A psychologist called, and she is wondering if the Board has an opinion on psychologist refusing to see patients who have not had a vaccination. Especially if they have someone in their household who is compromised. I had a look in the FAQ and didn’t see this question.
No, this is not a questions that we have received before. Gordon and I reviewed the COVID-19 Guidelines for Private Practice. We do not feel that refusing to see someone in this circumstance would be supported. However, the guidelines would provide other steps that the psychologist could take. The psychologist could consider virtual care, if […]
A Psychologist had a lawyer write to her on one of her files. This lawyer obtained one of her files on a previous patient. Her previous employer released the file and she did not have the opportunity to review the file. This file contained raw data and may have had notes written by her which may be misconstrued, she is not sure what is in the file since she didn’t review if prior to being released.
When she called the Lawyer’s office on this, the receptionist told her that she could not help her. The psychologist is concerned about the raw data and notes as well as the fact she didn’t review the file.
To address your concerns;nWhen the practice is the custodian of client files, they would have obligations under PHIA legislation (and any other legal obligations associated with the role of custodian) in order to respond to requests for file information, in the manner they deem appropriate in relation to their PHIA obligations. In some settings, a previous employer might provide […]
What are the guidelines on covenants? My employer had me sign one?
Covenants and Restrictive Covenants are not uncommon, though I would not go so far as to suggest they are common. We would not state they are unethical. The covenant applies to the psychologist not the client. I would expect the client could choose to seek out the provider of their choosing. However, if the employee […]
I have completed all the requirements of my Masters’ degree. However, my convocation / graduation is not until October can I still apply?Date of Approval of convocation of degree
The NSRP would ultimately require proof of convocation. However, once all program requirements are completed, it is possible to apply to registration as a psychologist once the steps are completed that are noted in the following FAQ:You can let him know that the NSRP has approved his doctorate effective on the date that was indicated […]
I am considering taking a leave of absence, can you advise me of what steps are necessary
To answer your question on taking a leave from practice, you have two options:1) Request a Leave of Absence from the Register. This can be done via email. 2) Change from Full Registration to Retired Registration. The fee is only $100 per year and the change could be requested by email at this time. However […]
Could you please let me know if a person having a criminal record in Canada could be admitted to the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology.
More particularly, I read the Psychologists Act (2000, Halifax) and I would like to know more about the discretion of the board (i.e. sections 15(4)a), 16(3)a) and 34(2)) regarding a criminal record concerning an event of violence, namely an assault.
As the regulator of the profession of psychology in Nova Scotia, the NSRP is statutory mandated to serve and protect the public interest. The NSRP accomplishes this mandate, in part, through its registration processes set out in the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Psychology Regulations. A criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify an applicant from […]
I have taken a leave of absence from the Candidate Register, is it advisable for me to keep my liability insurance?
To answer your question about insurance, yes, because this insurance coverage is necessary to cover individuals’ prior actions, taken in the course of their previous duties as a psychologist. (e.g., prior to their retirement, leave of absence from the register, leave from work, out-of-province move, or change of profession, etc). This is because professional liability […]
I also have another issue. I have been working as a private practice psychologist in a medical clinic for almost four years. I am moving to a new psychology-only practice but the doctor at my current practice says I cannot take any existing clients with me as it is a “collaborative clinic” and all client notes are the property of the clinic. If I work with any of these individuals at my new practice the clinic would not have access to those notes. I am struggling with this as many of my clients want to continue with me and they have a right to continual care. Any advice on this one would be much appreciated.
To answer your question, under PHIA legislation, when the psychologist is an employee, the custodian is seen as either the person responsible for running the group practice or the employer, and generally not the employee. Therefore, for the clients that are continuing with you, you could have a signed consent form authorizing transfer of a […]
I have a request from a client who is now in Maine. This client reached out to see if she could book a virtual session.
Isn’t there some ethical issues with a situation where the client is not is Canada?
You should check with the jurisdiction where the client is located to find out what the requirements are. It’s pretty much a universal expectation across jurisdictions in North America. We appreciate there are always ethical concerns with these matters, but NSRP’s guidance to registrants is based on the fact that we expect them to follow […]
Previous registration status: Full RegistrationnCurrent registration status: Out of Province
changing either to or from the out-of-province status requires proof of their registration in the other jurisdiction. Just a quick note to let you know that If you would like to change your registration status to Out-of-Province, then we will require proof of your registration in the other jurisdiction, Such proof does not have to […]
