Regulated professionals have an obligation to provide services to patients at all times, regardless of the type of illness the patient might have (Code of Ethics, Principle 1: Responsibility to the public, indicator a). As an MRT or ENP, you have a diverse set of skills that allows you to work with challenging health conditions, infections being one of them. During a pandemic, MRTs and ENPs provide care using appropriate safety precautions.

It’s also important that you’re supported to take account of your own safety and wellbeing. Employers (including private community clinics and Alberta Health Services) are also providing support and guidance to healthcare professionals at this time so that you may continue to provide professional services to your patients.

In these unprecedented times of change and uncertainty, we may find ourselves stepping outside of our daily routines. Consider using a simple decision making process — is what is requested ethical? Do I have the competency to do this work? Our regulatory standards are designed to provide a framework for decision-making in a wide range of situations. By using professional judgment, working in collaboration with other healthcare workers serving the best interests of patients (Standard 3.1: Collaboration/Professional Relationships, indicator a) and practicing within the limits of your competence (Standard 2.2: Professional Competence, indicator c) you may continue to provide care to Albertans.

Working within the quickly evolving demands of our healthcare system can be challenging and it is important for regulated members to be mindful of and practice in accordance with any direction from the Chief Medical Officer of Health and emerging policies and procedures, including those pertaining to COVID-19 management, set by their employer.

All regulated healthcare professionals may be asked to work in an area that they are less familiar with from time to time. Temporary re-deployment is a legitimate employer practice to ensure they can meet the needs of the public they serve every day. You and your employer have an accountability to ensure patients are receiving safe and competent care.

MRTs and ENPs are responsible and accountable for the care they provide and must practice to their level of competence. Although there are elements of professional knowledge and entry-level competencies that cross a broad spectrum of patient groups and areas of practice, they may only be able to do part of a procedure in the setting to which they may be re-deployed.

Regulated members need to assess and communicate the procedures that they can do competently. The discussion with their manager could include asking for an orientation to the new practice setting, asking questions to understand the expectations of them in this situation, and asking for an identified experienced staff member to be a buddy to answer questions when needed.

Healthcare professionals, including MRTs and ENPs, play a significant role in containing the spread of COVID-19. It is vital that MRTs and ENPs adhere to Infection Prevention and Control guidelines.

Alberta Health Services has effective infection prevention and control measures in place for COVID-19. MRTs and ENPs are required to use appropriate infection prevention and control procedures in the course of providing diagnostic or therapeutic services (Standard 4.2: Safe Practice, indicator e, f).

MRTs and ENPs must:

• Use good hygiene practices, such as frequent hand-washing
• Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately
• Adhere with AHS routine practices, including isolation procedures
• Clean and disinfect equipment and high touch areas as per routine practices

In this type of emergency, MRTs and ENPs are expected to act in the best interests of Albertans at all times within the boundaries of their knowledge and competence (Code of Ethics, Principle 2: Responsibility to the profession, indicator c). You are essential members of the healthcare team, and we thank you for your dedication to provide Albertans safe and competent care during these challenging times.

• Alberta Health Services | Infection Prevention & Control
• Alberta Health Services | Interim IPC Recommendations: COVID-19

Regulated members continuing to reside in Alberta who have stopped work due to a variety of reasons such as parental leave, sabbaticals, illness or taking care of a loved one may consider resigning their registration. If you resign your registration, you should know:

• Resigned members are not allowed to use protected professional titles or practice any aspect of the profession. Practice involves not only the clinical and technical aspects of the profession; it also includes, but is not limited to, functions of education, management, research and administration.
• Regulated members choosing to resign before June 30 may be eligible for a $225 refund.

For more information, please see the Resignation section of the Registration Change page.

MRTs and ENPs have a professional obligation and duty to report unprofessional activity in accordance with the Standards of Practice (Standard 2.1: Legislation, Standards and Ethics, indicator f), Code of Ethics (Principle 2: Responsibility to the profession, indicator d), the HPA, and other relevant legislation.

The Government of Alberta has put legal orders in place to protect the health and safety of Albertans. If you have reason to believe a patient or other healthcare provider is not complying with an Alberta Health order, you are obligated to report. Reports can be made to the medical officer of health online and regulated health providers can be reported to the complaints department of their respective regulatory college.

The College recognizes that COVID-19 has presented uncertainties and challenges for MRTs and ENPs. We are aware it has caused unexpected changes to employment opportunities and areas of practice, which is why the CCP learning hours were adjusted for the last two CCP cycles. For the 2021-22 CCP cycle, however, the number of required learning hours has returned to the standard 24 hours for members who hold general registration for the entire cycle.

Please remember that College courses, including the Regulation Education Module, and the AFRHP Protecting Patients from Sexual Abuse and Misconduct course are free and may be counted for up to four hours each towards a CCP cycle. The College also plans to release new regulatory education modules this year.

Please feel welcome to contact Linda O’Hara, Director, Education and Competence, at lohara@acmdtt.com if you have any questions about the CCP.

Please feel welcome to contact us at info@acmdtt.com with any questions or concerns.