Entry-to-Practice Credentials Assessment Process

In 2012-2013, the Committee on Health Workforce (CHW) requested that the process for managing proposals to change entry-to-practice (ETP) credentials be revised, resulting in the former Coordinating Committee on Entry-to-Practice Credentials being repurposed and renamed as the Health Professions Credentials Working Group (HPCWG). The HPCWG, consisting of members from each province and territory^{Footnote 1}, will work collaboratively to review, assess and provide recommendations on requests for changes in ETP credentials. Assessments will focus on whether requested changes are reflective of good public policy, and responsive to the needs of the population and the healthcare system.

ETP credential changes include:

1. Formal ETP Credential Changes: a proposal to change the minimum ETP credential required for registration or licensure (e.g. the regulator wishes to change the ETP credential from a diploma program to a bachelor program); and
2. Functional ETP Credential Change: a proposal to change an educational program that is one of several pathways to ETP credentials (e.g. an educational institution establishes a Master's program that is acceptable for obtaining ETP but the minimum educational ETP requirement of the regulator remains at the undergraduate program level). Functional ETP Credential Changes eligible for review through this process are limited to:
   1. changes that impact the length of a program^{Footnote 2},
   2. changes that impact the credential awarded (e.g. diploma to bachelor, bachelor to Master's), or
   3. addition or removal of an additional certification to an existing education program.

Process

The process involves the collaboration of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministries of Health and Ministries of Post-Secondary/Advanced Education. The province of Quebec does not participate in this process; however, it will continue to collaborate with this initiative by supporting an ongoing exchange of information between jurisdictions.

The process is comprised of three stages:

Stage One: Provincial/Territorial Initiation

• A letter of intent from a regulatory body, employer or educational institution is submitted to the Provincial or Territorial Deputy Minister of Health to commence the process. Assistance in identifying appropriate jurisdictional contact information can be obtained through the CHW Secretariat at CHW.CES@hc-sc.gc.ca
• The receiving province/territory (P/T) will review the letter of intent and determine whether or not further assessment is required.
• If the receiving P/T requires further assessment, the organization will be asked to complete the Assessment Application for Proposals to Change an Entry-to-Practice Credential. The applicant will be required to:
  • provide a detailed description and rationale for the proposed change;
  • describe the impact on the educational framework pertaining to programs, training, and development of faculty, clinical sites, and students; and
  • identify the impact on health human resources, health human resource planning, and implications for employers.
• The receiving P/T may also request further cross jurisdictional feedback, thereby moving to stage two.

Stage Two: Cross Jurisdictional Analysis

• The HPCWG has the opportunity to review the application, and provide the Receiving P/T with feedback on the anticipated impacts of accepting, or not accepting, this proposed change.
• The Receiving P/T assesses the evidence and rationale for the proposed change, and prepares a final Assessment Report which includes the perspectives of other provinces/territories.

Stage Three: CHW Discussion and P/T Decision

• CHW reviews the full assessment package and discusses the results with the Receiving P/T.
• If additional information is required, the HCPWG will undertake further analysis and may engage external researchers/consultants.
• Once the report/information is sufficient, the Receiving P/T will make a decision on whether or not to approve the change in ETP credential, and will inform the requesting organization.