Professional Governance Act Update
In Alberta, the current legislative framework includes 9 Acts and 28 supporting regulations that govern 22 professional regulatory organizations (PROs). In Spring 2022, the Alberta Government introduced Bill 23, known as the Professional Governance Act (PGA). This Act aims to consolidate, streamline, and standardize multiple pieces of legislation. The government expects the PGA to come into force in 2025.
Once implemented, the PGA will serve as an umbrella Act outlining high-level requirements for all non-health-related PROs. There may be one or more Ministerial General Regulations specifying the details, along with 22 PRO-specific schedules that capture the unique requirements of each PRO.
The structure of the Act, regulations, and schedules will be consistent in sequencing and flow where possible. PROs will be required to create new bylaws and governing documents, including rules, codes, and standards.
The ACPA is currently drafting its new bylaws in accordance with this upcoming Act, using a template provided by the Alberta Government. The new bylaws will include sections on:
- Definitions and Purpose
- Continuance, Designation of and Changes
- Amalgamation
- Governance and Accountability
- Registration
- Competence and Continuing Competence
- Practice Review
- Complaints Inquiry Process
- Assessing Incapacity
Other aspects, such as practice prohibitions and restricted titles, will also be covered.
For more information, please contact the Executive Director of the ACPA ([email protected])