I wanted to let you know that the office will be closed December 22 to January 1, 2019 and will reopen January 2, 2019. Additionally , we have been advised that likely the entire floor of our building will be closed over much of the time between the above dates. Therefore, if you were planning on coming by and dropping of a cheque or putting it through the mail slot, you likely won’t be able to do so over some or most of these dates.
However, please note that the online renewal system will remain functional. You have the option to renew now and make your renewal pending until the end of 2018 and the system will not process payment until that time, or you can provide a cheque now that post dated until December 31, 2018. If you do choose to provide a cheque, please remember to complete the online renewal process and select the payment by cheque option.
Since the renewals must be completed by December 31, 2018, we are unable to accept payments after this date.
