ANNUAL REPORT. Health Disciplines Board. January 1 to December 31, submitted to

Transcription

1 ANNUAL REPORT January 1 to December 31, 2013 submitted to Health Disciplines Board

2 Contents I. President s Message..2 II. Introduction 4 III. Governance IV. Registration of College Members.10 V. Training Programs and Examinations...11 VI. Continuing Education Program. 11 VII. Complaints and Disciplines VIII. Financial Information. 11 IX. Other Professional Activities X. Conclusion...12 Appendix 1: Appendix 2: CAAA Code of Professional Conduct Financial Statements The College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta, 2013 Annual Report Page 1

3 I. PRESIDENT S MESSAGE The year of 2013 was a year with marked success for the College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (the CAAA ). Some highlights are listed as follows. Code of Professional Conduct The CAAA is mandated to regulate the acupuncture profession in public interest. To better fulfill its mandate, the CAAA developed a Code of Professional Conduct to guide our members professional practice, which incorporated industry s best practices and stakeholders input. Alberta Acupuncturist Registration Examination To facilitate labour mobility and employment, the Pan-Canadian Examination for Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists was approved by the Health Disciplines Board as part of the acupuncturist registration examination in Alberta. An Online Safety Examination, in written format is administered as a courtesy from our counterparts in British Columbia and Ontario. In addition, the Examination Committee of the CAAA successfully designed and administered a practical Safety Examination to ensure safe practice to the public. Full status under Health Professions Act Acupuncture has been a regulated profession in Alberta since Since proclamation of its self-regulation, the Council has identified it as a priority to gain full status of medical profession for acupuncture. To this end, the CAAA has endeavored to improve its governance, as exemplified by the development of a Code of Professional Conduct. Meanwhile, an Ad Hoc committee was formed to review/amend the Acupuncture Regulation Policies in collaboration with Alberta Health, with a view to transitioning under the Health Professions Act at an earlier date. Continuing Education Program A continuing education program was recommended by our members. In response to their request, the CAAA has organized seminars and lectures at our office in Edmonton with the assistance of volunteers. In Calgary, seminars offered by the Alberta Association of TCM Doctors (the AATCMD ) are also accessible to CAAA members. Minimum Standards for Acupuncture Programs To ensure that the acupuncture programs in Alberta fulfill their responsibility in promoting the profession, an Ad Hoc committee was formed to establish minimum standards based on the program criteria that were previously used by the Acupuncture Committee under the The College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta, 2013 Annual Report Page 2

4 Health Disciplines Board. This initiative is considered a fundamental project with farreaching significance. New Website Effective communication is critical in our modern society. The CAAA developed a new website so that we could provide essential information to the public, stakeholders and our members in an effective manner. This also helps maintain transparency regarding the work of the CAAA. We appreciate the guidance and support of the Health Disciplines Board. As we embark on our fourth year of self-regulation, we realize that as public awareness of acupuncture increases, more tasks are ahead of us to protect public interest and promote the profession. We are willing to work with all stakeholders to meet their expectations. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Council and Committee members who made significant efforts in contributing their time and energy to assist the CAAA in fulfilling its mandate of public protection. Sincerely, Peggy Yu, President The College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta, 2013 Annual Report Page 3

5 II. INTRODUCTION About the CAAA The acupuncture profession has been regulated in Alberta since 1988 under the Health Disciplines Act (hereinafter, Act ), and has since been governed by the Acupuncture Committee established under the Act. In November 2006, an interim council of the CAAA was created with collaboration of three professional associations, namely, the Acupuncture Society of Alberta, the Alberta Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctors, and the Canadian Health Profession Acupuncture Society. In April 2010, the CAAA held its first election. The CAAA was designated by the Minister of Health to regulate the acupuncture profession in the public interest, effective January 1, As the governing body, the CAAA is responsible to ensure that members have the proper education and training to provide competent and ethical services to the public. Mission Statement The CAAA serves the public interest and supports the acupuncture profession by setting high standards of practice, education, competence and ethical conduct. Vision The CAAA is committed to excellence in regulation and support of the Registered Acupuncturists of Alberta. The College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta, 2013 Annual Report Page 4

6 Organizational Structure The organization structure of the CAAA is set out as below. The Council, Committees and positions are established in accordance with the Health Disciplines Act and the By-laws of the CAAA. CAAA Council Registrar Registrar Budget, Finance & Audit Committee Registration Committee Exam Committee Conduct & Competency Committee Member Services Committee Assistant to Registrar Administrative Support The College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta, 2013 Annual Report Page 5

7 Council Members The Council is elected by the membership and is responsible for the governance and management of the regulatory and business affairs of the CAAA. In 2013, the CAAA had the following council members. Peggy Yu, President David James, Vice President Jiu-Lin Wang, Treasurer Lowell Ask, Secretary Frank Du, Director Xia Cheng, Director Veronica Lee, Director William Zhao, Director (resigned in June 2013) Registrar The Registrar is appointed by the CAAA in accordance with section 15 of the Health Disciplines Act (the Act). The Registrar performs duties designated in the Act, the Acupuncture Regulation (the Regulation), as well as those delegated by the Council. Registration and Program Review Committee (RPRC) The Registration Committee is appointed by the Council in accordance with section 16 of the Health Disciplines Act (the Act). The Committee is responsible to determine whether applicants are eligible for registration and review applications that are referred by the Registrar. It also evaluates the adequacy of acupuncture training programs in Alberta. Committee Members in 2013: Marjorie Copithorn, Chair Peggy Yu Victor Wong Aynsley New Zoe Ying Zhao Examination Committee (EC) The Examination Committee is a standing committee under section 7.4 of the CAAA By-laws. The College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta, 2013 Annual Report Page 6

8 The Committee is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Alberta Acupuncturist Registration Examination, including but not limited to: development and implementation of an entry-level examination for registration purposes, as well as evaluating the performance of the exam candidates; and any other duties assigned through Council-approved governance policies including terms of reference. Committee Members in 2013: Lowell Ask, Committee Chair Yang Su Don Fan Yucheng Chen Conduct and Competency Committee (CCC) The Conduct and Competency Committee is established in accordance with section 17 of the Health Disciplines Act. The Committee is responsible to make decisions with respect to complaints against a registered acupuncturist in accordance with the provisions in the Health Disciplines Act and the Acupuncture Regulation. Committee Members in 2013: Ron Carter, Public Member, Committee Chair Marc Raedschelders King Sang Wong Jenny Jin Tao Amanda Ballas Michael McFarlane Frank Du Budget, Finance and Audit Committee (BFAC) The Budget, Finance and Audit Committee is established in accordance with Article 7.6 of the CAAA By-laws. It is responsible to oversee the College s financial situation and make recommendations to Council regarding developing, establishing and administering financial policies, systems and procedures essential to the financial administration of the College, including i) Accounting Practice; ii) Internal control and auditing; iii) Financial Planning; iv) Budgeting Practices Producing annual Financial Statements and reports each fiscal year Working with the Registrar to ensure the College s financial accountability Any other duties assigned through Council approved policies and the Committee s term of reference. The College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta, 2013 Annual Report Page 7

9 Committee Members in 2013: Veronica Lee, Committee Chair Jiulin Wang, Treasurer Victor Wong Jennifer Doull Member Services Committee (MSC) The Member Services Committee is established in accordance with Article 7.5 of the CAAA Bylaws. It is mandated to: Assist with non-regulatory functions that promote public awareness of acupuncturists, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine; Provide representation for the professions with funders; Carry out any other non-regulatory activities approved by Council that support members in the provision of safe and effective acupuncture services; and Advise the Council on continuing education opportunities for approval of Continuing Education Units (CEU) Committee Members in 2013: Andrea Hejtmanek, Co-Chair Darren Tellier, Co-Chair (resigned October 2013) Amanda Roth (resigned October 2013) Jennifer Wang Veronica Berezansky Vicki McGuire Office Location Street NW Edmonton, AB T6E 5L5 Contact us: Phone: (780) Fax: (780) Website: The College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta, 2013 Annual Report Page 8

10 III. GOVERNANCE Acupuncture profession has been regulated in Alberta since 1988 under the Health Disciplines Act and the Acupuncture Regulation. Previously, it was governed by the Acupuncture Committee under the Health Disciplines Board. The CAAA was designated to regulate the acupuncture profession effective January 1, The CAAA continues to use the Standards of Competency and Practice, which were developed by the Alberta government and revised on April 20, 2005, to govern the acupuncture profession. This document is available on the CAAA website. By-laws serves as written rules for the conduct and operation of the College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta. It is in effect an agreement among registered members, and is binding for all registrants. The current By-laws became effective January 1, 2011, and is available on the CAAA website. To better fulfill its mandate, the CAAA developed a Code of Professional Conduct (See Appendix 1) to guide members professional practice. It was presented to the Health Disciplines Board (the Board ) on November 27, 2013 and was approved by the Board on December 4, It will be presented to membership at the 2014 Annual General Meeting for final approval before it comes into effect. IV. REGISTRATION OF COLLEGE MEMBERS New Members 60 Full Members (including under MRA) 39 Temporary 7 Restricted 14 Transferred, Cancelled, Retired -13 Membership Renewed 563 Total Number of Registrants as of Dec. 31, V. TRAINING PROGRAMS AND EXAMINATIONS Acupuncture training programs were approved by the Health Disciplines Board and licensed by the Ministry of Enterprise and Advanced Education. Currently, there are five acupuncture training programs in Alberta, as listed below: The College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta, 2013 Annual Report Page 9

11 Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton, since 1998 Reeves College, Edmonton (Conditional Approval), since 2008 Alberta College of Acupuncture & TCM, Calgary, since 2000 Calgary College of TCM & Acupuncture, Calgary, since 2004 Canadian Institute of TCM, Calgary, since 2004 The Alberta Acupuncturist Registration Examination is an important instrument for the CAAA to fulfill its mandate. In April 2013, the Board approved adopting the Pan-Canadian Examination as part of the acupuncture registration examination in Alberta. The current Alberta Acupuncturist Registration Examination consists of the following components: Pan-Canadian Written Examination for Acupuncturists Online Safety Examination in written format OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Safety Examination in practical format Pan-Canadian Clinical Case-study Examination for Acupuncturists (successful completion of Pan-Canadian Written Examination is required before sitting this component.) The Pan-Canadian Written Examination was administered in October A total of 91 candidates wrote the exam, with 53 candidates having passed and passing rate was 58.24%. The Online Safety Examination in written format was delivered in November 2013, as a professional courtesy of College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncturists of British Columbia (CTCMA-BC) and College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO). All 76 new candidates successfully passed the exam. OSCE-type Safety Examination, which consists of two stations: Modalities and Acupuncture Point, was delivered together with the Online Safety Exam. For the Modalities Station, 41 out of 76 candidates passed and passing rate was 53.95%. For the Acupuncture Point Station, 34 out of 76 candidates passed and passing rate was 44.74%. The Pan-Canadian Clinical Case-study Examination was administered in January 2014 and 31 out of 47 candidates were successful, with a passing rate of 65.96%. While transitioning to the new registration examination, the CAAA also offered a retake examination opportunity in November 2013 for those who failed the previous provincial registration examination. One more opportunity will be provided in the Spring After that, if a candidate is still unsuccessful, he or she will be required to challenge the corresponding part of the new registration examination. The College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta, 2013 Annual Report Page 10

12 VI. CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM In accordance with the Act, the governing body shall develop, establish and maintain programs to promote continuing competency of registered members. To fulfill its responsibility, the CAAA organized several seminars/lectures with the assistance of volunteers at its office in Edmonton. Similar activities organized by Alberta Association of TCM Doctors were also made available to members of the CAAA. The Council also approved the policy proposed by the Registration Committee in regards to the eligibility criteria for commercial seminars/lectures organized by any third-party. VII. COMPLAINTS AND DISCIPLINES In 2013, the CAAA office received four complaints against its registered members. The Registrar has completed the preliminary investigation into one of them. The Preliminary Investigation Report was submitted to the Chair of Conduct and Competency Committee for decision. One complaint was dismissed as it was considered frivolous. The other two complaints were received in late October and December. The preliminary investigations are not yet finalized. There was no appeal received by the Conduct and Competency Committee in VIII. FINANCIAL INFORMATION An audit of 2013 Financial Statement is being conducted (See Appendix 2). The audit will be presented at the 2014 Annual General Meeting. IX. OTHER PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES In addition to the above highlighted achievements, the CAAA has engaged in and accomplished other activities, with the commitment and contribution of volunteers and committee members. Development of the OSCE Safety Examination In addition to the Pan-Canadian Examination, the CAAA decided to administer its own OSCE Safety Examination, considering the inconsistency in terms of educational standards between provinces. It is no easy task to develop an objective, valid and defensible practical The College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta, 2013 Annual Report Page 11

13 exam within a short period of time. Our examination committee members made great efforts and their commitment is sincerely appreciated. Full status under Health Professions Act Acupuncture has been a regulated profession in Alberta since Since proclamation of its self-regulation, the Council has identified it as a priority to gain full status of medical profession for acupuncture. To this end, the CAAA has endeavored to improve its governance, as exemplified by the development of Code of Professional Conduct. Meanwhile, an Ad Hoc committee was formed to review/amend Acupuncture Regulation Policies in collaboration with Alberta Health, with a view to transitioning under the Health Professions Act at an earlier date. Minimum Standards for Acupuncture Programs The quality of acupuncture training programs is critical for the continued success of the profession. Each year, the Program Review Committee conduct a site visits to all of the existing acupuncture programs and provides feedback accordingly. It is determined that more specific, minimum standards for acupuncture training programs are needed. To this end, an Ad Hoc committee was established, with a representative from each existing program. This is a project with far-reaching significance for the future of the profession. Once acupuncture earns full status under the Health Professions Act, the CAAA will use those standards in assessing applications to run acupuncture programs. Development of New Website To maintain effective communication with all stakeholders, the CAAA developed a new website which was launched at the end of Flood Relief Project Southern Alberta was struck by an unprecedented flood in June In response to the catastrophe, the acupuncture community spontaneously reached out their helping hands, offering free stress relief treatments in those worst hit areas. This project was well received by the public and promoted public awareness of acupuncture as well. GST Exemption for Acupuncture Services The Member Services Committee participated in the project to request GST exemption for acupuncture services provided by registered acupuncturists. It was approved by the federal Minister of Finance and included in the 2014 Budget Action Plan which was released on February 11, It is waiting Royal Assent before being implemented. The College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta, 2013 Annual Report Page 12

14 X. CONCLUSION As a relatively young self-regulator, the past year has been fruitful for the CAAA, with the commitment from all council and committee members, support from government as well as registered members at large. Meanwhile, based on previous experience, the CAAA has also identified a few areas that need further enhancement. The CAAA is willing to work with all stakeholders to move the profession forward. The College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta, 2013 Annual Report Page 13