Competence Corner

Field Law recently published an interesting article in their “Perspectives for the Professions” newsletter: Late-Career Practice Considerations in Regulated Professions.

While most late-career professionals continue to practice safely, the article shares research on age-related competence concerns which are often only identified after complaints arise. Specifically, age-related changes, particularly in cognition, sensory function, or physical stamina can affect some individuals’ abilities.

Most continuing competence programs for health professionals in Alberta focus on self-assessment, continuing professional development, reflective learning, and periodic audits or assessments. The article argues that while this approach has its strengths, there is the question of whether self-directed competence mechanisms are adequate to identify competence issues in later years, at a time when insight may be limited or where concerns are first noticed by others, rather than by the individual themselves.

The article provides information about competence programs in other Canadian provinces whereby structured oversight is introduced at later career stages “without presuming incompetence or mandating retirement”.  It then proceeds to outline four regulatory considerations that Colleges may wish to reflect on in the future:

1. Do our current competence programs detect issues early enough?
2. What is the role of practice-based and peer-informed assessment?
3. Is there value to considering late career triggers for additional structured competence review?
4. How do we support ongoing dignity, insight, and transition from practice, when necessary?

The article concludes “the aging of Alberta’s regulated professions is neither a crisis nor a problem to be solved, but a demographic reality requiring thoughtful consideration by regulators. With appropriate attention, colleges can protect the public interest while honouring the contributions and dignity of experienced professionals who continue to serve Albertans”.

You can read the article in full at the link above.

If you found this article interesting, all of our Competence Corner publications can be accessed here. If you have questions about these topics, please email ACSLPA via our Contact Us Form or call 780-944-1609.

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