Clinical Supervisors And Practice Monitors

When Is Supervision or Monitoring Required?

Supervision or monitoring may be directed by CPSO Committees or policies in situations such as:

• Registration
  The Registration Committee may require supervision when a physician holds qualifications other than those specified in the provincial registration regulation.
• Practice Concerns
  The Quality Assurance Committee or Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee may require supervision following an assessment or investigation.
• Changing Scope or Re-entering Practice
  CPSO’s Ensuring Competence: Changing Scope of Practice or Re-entering Practice policy typically includes clinical supervision as part of the pathway to independent practice.

What Is the Role of a Clinical Supervisor?

Each supervisory relationship is unique, but generally includes:

• Regular chart reviews;
• Providing feedback and recommendations for practice improvement and ongoing professional development;
• Written reports to CPSO at specified intervals;
• Facilitating the educational program set out in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP); and
• Less often, directly observing patient encounters or interviewing colleagues and staff.

Specific requirements are set out in undertakings, an order or a decision.

Who Can Be a Supervisor? 

Supervisors must meet CPSO criteria, including:

• Minimum five years of experience in the relevant scope of practice
• No real or perceived conflicts of interest with the supervised physician
• Adequate time and resources to fulfill the role
• An acceptable investigative and assessment history with CPSO

Experience in medical education or previous CPSO contributions (e.g., peer assessor, opinion provider) are considered assets.

Physicians required to practice under supervision are responsible for recruiting a Clinical Supervisor, subject to CPSO approval.

What Is the Time Commitment?

Time requirements vary but may include:

• Reviewing background materials
• Conducting chart reviews
• Meeting with the physician
• Writing reports
• Travel time (if applicable)

For more information, you may refer to the Guidelines for College-directed Supervision.

Practice Monitoring

Practice Monitoring is a form of supervision that focuses on ensuring that a physician is in compliance with the terms of their practice restrictions.

Monitoring terms (e.g., nature, duration, level, and qualifications of a monitor) are set out in the relevant undertaking, decision, or order.

Physicians are responsible for recruiting a Practice Monitor, subject to CPSO approval.

For more information, you may refer to the Guidelines for College-directed Practice Monitoring.