Professional Guidance

The College communicates daily with members, providing regulatory information and guidance. Regulated members are welcome to contact the College for professional guidance related to regulatory information. The College cannot provide specific practice advice because of the conflict of interest with our public protection mandate. PAA members can consult with a practice advisor through the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta’s (PAA) Practice Advisor program. When deciding who to contact first, please click here.

If legal advice is required, the member is encouraged to consult with a lawyer through their insurer and/or independent counsel. Do not hesitate to contact the College regarding any professional issues or questions you may have; we always welcome your questions. Sometimes we cannot give you specific answers, but we can direct you to the existing regulatory information that addresses your inquiry and to other resources that will assist you. We are happy to report that professional guidance inquiries have increased gradually and substantially over the past few years. The value of consultation cannot be overstated; we continue to encourage all consultation. As directed by the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists, among its many benefits, consultation may enhance skills, augment knowledge, modify perspective and rectify biases, and therefore may have the overall effect of improving the quality of services you provide. Additionally, consultation protects you. Therefore we encourage you to consult with the College, the PAA practice advisors and your colleagues. Remember to document all consultations.

Before you contact the Professional Guidance department:

It is best to put your initial question in writing prior to contacting our Professional Guidance department and the following are some of the questions to include in your request. Some things to consider when you present your ethical problem may include:

Who are the primary and secondary/ancillary clients?
Who is your employer?
Which privacy legislation applies to you (Health Information Act, Freedom of Information Protection of Privacy Act, Personal Information Protection Act, or Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, as a few examples)?
If you are a provisional psychologist, have you consulted your supervisor?

Additional areas to consider are:

From the Canadian Code of Ethics, which principle(s) and standard(s) would apply to your ethical dilemma?
Within the Standards of Practice, which standard is relevant and applicable to your ethical problem?
When considering the document Jurisprudence: Legislation Naming or Affecting Psychologists in Alberta, which legislation or decision is relevant?
Which practice guidelines are pertinent?

As psychology is a self-regulated profession, the decision for action remains with you, the member. It is important to seek consultation with another regulated member who has knowledge, skills, experience and judgment in the areas about which you are deliberating, and to thoroughly document your reasoned analysis and your decision-making process.

After you contact the Professional Guidance department:

We appreciate you contacting the College, and encourage you:

to review the document Self-Regulation in the Profession of Psychology
as a member of a self-regulated profession, please consult a colleague and contact the PAA to obtain practice-related advice through their practice advisor program. The practice advice is available only to members of PAA
you may always contact a colleague with relevant background and experience to help support you making ethical decisions
document your thoughtful, thorough and reasoned analysis with your client

Did you know?

21 June, 2017

As a member of CAP, can I use the CAP logo on my website, letterhead or any other professional communication?

The CAP logo cannot be used by members in any form of communication. This is to avoid misrepresentation. Allowing members to use CAP on their website or communications could inadvertently suggest CAP approves the website and/or endorses the specific services provided.

21 June, 2017

What is the best way to represent my credentials in public communication, when my doctorate is not approved by CAP?

For example, a member has a PhD. in Music or a PhD. in Psychiatry: The Health Professions Act provides the legislative framework for CAP, including the parameters pertaining to the use of title. In order to use PhD, PsyD or EdD in your title, the doctorate must be from a program of psychology (HPA, Schedule 22, s5). Therefore, in all public communication, a member can refer to themselves as Mr./Ms. First Name Last Name, PhD in Music or Ms./Mr. First Name Last Name, PhD in Psychiatry (HPA, Part 7, s128(7)). The program must be identified as PhD in [Academic Field].

11 April, 2017

When does a regulated member retain records for longer than recommended by legislation (Limitations Act)?

The limitations act is suspended when a client has disclosed sexual abuse or assault. The client’s file should be retained for the life of the client.

11 April, 2017

What does a regulated member do with client files when closing a practice or going on sick leave, or otherwise unanticipated absence from practice?

As part of the informed and ongoing consent process, a regulated member should indicate who will have access to the client’s file in the event of an unplanned absence or emergency. For example, prior to meeting with the client, a written professional services package in which the answers to “what happens in the event of an unplanned emergency?” could be provided to the client. This sets the stage for a discussion about who would have access to the client’s personal identifying information and the expected actions following such an emergency. Planning for the unexpected so as to prevent harm to the client is an ethically sound practice, which supports continuity of care.

20 March, 2017

Can a psychologist practice as a Professional Corporation?

No, a psychologist may incorporate, but under the Health Professions Act, Professional Corporations are reserved for Chiropractors, Dentists, Lawyers, Physicians, and Optometrists. Professional Chartered Accountants are also able to operate as Professional Corporations. It is ethical practice, as a self-regulated professional, to collaborate and consult with a professional in the area of specialized knowledge and, in this case, with a business lawyer or accountant for more specific practical advice.

18 January, 2017

What is an information management and sharing agreement?

Electronic client records are required to have safeguards in place, as outlined in an information management and sharing agreement, in order to protect the security and confidentiality of personal identifying information. For example, a psychologist who does not have direct custody or control of an electronic record shall have an organizational policy that addresses collection, use, and disclosure of information associated with applicable privacy legislation [example, FOIP (public bodies), HIA (health services), PIPA (private practice), and PIPEDA (federal)]. Alberta Health Services’ collection, use, and disclosure of personal identifying information policy is one example of an organizational policy that meets this requirement of an information management and sharing agreement.
Source: Standards of Practice (7.6, 7.7, 7.8)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The College has developed a frequently asked questions and answers document related to common queries the College receives annually. Click here to access a copy of the FAQ.