Regulatory Navigation

The Role of Regulatory Navigation

The role of CAP’s Navigation Department is to help psychologists locate regulatory resources (e.g., Legislation, Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, Practice Guidelines) that govern the profession of psychology in Alberta. Familiarity with these resources is essential to providing ethical and competent care for the public. This means psychologists are familiar with documents located under Resources and Regulatory Information.  

Psychologists are self-regulated professionals who must show diligence and sound judgment. Several resources should be considered prior to contacting CAP.

See the chart below for further information.

If I have regulatory navigation or “guidance” questions, whom should I contact?

Psychologists' Association of Alberta (PAA) Professional Guidance Program Professional Liability Insurance Provider, Lawyer Trusted Colleague, Clinical Supervisor CAP’s Regulatory Navigation Department

For practice advice / “guidance,” please contact PAA’s Professional Guidance Program 

 
You do not need to be a member of PAA to seek professional guidance from them

For business, legal, ethical and regulatory advice, please contact your insurance provider who may provide you with access to legal counsel (e.g., BMS, McFarlan Rowlands)

For supervision-related advice, please contact one of CAP's six Supervision Consultants (scoll to bottom of page).

A trust colleague or clinical supervisor may also be able to provide you with business, ethical and regulatory perspectives. It is important to consult broadly, thus it would be best to consult with individuals within and outside of your typical practice circles

For questions about which CPA ethics codes, CAP practice standards, or specific laws/legislation may apply in a given situation, please complete CAP’s Regulatory Navigation Checklist at the bottom of this webpage

Then, CAP’s Navigation Department will contact you directly

CAVEAT: CAP will respond to Navigation calls, emails, and questions only if you first complete the Checklist

CAP will only respond if you have consulted with a peer/colleague, supervisor, or Community of Practice Network prior to contacting CAP.

PAA’s program helps psychologists think through ethical dilemmas and consults with members and non-members about best clinical practices Liability insurance providers help psychologists mitigate risks and provide pro bono legal advice regarding, for example, privacy and confidentiality, conflicts of interest, third-party issues, subpoenas, and professional conduct  Trusted colleagues and supervisors help psychologists eith ethical and practice issues. They also assist in the resolution of conflicts between registered provisional psychologists and supervisors. This valuable resource enhances and supports the supervision process.

CAP's Regulatory Navigation Department helps psychologists locate regulatory resources (e.g., Legislation, Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists, Standards of Practice, Practice Guidelines) that govern the profession of psychology in Alberta. 

Please visit CAP's Resources and Regulatory Information webpage.

CAP does not provide clinical advice of specific practice guidance/direction as it may place CAP in a position of conflict should a complaint be made. CAP cannot advise you regarding how to resolve ethical dilemmas. 

PAA offers clinically focused tip sheets, on-demand workshops, podcasts, etc. Insurance providers offer many useful, clinically related services, not just liability coverage Trust colleagues and supervision consultants are excellent, "go-to" advisors regarding intentional, ethical, and effective clinical practice.

CAP serves the interests of the public

***If this matter relates to an imminent risk tothe public, please call CAP's Regulatory Navigation or Complaints and Professional Conduct Department as soon as resonably possible. CAP does not respond to inquiries outside of regular business hours***

  Download a copy of this table.

Regulatory Navigation Checklist


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Registration and Renewal

This section provides information and resources regarding registration requirements, fees and renewing a practice permit.

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This section provides information and resources to address concerns about the conduct of a psychologist. 

 

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Regulatory Navigation

CAP communicates with members, providing regulatory information.

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About CAP

Learn more about CAP and its mandated responsibiliites under the Health Professions Act. 

Resources & Regulatory Information

A number of documents govern the regulation of the profession of psychology and documents and resources are developed in order to promote competent and ethical practice and to guide its members. 

Sexual Abuse/Misconduct

Addressing and Preventing Sexual Abuse and Misconduct for Psychologists