8. Continuing Competence

Registrants must maintain competence in their current area of practice and continually improve their competence in order to respond to changes in practice environments, advancements in technology, and the changing health care environment.

Practice standard

Registrants must have, maintain and apply the necessary knowledge, skills and judgement to ensure safe, effective and ethical outcomes for the patient.  Registrants must maintain competence in their current area of practice and must refrain from acting if not competent.  Registrants must obtain and maintain the necessary knowledge, skills and judgement to respond to changes in practice environments, advances in technology and other emerging issues.  Registrants must participate in the College’s Quality Assurance Program as part of maintaining and improving their competence.

Indicators

Registrants must:

a. maintain competence and refrain from performing activities that the registrant is not competent to perform

b. maintain and apply current and relevant scientific and professional knowledge and skills in their practice

c. obtain and maintain the necessary knowledge, skills and judgement to respond to changes in practice environments, advances in technology and other emerging issues

d. assume responsibility for professional development and for sharing knowledge with others

e. invest time, effort and other resources to maintain and improve their knowledge, skills and judgement

f. engage in a learning process to enhance practice

g. participate in the College’s Quality Assurance Program

h. collaborate with other members of the health care team to create quality practice settings