The College Council met virtually on June 16, 2023. Information provided to members of Council for their review in anticipation of their deliberations and decision-making is posted on the homepage of College website a week in advance of meetings. Following the meeting, this information is archived on the website in the Council Meeting Materials Reference Library.
CHANGES TO THE COLLEGE COUNCIL
Since the March meeting there have been several changes to the College Council. Dr. Marilyn Keyes (District 4, East), Ms. Paula Conforti (District 7, Psychological Associates) And Dr. Marjory Phillips (District 8, Academic) completed their terms of office. We gratefully acknowledge their contributions and many years of service. We are pleased to welcome new Council members, Dr. Jacob Kaiserman, Mr. Glenn Webster and Dr. Peter Bieling representing District 4, District 7, and District 8 respectively.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
As a first order of business, the Council elected the Executive Committee for the 2023-2024 year. We are pleased to congratulate:
Dr. Wanda Towers – President
Dr. Ian Nicholson – Vice-President
Mr. Glenn Webster – Professional Member
Dr. Fred Schmidt – Professional Member
Mr. Paul Stopciati – Public Member
Mr. Scott Warnock – Public Member
POLICY ISSUES
Policies
Council reviewed and approved a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) developed by the Association of Canadian Psychology Regulatory Organizations (ACPRO) regarding interjurisdictional telepsychology within Canada. This MOU will permit duly registered psychological practitioners from any Canadian jurisdiction to serve residents of any Canadian jurisdiction through telepsychology from within their home province/territory under specific circumstances. This MOU is not yet finalized or in effect and members will be provided with more details as this initiative evolves.
Council reviewed and approved a proposal from the Registration Committee that will allow for a pilot of a proposed method of evaluating Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) candidates for autonomous practice with respect to the controlled act of communicating a diagnosis. Candidates who are currently fully registered to practice as a psychologist or psychological associate in another Canadian province or territory may apply for a certificate authorizing autonomous practice as a psychologist or psychological associate in Ontario in accordance with the Labour Mobility provisions of the CFTA. In Ontario, the communication of a diagnosis is a controlled act restricted to qualified members of specific Colleges. Evaluation of skills and competencies required to formulate and communicate a psychological diagnosis is necessary to ensure public safety and protection.
ABA Updates
The draft Registration Regulation of the yet to be proclaimed Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis Act, 2021 (Act) requires the College to develop an examination of knowledge or competence related to the regulation of Behaviour Analysts. To ensure that the examination reflects the College’s public interest mandate and to mitigate risk of harm to the public, the College engaged active professionals of Applied Behaviour Analysis in the development of the examination. The Council reviewed and approved the competency profile and blueprint for the Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Examination of Knowledge or Competence. The blueprint can be viewed here.
The Council was provided with Transitional Route Guidelines for Behaviour Analysts. The College must balance the need to confirm that an experienced Behaviour Analyst has the necessary knowledge, skills, and judgement for safe and effective practice with the need to avoid unnecessary service disruptions to clients and other stakeholders. The registration requirements for such applicants are outlined in the draft Registration Regulation of the Act. It is necessary to develop and circulate guidelines that expand upon the Registration Regulation so that the College has a uniform criteria for confirming whether an applicant is eligible for registration, and to provide applicants with information about the specific registration requirements, application process, and other registration procedures. The Council approved the Transitional Route Guidelines for Behaviour Analysts. These guidelines can be viewed here.
Strategic Direction
Council approved a new Strategic Direction for 2023-2028. It can be viewed here.
OTHER BUSINESS
Council approved, for circulation, amendments to By-law 18: Fees. The consultation was circulated to members on June 19, 2023 with comments requested by Friday August 18, 2023. The proposed amendments and a feedback submission form is available here.
The next meeting of Council will be held virtually on September 22, 2023.