Continuing Competence Program Review

The Health Professions Act (HPA) and the Standards of Practice require a continuing competence program. The regulator is responsible to establish a program, the registrants are required to participate in the program. Currently, our program is simple but is also informed by legislated requirements (like trauma-informed care) and regulator-mandated courses that address issues that appear frequently in complaints or concerns. During the program review, consultation with registrants, the public/patients, other regulators and the CCOA Professional Standards section will occur.

The college’s efforts to review, assess and revise the competency program and competence assessment is in support of two strategic goals:

  • Ensure the standards and core competencies promote excellence of care while being responsive to emerging developments.
  • Ensure the practice of regulated chiropractors is patient-centered through safe, competent and ethical care.

Continuing Competence Program survey

CCOA has analyzed the Continuing Competence Program (CCP) survey feedback, that over 50 per cent of regulated chiropractors provided in March 2024. We are using your feedback, as well as others, to help identify how the program may be improved. We are pleased to share the aggregate data as well as CCOA’s next steps with you. Click here to read.

Background

The CCOA’s Continuing Competence Program has operated relatively unchanged since 2007. In March 2024, chiropractors were invited to share their perspective on the current Continuing Competence Program.

The response to the survey was very good, with over 50 per cent of regulated chiropractors participating in the survey (n=679). The respondent sample included regulated chiropractors across the career span, from a range of practice settings and experience with various roles in practice. Most respondents are from metro centres (67%) which aligns with the CCOA registrant demographics. To that end, we can accept the results as representative of the registrant body.

You provided rich feedback that informed improvements noted in the next steps. While the public interest and patient safety is always paramount in any CCOA program design, as users of the program, chiropractors’ perspectives are important. Thank you for participating in the survey.

A shift in how Continuing Competence Program operates

The survey showed that most chiropractors in Alberta feel engaged with their career trajectory and continuing education. We recognize that CCOA sets the program framework for continuing competence requirements but does not dictate what a chiropractor does with trajectory of their career. That being said, CCOA is exploring improvements to the continuing competence program with direct connections to career-span competency including supports for enhanced engagement with continued professional development.

Career-span competencies: Consultation

Career-span competencies are a key part of the Continuing Competence Program (CCP) review. Via the 2024 CCP survey, we heard from many chiropractors that the current CCP does not facilitate professional self-reflection and the survey showed that most chiropractors participate in self-reflection. Career-span competencies will facilitate reflection.

November-December 2025

Virtual focus groups were held to gather insights on regulated chiropractors’ views of the draft career-span competencies.

2026

All regulated chiropractors will be invited to participate in a survey on the draft career-span competencies.

Self-submissions go digital

As of 2025, practice reviews will be submitted digitally only, moving away from hard copy, couriered deliveries. Digital submissions align with the CCOA’s strategic plan’s digital transformation strategy and is a positive change for document security and environmental impact. Instructions on how to submit digitally will be emailed to regulated chiropractors at least a month prior to when their reviews are due.

This change is based on your feedback on the Continuing Competence Program.