FAQ - Registration
List of contents:
- General
- Types of Licenses
- Entry Level Training Requirements
- Fees
- Registration Form
- Criminal Record Checks
- Registry Numbers
- Licensing Exam for Entry to Practice
- Field Support System
General
Do new graduates have to renew their license during the first two years after graduation?
Yes. All members licenses expire on December 31st, and all members must apply for license renewal. New graduates must renew their licenses with the usual renewal application form. However, they do not have to submit a CME Report Form.
How do we get someone back into the system, for example, an EMT who let his/her license lapse last year or the year before?
A former member who let their license lapse must apply for reinstatement. This involves completing the Renewal application process plus writing a letter to Council which explains why the license was allowed to lapse and why the person wishes to be reinstated. The person must demonstrate that he or she has met Continuing Medical Education requirements. If the person has been non-practicing for more than two years, s/he must meet the initial license requirements as well as the CME requirements OR take a Re-entry program. A Criminal Record Check is required. The Reinstatement Fee is $275 on top of the licensing fee.
Do practitioners licensed in other provinces who work only occasionally in Saskatchewan have to register with the College?
Yes. Individuals who work or volunteer in Saskatchewan as EMRs, EMTs, EMT-Advanced or EMT-Paramedics or as medics, fire medics, PCP, ICP or ACPs, must be registered with the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics. This applies even if the work is temporary or occasional.
Are there differing registration requirements for initial applicants who are recent graduates from those for applicants licensed in other jurisdictions?
Yes. The differences are shown in the following table.
Registration Requirement Graduate Licensed Elsewhere Renewal Unique Registration Form x x x Transcript & Certificate/Diploma x Mandatory Certifications x x Continuing Medical Education Report Form x Licensing Exam & Fee x Jurisprudence Declaration/Exam x x Criminal Record Check x x Verification of Registration in another province x Photo with Identification Verified x x x Training to Address Deficiencies x Initial Processing Fee x x Licensing Fee x x x
Types of Licenses
Non-practicing Registration
What is a non-practicing registration and when is it used?
A non-practicing registration is intended for people who wish to retain membership in the College but do not intend to work or volunteer as a paramedic. The non-practicing member must not work or volunteer within their scope of practice. The non-practicing registration may be appropriate for someone taking maternity leave or extended disability leave. It is also sometimes used by administrators who will not be practicing. By taking a non-practicing license members can avoid the reinstatement process and the reinstatement fee of $275.
What is the non-practicing registration fee?
The non-practicing registration fee is $50.
How long can a member retain a non-practicing registration?
The non-practicing registration can be renewed for up to five years. After five years a non-practicing registration must be reviewed by Council and could be revoked or extended at that time.
What must a person do to return to practicing after a period with a non-practicing registration?
To return to practice in less than two years a member must demonstrate that they have met the CME requirements for licensure. After two years or more of non-practice, a member who wishes to return to practicing must demonstrate s/he has met all the requirements for initial registration and the CME requirements for the year OR complete a re-entry program.
What fees must be paid to move from non-practicing to practicing status?
There is a status change fee of $50 and the difference in the licensing fees.
What if someone wants to return to practice after a brief period of non-practice (such as a maternity leave) and hasn’t been able to complete CME requirements? Is there some way they can be licensed?
The Registrar will assess these situations on a case by case basis, and may issue a Restricted License to practice for up to six months while the person completes the CME requirements.
Restricted Licenses
What is a Restricted License?
A Restricted License is issued by the College to constrain the practice of a member either by placing conditions on the renewal of the license (eg. 3 or 6 months to complete an educational program such as EMR training) or limitations on the member’s practice (eg. Require supervision, or ban a specific protocol or ban access to drugs). The specific restriction is recorded on the Certificate of Licensure issued to the member.
When is a Restricted License used?
According to the Regulatory Bylaws a Restricted License may be issued by the Registrar in three circumstances: (1) where the member has not completed educational or CME requirements; (2) where the applicant has graduated but has not yet written the entry to practice exam; and (3) where the member’s practice is restricted through a Consensual Complaint Resolution Agreement with the Professional Conduct Committee or through a Disciplinary hearing.
How would I know that someone has a Restricted License and what the specific restrictions are?
The wallet sized membership card and the Certificate of Licensure issued to the member both note that the license is Restricted. The Certificate of Licensure will also note the specific details of the restriction. You should ask for a copy of the Certificate of Licensure to clarify the restriction. In addition, this winter the college will begin to note on the list of members on the web site if the member has a restricted license.
Is there a fee for a Restricted License?
Yes. There is a surcharge of $100 for issuing a Restricted License. This fee covers the cost of monitoring the restriction and issuing a special license and a replacement license once the restrictions have been met.
Entry Level Training Requirements
Do applicants for licensure have to provide certificates or transcripts of their entry level training?
Yes. Any candidate for registration must provide their certificate/diploma and official transcript from the training institution in order to be issued a license to practice.
Is there any way to get a license while you wait for the certificate or transcript to be submitted?
Yes. If there is some other evidence of program completion such as a letter from the instructor, a Restricted License can be issued for a few months until the member can supply the certificate. However, there is a $100 surcharge for a Restricted License, so if it is only a matter of days before the certificate is available, it may be better to wait for it.
Emergency Medical Responders
The requirement of 80 hours training for EMRs is problematic for recruitment of volunteer EMRs.
An EMR is expected to have more skills than a First Responder (FR) as the EMR takes over from the FR when the ambulance arrives. The College has provided a transition period during which time First Responder graduates can get a time - restricted EMR license for 6 months while they complete the EMR training. This policy remains in place for 2010.
Where can we get EMR training?
The College has approved the Red Cross and St. John Ambulance EMR training programs. Other programs could be approved if they meet the college requirements. For example, an agency that wishes to deliver its own EMR program could submit a program proposal to the college for approval.
Fees
Should a graduate in November or December wait for the next year to register to avoid double fees?
A graduate will have to pay a change of status or initial registration fee no matter when they apply for registration. If the graduate wants to work in December, they will need to apply for a license to practice in that year and then immediately renew their license for the next year. The fee after October 1st is 60% of the annual fee. For new graduates who register in November and December, 2009, Council has determined that the 2010 licensing fee will be reduced by the amount paid for licensing fee in 2009. In effect, an individual will be able to register for 2009 and 2010 by paying the 2010 fee and the initial processing fee.
Why doesn’t the College take personal cheques? It is such a hassle for the practitioners. You could always hold the license until you are sure the cheque is cashable.
The Council consulted with Alberta College of Paramedics (ACP) before developing its policies and the ACP strongly recommended not accepting personal cheques because of the problem of collecting on bounced cheques. There has been no discussion of changing the policy at this stage. Members must pay by means of a certified cheque, a money order, a Visa or Master Card or a company/Health Region cheque.
Will the Ministry of Health pay for our licensing fees?
This is a question best addressed to the Ministry of Health. The Paramedics Act and the Regulatory Bylaws make it clear that it is the member’s responsibility to pay the licensing fee.
Registration Form
Why are there so many places where members have to sign on the Registration Form?
The member must sign three times (four if they use a credit card): once for the declaration regarding criminal charges/convictions and disciplinary action; once for the privacy waiver to designate a proctor/coordinator; and once for the entire registration form.
Under employment status on the form you ask for a date of employment “from” – is this initial employment or just in the current year?
The initial date when the member began working for this agency.
Why does the college require reporting of number of calls and number of patients as lead attendant?
All professional regulators are challenged to find ways to ensure that members are competent and have recent practice (currency) of their professional skills. Some have minimum practice requirements to establish currency (for example the SRNA requires a certain number of hours worked). The College has not established such a requirement. We are asking members to self-report their practice opportunities in the past year. We are also collecting data that we can analyse for use over time to consider what might be appropriate currency standards for SCoP.
What should Fire and Industrial paramedics indicate for “#of patients as lead attendant in 2009”, EMS is generally viewed as the lead attendant?
For EMS Agencies lead attendant will be a familiar concept. For Fire and Industrial agencies, answer this questions with a count of the number of patients attended prior to transferring them to the care of EMS.
Can we use an estimate for the number of patients and number of calls attended?
We are expecting the numbers reported in this section to be verifiable. If the member makes and estimate, s/he should be able to explain why that estimate is realistic. Ideally the number would be accurately extracted from Patient Care Record summaries or fire calls, but for this year we will accept estimates which rely on some verifieable evidence. It would be advisable for the member to keep a record of the information used to develop the estimate.
Criminal Record Checks
Why do we need a Criminal Record Check?
The Saskatchewan College of Paramedics Regulatory bylaw 2(1)(d) states that all new applications for registration and all registration renewal applications (where registration has not been continuous) submit the results of a criminal record check (also known in some jurisdictions as an RCMP clearance letter). This must also include a vulnerable sector query. It is generally agreed that offences under the Criminal Code of Canada may bring an applicant's character in question. As the College's mandate is to protect the public by ensuring that only competent and ethical practitioners are registered, this requirement is one method used by the College to check on an applicant's character.
Do members have to submit a Criminal Record Check with their license renewal every year?
No. We require Criminal Record Checks only on the initial application for registration with the college or if there is a new charge or conviction since the initial application. Any member who provided a Criminal Record Check last year, and who has no subsequent charges or convictions, does not have to provide a Criminal Record Check this year.
The Registration Form asks members to declare whether they have had criminal charges or convictions in the last three years? Why three years and does that mean someone with a recent conviction or charge has to revisit information provided to the college in the registration process last year?
The three year period was chosen because there is a delay in entry of charges into the police system so it can take more than a year for the charges or convictions to show up on a Criminal Record Check. If the offence occurred in the last three years and the member supplied documentation in the last registration cycle, they should check “B” on the Registration Form and write on the form “Documentation supplied to SCoP in 2008”. If there is a charge or conviction that was not reported to SCoP last year, then the member should call the Executive Director to discuss what further steps are necessary.
I’ve been a practitioner for years already. What if the criminal record check shows a conviction?
If an applicant submits a criminal record check, which either states that there may be a conviction or provides the specific details of a conviction, the application must be referred for further review. As with any policy, which may potentially affect a practitioner's livelihood, however, there must be consideration of the circumstances surrounding individual cases before registration is denied. The severity of the offence, the relevance of the offence to the practice of the discipline or to the applicant's competence to practice the discipline, as well as whether the applicant has been successfully rehabilitated must be taken into account. Such an approach provides a mechanism for identifying circumstances where the public may be placed at risk yet allows an applicant who has been convicted of a serious offence an opportunity to demonstrate that he/she is competent and no longer a threat to the public.
The College has developed guidelines to assist in the review of such applications. Automatic denial of registration is not an option; referral to the Council is. If the criminal conviction does not fall within the guidelines for the College’s review and approval, the application must be reviewed by Council.
How do I obtain a Criminal Record Check? How long does it take?
Criminal Record Checks can be obtained from the local police service where you reside. If your community does not have a police service, you can obtain a Criminal Record Check from the nearest RCMP detachment. Depending on the police service, there may be a charge for the results of the Criminal Record Check. Depending on the police service, it can take a few minutes or a few days to get the Criminal Record Check completed.
You will likely need two pieces of identification such as your Driver’s License and either birth certificate or passport. Requirements are established by each police service. You may want to contact your local police service in advance to confirm the hours of operation, the identification documents you will need to provide, the cost and method of payment, and the length of time it will take to obtain the documentation.
Note, you must specifically request and provide written consent for a Vulnerable Sector Search to be done. Information related to convictions for some sexual offences remain on this registry, regardless of whether a pardon has been granted. Your Criminal Record Check results must indicate that the Vulnerable Sector Search has been completed.
Remember: only the original criminal record check document obtained from the local police service (the one with the original signature) is valid for the College application purposes.
What do Criminal Record Check results contain?
A Criminal Record Check report from the police service will indicate that a name check only has been completed (including a vulnerable sector check) and as a result either a criminal record does not exist, OR a criminal record “may or may not exist”. It will also confirm whether there are any outstanding charges.
A document that indicates a criminal record “may or may not exist” does not automatically mean a conviction exists. It means that a fingerprint check will be required to confirm identity and verify convictions. This process of getting a fingerprint check may take several months to complete and may require an additional application process.
What happens to my Criminal Record Check report once it is received by the College?
To ensure confidentiality and privacy of information, the Criminal Record Check document is maintained in confidential, secure files by the College. The application information and the Criminal Record Check are kept confidential and accessible only to the Registrar. If the document indicates that a criminal record “may or may not exist” the Registrar will require additional information from you. In this case both the criminal record check document and the additional information may be presented in de-identified form to the Registration Committee of Council, and potentially to the full Council. All Council and Committee members swear an oath to protect confidentiality.
Who pays the cost of my Criminal Record Check?
The individual obtaining the Criminal Record Check is responsible for paying its cost.
Could someone be denied a license because they have a criminal record?
Yes. The Registration Committee of the College reviews all applications with serious criminal records and recommends to the Registrar whether a license will be issued or restrictions will be placed on the license.
Registry Numbers
Does my registry number have to begin with 10, 20, 30 or 40 for me to work in an Ambulance Service?
No. The first two digits of the registry number indicate classification or license level, not employer. It is true that historically the Ministry of Health used the first two digits to indicate employer. The College has discontinued that practice.
What is the meaning of a “19” at the beginning of the registry number?
It indicates an EMT or EMT/PCP trained classification. Historically it was used to identify Fire Fighters, Industrial paramedics and students. The College has discontinued this practice. We no longer issue 19s to new registrants.
Will the College change everyone’s registry numbers?
Not for the 2010 license. However, at the May, 2008, Annual General Meeting a resolution was approved which called for a change in the use of the first two digits of the registry number to reflect competence and scope of practice, not employment sector. The College will consult members and key stakeholders in the coming months regarding proposed changes to the first two digits of the registry number with a view to making changes for the 2011 license.
Licensing Exam for Entry to Practice
Why does Saskatchewan need licensing exams?
Entry to Practice Licensing exams are used by regulators to provide assurance that the initial registrant is qualified/competent to practice. It is a key practice to ensure protection of the public. Historically, Saskatchewan did not have a licensing exam. Because there was only one training provider in the province, the government was assured of the quality of graduates through its regulation of SIAST. However, SCoP does not regulate SIAST. We have instituted licensing exams initially at the PCP and ACP levels as a means to assess competence before we issue a license.
I thought it had something to do with Labour Mobility?
That is another factor which caused Council to accelerate the implementation of licensing exams. Under the Labour Mobility provisions of the Agreement on Internal Trade, regulators in other provinces must license practitioners who are licensed to practice in other provinces. Other regulators were concerned that practitioners could come to Saskatchewan for a license and avoid their entry to practice exams but then turn around and use the SK license to get a license from their province. SCoP agreed, as part of the negotiations to implement full labour mobility, to close this “back door” approach to other regulators’ licenses. To do this Council initially required all out of province graduates to write the licensing exam in the province in which they trained. Now they can write the SCoP licensing exams.
Who has to write a licensing exam?
Only new applicants for registration with SCoP at the EMT/PCP and EMT-P/ACP levels or members who are upgrading to ACP level must write the entry to practice licensing examinations.
Do people who are seeking to renew their license with the college need to write the exams?
There is no connection between the exams and license renewal. No one has to write the exam to get their license renewed. With one exception, people who are currently registered with the college do not write the exams. The exception is current members who train to a new level may be required to write the exam – eg. An EMT/PCP graduating as an ACP will write the exam. There is no exam at this time at the EMT-A/ICP level but when the College has developed that exam, it will be required of those upgrading to ICP status.
Are SIAST graduates exempt from the exam?
SIAST graduates from programs that started prior to August 1, 2009, are exempt from the exam. SIAST graduates from PCP and ACP programs which started on or after August 1, 2009, must write the exam if they wish to be licensed to practice in Saskatchewan.
Why were SIAST students exempted?
Initially SCoP had no licensing exam and was requiring out of province graduates to write the exams in the province where they trained. Now that SCoP has exams at the PCP and ACP level we are phasing in the requirement for SIAST graduates to write as we are able to manage it and with reasonable notice to the students.
Do people who are licensed in another province have to write the SCoP licensing exams?
If a person is licensed in another province, they are eligible for a Saskatchewan license to practice without writing the SCoP entry to practice exams. Similarly, if a SCoP member wishes to be licensed in another province, s/he would not need to write that province’s exams.
What is the SCoP entry to practice exam like? What does it include?
The SCoP exam is a written assessment. The written exams are comprised of multiple choice, true/false and scenario questions. The content of the exam is drawn from the Saskatchewan Emergency Treatment Protocols and the National Occupational Competency Profile for Paramedics. Two hours are allowed to write the exams which are 135 to 145 questions.
Is there a cost for writing the exam?
Yes. The fee to write the licensing exam is $300.
If someone fails their first attempt at the written exam, can they rewrite?
The Regulatory Bylaws allow for three attempts at the exam (the initial and two rewrites). The rewrite must be at least 15 days after the initial attempt. There is a $300.00 Fee for each re-write.
What if someone fails in all three attempts at the exam?
A person who fails all three attempts at the licensing exam will not be allowed to write again until they take a refresher program.
Field Support System
How does a person get to be a proctor or a coordinator? Can they just sign up?
In order to become a proctor or a coordinator, a person must (1) be nominated/authorized by a manager of their agency and nominated by one of an instructor, supervisor, EMS Coordinator/Director or some other member in good standing who is in a position of authority. (i.e. two nominations); (2) complete the training offered by SCoP and (3) sign the agent and confidentiality agreement with SCoP.
Is the proctor or coordinator position tied to the specific agency which nominated the person to be a proctor or coordinator?
Yes. The position is tied to the nominating agency – the person is an agent for the college for that agency. But if some other agency hires them and nominates them, they would not have to retake the training.
Is there a limit to the number of people an agency can nominate to be proctors or coordinators?
No, the number designated is determined by the agency who nominates them. Of course, they must all complete the training and sign the agent and confidentiality agreement with the college.
Is a proctor or coordinator limited to working with the employees of the agency which nominated him or her?
This is an issue best worked out with the agency manager. From the College perspective, once you are trained and have signed the agent and confidentiality agreement with the college, you may work with any member of the college who designates you as their proctor/coordinator on the privacy waiver on their registration form. A proctor may award CME credit for activities assessed for any member.
Can Facilitators sign as proctors this year (2010)?
The year, 2009, was a transition year. However, in 2010 only individuals who have been designated proctors or coordinators will be able to sign off CME Forms.
How do we get access to proctor/coordinator training? Will it be available around the province or only in Regina?
We will attempt to make it available in a few locations around the province, but will need to manage this in an affordable way.
Who signs off the Proctor, Coordinator or Facilitator’s CME Form?
Another Proctor, a practitioner at the same or higher level, or the College Executive Director. The Proctor or Coordinator cannot certify his or her own CME.