The Continuing Competence (CC) program can be an area of confusion for many members. It is always beneficial to cover some common areas of confusion for members.
Previous articles:
- The CC program basics
- CE vs. SD activities
- Supporting documentation
- What is considered ‘relevant to your practice’?
- CC Audits
Today, we will be going over the process for obtaining a CC credit adjustment while on a Self-Declared Leave from Practice. If you want to remain registered but are faced with mental or physical incapacity while on leave that prohibits you from completing Continuing Competence requirements, you can submit a request for a CC credit adjustment. Members submitting this request must be on leave from the profession; this does not include a change in practice setting or reduced duties. Members currently on leave will have the condition displayed on their practice permit.
The Leave from Practice CC Credit Adjustment form can be submitted to the CC department until September 15. This deadline is set to ensure adequate time for College administration review prior to the renewal deadline of 4pm on September 30.
If the request is approved, CC credits will be adjusted down by five for every one month during which the member was on leave. These must all be in the same renewal cycle. This means that a member on leave for an entire renewal cycle will have no remaining credits, but a member who was on leave for only a portion of a renewal cycle will still have remaining CC credit requirements.
CC credits can be waived up to a maximum of 18 months at a time. After this period, even if a member is still on leave, they must complete at least one full renewal cycle and submit the required 60 CC credits before becoming eligible for another CC credit adjustment. In extreme circumstances, credits may be waived for up to 24 months — this is subject to Registrar review and approval.
The Leave from Practice CC Credit Adjustment form is accessible on the homepage of your member portal, under “Continuing Competence Resources”. This form can be submitted year-round, not only during the renewal season. It is recommended that you complete this form early, so that your expectations of your CC credit requirements going into renewal are accurate and clear.
If you have any questions about this form, your credits or the CC program, please contact CC@ABparamedics.com.