The Board of Directors of the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario met virtually on December 12, 2025. Information provided to Board members for their review in anticipation of deliberations and decision-making was posted on the College’s website in advance of the meeting. Following the meeting, this information was archived on the website in the Board Meeting Materials Reference Library.
POLICY ISSUES
Registration Modernization – Consultation Results
The Board reviewed feedback received through the public consultation on proposed amendments to the registration regulation. The proposed amendments were intended to modernize registration processes, improve fairness and efficiency, and support a right-touch approach to regulation, while maintaining public protection.
Following its review of the consultation feedback, the Board approved changes to reduce the minimum work experience requirement for candidates with a master’s degree (from 4 to 1 year) and approved registration of psychologists based on graduate degrees from Board-approved programs, including programs accredited by college-approved accrediting bodies. The Board also approved exploring a process for the approval of international accrediting bodies beyond the United States. In addition, the Board decided to maintain the oral examination and to conduct a review after approved registration changes have been operationalized.
Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB©)
The Board reviewed correspondence from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB©) indicating its intention to withdraw from Ontario as of June 30, 2026. Staff presented a proposed approach to engage with the BACB© to explore potential options to maintain alignment with Ontario’s regulatory framework, while ensuring compliance with the College’s legislation, regulations, and Standards of Professional Conduct.
The Board approved the proposed plan to formally engage with the BACB© to explore potential options that support continuity for Behaviour Analysts practicing in Ontario, while prioritizing public protection.
Board & Committees Competency and Suitability Profile
As part of ongoing governance modernization, the Board approved a Board and Committee Competency and Suitability Profile. The Profile establishes a structured framework to guide elections, appointments, and ongoing Board and Committee development, and supports transparent, competency-based governance practices aligned with the public interest.
Governance Modernization – Policy Update
The Board approved rescinding Policy I-13, eliminating the non-voting Psychological Associate seat as part of its governance modernization efforts.
BUSINESS ISSUES
Transfer of Reserve Funds
The Board approved the transfer of $700,000 to the Investigations and Hearings Reserve Fund, with the remaining $471,513 to be retained as unrestricted funds. This decision supports the College’s financial sustainability and ensures adequate resources are available to meet increasing costs associated with investigations and hearings.
Third-Party Assessment of Board Effectiveness
The Board approved the hiring of a consultant to conduct a third-party assessment of Board effectiveness at a minimum every two years. This initiative supports accountability, continuous quality improvement, and compliance with Ministry requirements under the College Performance Measurement Framework.
OTHER BUSINESS
The next Board meeting will be held in person on March 27, 2026.