Key Takeaways from the Practice Direction for Professional Practice and Inactivity

December 10, 2024 |
Standard of Practice

Last year, Council introduced a new Practice Direction on Professional Practice and Inactivity, which sets out important professional and ethical obligations expected of registrants in managing professional scope of practice.

The following are highlights of the key aspects of the Practice Direction.

 

Understanding your limits

 

All registrants must recognize your limits of skill, knowledge, and judgment. Ensuring that you practice within your defined scope not only safeguards your patients but also protects your professional integrity.

Both the Practice Direction and the Code of Ethics and Professionalism underscore that all registrants must provide care that is safe, appropriate, and within your competencies.

 

What is “scope of practice?”

 

Your active scope of practice refers to the areas of medicine you are formally trained and licensed to work in. This includes both the core activities you perform routinely and any other specialized areas you are competent to handle, even if they are rarely encountered (i.e. available scope of practice). 

 

Your scope should not extend beyond your clinical training and experience, as practicing beyond these limits can compromise patient safety and your professional standards.

 

Knowing your limits

 

As stated in the Code of Ethics and Professionalism, humility and prudence are essential virtues for ethical medical practice. Registrants are encouraged to:

  • Recognize when a case exceeds your expertise.
  • Seek consultation or refer patients as necessary.
  • Reflect on the dynamic nature of medical knowledge and remain committed to lifelong learning​.

 

Key points for managing scope

 

Important principles to keep in mind include:

 

  • Ensuring that you practice only within areas where you have the appropriate education, training, and experience.
  • Regularly engaging in continuing professional development (CPD) activities to stay current. This is essential for maintaining your scope of practice.
  • Making appropriate referrals to specialists or subspecialists when you encounter a situation that is beyond your skillset. Collaborative care with peers ensures comprehensive patient care and reduces the risks associated with overstepping clinical boundaries.
  • When expanding into a new area or re-entering an area of inactivity, it is important to undergo proper training and to adhere to CPSM’s requirements on re-entry.

 

When in doubt, seek support

 

Remember, you are not alone. Collaborative care models and peer support networks are valuable resources when navigating complex cases or unfamiliar areas of practice. We encourage a culture of humility and integrity where physicians are not afraid to seek consultation when needed.

 

Title restrictions

 

Registrants are reminded to:

 

  • Only use titles that accurately reflect your professional qualifications, field of practice, and scope of certification.
  • Avoid misleading or unapproved titles that could create confusion or imply qualifications or competencies not possessed.

CPSM restricts the use of certain titles to ensure public trust and compliance with the Regulated Health Professions Act. Specifically:

 

  • Titles such as "Specialist" can only be used by those who hold recognized qualifications and are registered in CPSM’s Specialist Registry.
  • Unauthorized use of protected titles or designations related to medical specialties, subspecialties, or specific areas of certification is prohibited.

For example, an Internal Medicine specialist cannot refer to themselves as a Nephrologist or Cardiologist when practicing in these areas.  

When in professional or public settings, registrants must:

 

  1. Clearly specify your field of practice.
  2. Avoid exaggerating your skills or presenting yourself as having expertise beyond your certifications.

For more details, please review the Practice Direction -  Professional Practice and Inactivity or contact CPSM about title restrictions.  

 

Questions?

 

If you have questions about your scope of practice or require further guidance, we encourage you to consult the Professional Practice and Inactivity Practice Direction or contact CPSM directly.