A restricted activity is a regulated health service that by law can only be performed by individuals authorized to perform them. Restricted activities for physiotherapists are divided into those activities which are authorized to all regulated members of the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta, provided certain conditions are met, and those that require additional authorization from the College.
Activities authorized to all regulated members of the College include:
- Inserting and removing catheters
- Reducing a dislocation of a joint
- Suctioning or instillation
- Wound debridement and care
Activities requiring additional authorization from the College include:
- Ordering diagnostic imaging
- Pelvic Health (Internal Examinations)
- Performing spinal manipulation
- Using needles in practice
Authorization
All physiotherapists may, in the practice of physiotherapy and within the practice standards insert and remove catheters, provided they are competent to do so, and it is appropriate to their area of practice.
Physiotherapists on the Provisional Register must meet additional supervision requirements in order to perform this activity.
If this is you, you are not required to apply for authorization. However, you should be prepared to explain the steps you took to develop your competence to insert and remove catheters and may wish to retain evidence of any training completed.
Supervision
Who requires supervision?
- Physiotherapists on the General Register who are developing their skills and competence to perform the restricted activity.
- Physiotherapists on the Provisional Register performing the restricted activity.
- Students enrolled in a physiotherapy entry to practice program who are performing the restricted activity while completing a clinical placement.
What type of supervision is required?
The supervision requirements for restricted activities are outlined in Section 54 of the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation and in the Performance of Restricted Activities Standard of Practice and vary depending on the supervisee.
Physiotherapists on the General Register may be supervised using direct or indirect supervision strategies, in accordance with the supervisor’s assessment of the supervisee’s skills and competence.
Physiotherapists on the Provisional Register and physiotherapy students performing the restricted activity while on clinical placement must be directly supervised when performing the restricted activity. The supervision requirements for restricted activities differ from the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta's expectations for appropriate supervision in other situations in that there is no flexibility or discretion regarding in person supervision:
- The supervising physiotherapist must be present in the treatment cubicle or room.
- The supervising physiotherapist must be able to observe and promptly intervene (i.e., stop or change actions) if required.
Who may provide supervision?
- A physiotherapist on the General Register who is competent to insert and remove catheters.
Authorization
All physiotherapists may, in the practice of physiotherapy and within the practice standards reduce a dislocated peripheral joint, provided they are competent to do so, and it is appropriate to their area of practice.
Physiotherapists on the Provisional Register must meet additional supervision requirements in order to perform this activity.
If this is you, you are not required to apply for authorization. However, you should be prepared to explain the steps you took to develop your competence to reduce a dislocated peripheral joint and may wish to retain evidence of any training completed.
Supervision
Who requires supervision?
- Physiotherapists on the General Register who are developing their skills and competence to perform the restricted activity.
- Physiotherapists on the Provisional Register performing the restricted activity.
- Students enrolled in a physiotherapy entry to practice program who are performing the restricted activity while completing a clinical placement.
What type of supervision is required?
The supervision requirements for restricted activities are outlined Section 54 of the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation and in the Performance of Restricted Activities Standard of Practice and vary depending on the supervisee.
Physiotherapists on the General Register may be supervised using direct or indirect supervision strategies, in accordance with the supervisor’s assessment of the supervisee’s skills and competence.
Physiotherapists on the Provisional Register and physiotherapy students performing the restricted activity while on clinical placement must be directly supervised when performing the restricted activity. The supervision requirements for restricted activities differ from the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta's expectations for appropriate supervision in other situations in that there is no flexibility or discretion regarding in person supervision:
- The supervising physiotherapist must be present in the treatment cubicle or room.
- The supervising physiotherapist must be able to observe and promptly intervene (i.e., stop or change actions) if required.
Who may provide supervision?
- A physiotherapist on the General Register who is competent to reduce a dislocated peripheral joint.
Authorization
All physiotherapists may, in the practice of physiotherapy and within the practice standards, perform suctioning or instillation, provided they are competent to do so, and it is appropriate to their area of practice.
Physiotherapists on the Provisional Register must meet additional supervision requirements in order to perform this activity.
If this is you, you are not required to apply for authorization. However, you should be prepared to explain the steps you took to develop your competence to perform suctioning or instillation and may wish to retain evidence of any training completed.
Supervision
Who requires supervision?
- Physiotherapists on the General Register who are developing their skills and competence to perform the restricted activity.
- Physiotherapists on the Provisional Register performing the restricted activity.
- Students enrolled in a physiotherapy entry to practice program who are performing the restricted activity while completing a clinical placement.
What type of supervision is required?
The supervision requirements for restricted activities are outlined in Section 54 of the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation and in the Performance of Restricted Activities Standard of Practice and vary depending on the supervisee.
Physiotherapists on the General Register may be supervised using direct or indirect supervision strategies, in accordance with the supervisor’s assessment of the supervisee’s skills and competence.
Physiotherapists on the Provisional Register and physiotherapy students performing the restricted activity while on clinical placement must be directly supervised when performing the restricted activity. The supervision requirements for restricted activities differ from the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta's expectations for appropriate supervision in other situations in that there is no flexibility or discretion regarding in person supervision:
- The supervising physiotherapist must be present in the treatment cubicle or room.
- The supervising physiotherapist must be able to observe and promptly intervene (i.e., stop or change actions) if required.
Who may provide supervision?
A physiotherapist on the General Register who is competent to perform suctioning or instillation.
Authorization
All physiotherapists may, in the practice of physiotherapy and within the practice standards, perform wound debridement and care, provided they are competent to do so, and it is appropriate to their area of practice.
Physiotherapists on the Provisional Register must meet additional supervision requirements in order to perform this activity.
If this is you, you are not required to apply for authorization. However, you should be prepared to explain the steps you took to develop your competence to perform wound debridement and care and may wish to retain evidence of any training completed.
Supervision
Who requires supervision?
- Physiotherapists on the General Register who are developing their skills and competence to perform the restricted activity.
- Physiotherapists on the Provisional Register performing the restricted activity.
- Students enrolled in a physiotherapy entry to practice program who are performing the restricted activity while completing a clinical placement.
What type of supervision is required?
The supervision requirements for restricted activities are outlined in Section 54 of the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation and in the Performance of Restricted Activities Standard of Practice and vary depending on the supervisee.
Physiotherapists on the General Register may be supervised using direct or indirect supervision strategies, in accordance with the supervisor’s assessment of the supervisee’s skills and competence.
Physiotherapists on the Provisional Register and physiotherapy students performing the restricted activity while on clinical placement must be directly supervised when performing the restricted activity. The supervision requirements for restricted activities differ from the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta's expectations for appropriate supervision in other situations in that there is no flexibility or discretion regarding in person supervision:
- The supervising physiotherapist must be present in the treatment cubicle or room.
- The supervising physiotherapist must be able to observe and promptly intervene (i.e., stop or change actions) if required.
Who may provide supervision?
A physiotherapist on the General Register who is competent to perform wound debridement and care.
Ordering Diagnostic Imaging is an activity where additional authorization from the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta is required. The authorization is limited to ordering x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound imaging.
The authorization does not permit the physiotherapist to apply ultrasound imaging in practice.
Authorization Required
Physiotherapists on the General Register must apply for authorization to order diagnostic imaging. The physiotherapist may only perform the activity independently when authorization is granted and noted on their practice permit.
Physiotherapist interns on the Provisional Register are not eligible to apply for authorization and may not perform the activity under any circumstance.
Physiotherapy students may not perform the activity under any circumstance.
Supervision
Who requires supervision?
Supervision is required when the physiotherapist on the General Register is learning to order diagnostic imaging. That is, they are enrolled in an education program that will lead to eligibility for authorization. If this is your situation you do not need to inform the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta. It is your responsibility to ensure the supervision requirements are met.
What type of supervision is required?
The supervision requirements for restricted activities are outlined in Section 54 of the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation and in the Performance of Restricted Activities Standard of Practice. The supervision requirements for restricted activities differ from the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta's expectations for appropriate supervision in other situations in that there is no flexibility or discretion regarding in-person supervision:
- The supervising physiotherapist must be present.
- The supervising physiotherapist must be able to observe and promptly intervene (i.e., stop or change actions) if required.
Who may provide supervision?
A physiotherapist on the General Register who is competent and authorized to order diagnostic imaging.
Requirements for Authorization
Applications for authorization will be evaluated to determine that the following requirements are met.
- Physiotherapist on the General Register,
- Five years of clinical physiotherapy experience (completed within Canada),
- Understanding of the Performance of Restricted Activities Standard of Practice, AND
- Completed the University of Alberta's REHAB 570 (formerly PTHER 410) Diagnostic Imaging for Physical Therapists Course OR
- Completed the University of Alberta's EXFRM 2700, 2701, 2702 Diagnostic Imaging for MSK Disorders in Primary Care I, II and III Courses AND summative examination following successful completion of the three EXFRM courses.
How to Apply
- To start the application process first review the Performance of Restricted Activities Standard of Practice, as you will need to declare that you have read it, understand it, and will comply with it.
- Ensure you have a clear PDF copy of your transcripts or summative examination results to upload.
- Complete and submit the online application
What to Expect After You Apply
- Registration documents and emails from all applicants and members are placed in a queue and dealt with in the order they are received. We try to deal with them in six business days, however, processing time does take longer when there is a high volume.
- We will send you an email when your application is approved or if further information is required.
Maintaining Competence
The authorization model currently only includes initial authorization; however, physiotherapists are expected to maintain their competence to perform the activities they are authorized.
PracID
What is a PracID, (and what is it not)?
A Practitioner Identification Number, commonly referred to as a PracID, is a registration number assigned by Alberta Health.
A PracID does not grant you authorization to order diagnostic imaging, nor does it enable you to be reimbursed for physiotherapy services through Alberta Health.
Why would I want a PracID?
The purpose of a PracID is to enable claim payments and patient referrals. Physiotherapists use PracIDs to refer patients to physicians for major and minor consultations, enabling the physician to be paid for the consultation. This is true for all types of physician referrals, though historically the PracID was most frequently used to enable diagnostic imaging referrals. Without the use of a PracID your referral may not be accepted.
Who can apply for a PracID?
Members of several regulated health professions including physicians, physiotherapists, dentists, and pharmacists (among others) may apply for a PracID from Alberta Health.
Does this replace my College of Physiotherapists of Alberta registration number?
NO. Nothing replaces your registration number. Your registration number authorizes you to practice physiotherapy in the Province of Alberta, without this you cannot make use of a PracID for any purpose.
If I have a PracID can I order diagnostic imaging?
No. Only clinicians with authorization to order diagnostic imaging may do so. In order to be authorized the clinician needs to be on the General Register, have 5 years of physiotherapy experience in Canada, completed and passed required course work, and understand the Performance of Restricted Activities Standard of Practice.
Physiotherapists with authorization must only make use of their authorization to order diagnostic imaging within the scope of practice of physiotherapy and must only order imaging for their own patients.
How can I apply for a PracID?
Complete the application form and send it to Alberta Health at the address on the form.
Pelvic health (internal examinations) performed as a component of the assessment and treatment of urological, gynaecological and rectal conditions, is an activity where additional authorization from the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta is required.
Authorization Required
Physiotherapists on the General Register must apply for authorization to perform pelvic health internal examinations. The physiotherapist may only perform the activity independently when authorization is granted and noted on their practice permit.
Physiotherapist interns on the Provisional Register must apply for authorization to perform pelvic health internal examinations if they have met the requirements for authorization. Although physiotherapist interns are eligible to apply for authorization, they are required to be directly supervised at all times when performing the activity, both pre-authorization when they are learning the activity, and following authorization for so long as they remain on the Provisional Register. These requirements are established in the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation, Section 54.
Supervision
Who requires supervision?
Supervision is required when a physiotherapist on the General Register is learning to perform pelvic health internal examinations. That is, they are enrolled in an education program that will lead to eligibility for authorization. If this is your situation you do not need to inform the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta. It is your responsibility to ensure the supervision requirements are met.
Physiotherapist interns must be supervised at all times when performing pelvic health internal examinations, both when they are enrolled in an education program that will lead to eligibility for authorization AND upon receipt of authorization. Section 54 (2) of the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation establishes that physiotherapist interns may not perform this activity without supervision. If this is your situation, you are required to submit a signed supervision agreement to the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta demonstrating that your practice of pelvic health internal examinations is supervised by a physiotherapist on General Register who is authorized to perform the activity.
Physiotherapy students enrolled in an entry-to-practice physiotherapy program and performing pelvic health internal examinations while completing a clinical placement must be supervised at all times when performing pelvic health internal examinations, in accordance with the requirements established in the Performance of Restricted Activities Standard of Practice.
What type of supervision is required?
The supervision requirements for restricted activities are outlined in Section 54 of the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation and in the Performance of Restricted Activities Standard of Practice. The supervision requirements for restricted activities differ from the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta's expectations for appropriate supervision in other situations in that there is no flexibility or discretion regarding in-person supervision:
- The supervising physiotherapist must be present in the treatment cubicle or room.
- The supervising physiotherapist must be able to observe and promptly intervene (i.e., stop or change actions) if required.
Who may provide supervision?
A physiotherapist on the General Register who is competent and authorized to perform pelvic health internal examinations.
Requirements for Authorization
Applications for authorization will be evaluated to determine that the following requirements are met.
- Physiotherapist on the General Register
- Completed a post entry-level pelvic health (internal examinations) education program that includes as part of the curriculum: theory, practice, safety and final (summative) evaluation conducted by the course instructor which resulted in a passing grade.
- Understanding of the practice standards on Performance of Restricted Activities; Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct; and Consent
- Physiotherapist on the Provisional Register
- Completed a post entry-level pelvic health (internal examinations) education program that includes as part of the curriculum: theory, practice, safety and final (summative) evaluation conducted by the course instructor which resulted in a passing grade.
- Understanding of the practice standard on Performance of Restricted Activities; Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct; and Consent
- Submit a signed supervision agreement that confirms that their practice of pelvic health internal examinations will be supervised by a physiotherapist on the General Register who is authorized to perform pelvic health internal examinations.
How to Apply
- To start the application process first review the practice standards on Performance of Restricted Activities; Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct; and Consent as you will need to declare that you have read them, understand them, and will comply with them.
- Ensure you have a clear PDF copy of your certificate to upload.
- Physiotherapist on the General Register, complete and submit this online application.
- Physiotherapist on the Provisional Register, complete and submit this online application. You will also need a clear PDF copy of your supervision agreement to upload.
What to expect after you apply
- Registration documents and emails from all applicants and members are placed in a queue and dealt with in the order they are received. We try to deal with them in six business days, however, processing time does take longer when there is a high volume.
- We will send you an email when your application is approved or if further information is required.
Maintaining Competence
The authorization model currently only includes initial authorization; however, physiotherapists are expected to maintain their competence to perform the activities they are authorized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta have a list of 'approved' education programs?
No. The College of Physiotherapists of Alberta does not maintain a list of approved courses to learn pelvic health internal examinations.
Members must select the education program that meets their specific needs and confirm that the curriculum includes the elements required for authorization including theory, practice, safety instruction, and final evaluation. It is your responsibility to determine if the course curriculum includes these components.
Can I take a pelvic health course while on the Provisional Register?
Yes.
A physiotherapist intern on the Provisional Register may take a pelvic health (internal examinations) course and may apply for authorization to perform this activity.
However, the physiotherapist intern must be directly supervised at any time when they are performing pelvic health internal examinations, both pre- and post-authorization.
The physiotherapist intern’s practice of pelvic health internal examinations must be supervised by a physiotherapist on the General Register who is authorized to perform the activity and the physiotherapist intern must submit a signed supervision agreement indicating that their pelvic health internal examinations practice is supervised and the name of their supervisor.
I just enrolled in a pelvic health (internal examinations) program. Can I start to use the techniques I learn in the program immediately or do I need to wait until I complete the program and receive authorization to independently perform pelvic health internal examinations?
You may use the techniques taught in the program PROVIDED:
- You only perform the techniques under the direct supervision of another physiotherapist who is authorized.
- You adhere to the supervision requirements outlined in the legislation and Standards of Practice which require the supervising physiotherapist to be present, so they are able to observe and promptly intervene (i.e., stop or change actions) if required.
Performing spinal manipulation is an activity where additional authorization is required.
Authorization Required
Physiotherapists on the General Register must apply for authorization to perform spinal manipulation. The physiotherapist may only perform the activity independently when authorization is granted and noted on their practice permit.
Physiotherapist interns on the Provisional Register are not eligible to apply for authorization and may not perform the activity under any circumstance.
Supervision
Who requires supervision?
Supervision is required when the physiotherapist on the General Register is learning to perform spinal manipulation. That is, they are enrolled in an education program that will lead to eligibility for authorization. If this is your situation you do not need to inform the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta. It is your responsibility to ensure the supervision requirements are met.
Physiotherapy students enrolled in a physiotherapy entry-to-practice program which includes as part of its curriculum the performance of spinal manipulation may perform those techniques that have been taught during the entry to practice program while completing a clinical placement. Students must be supervised at all times when performing spinal manipulations, by a physiotherapist on the General Register who is authorized to perform spinal manipulation.
What type of supervision is required?
The supervision requirements for restricted activities are outlined in Section 54 of the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation and in the Performance of Restricted Activities Standard of Practice. The supervision requirements for restricted activities differ from the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta's expectations for appropriate supervision in other situations in that there is no flexibility or discretion regarding in-person supervision:
- The supervising physiotherapist must be present in the treatment cubicle or room.
- The supervising physiotherapist must be able to observe and promptly intervene (i.e., stop or change actions) if required.
Who may provide supervision?
A physiotherapist on the General Register who is competent and authorized to perform spinal manipulation.
Requirements for Authorization
Applications for authorization will be evaluated to determine that the following requirements are met.
- Physiotherapist on the General Register.
- Completed a post entry-level spinal manipulation education program that includes as part of the curriculum: theory, practice and final (summative) evaluation conducted by the course instructor which resulted in a passing grade.
- Understanding of the Performance of Restricted Activities Standard of Practice
How to Apply
- To start the application process first review the Performance of Restricted Activities Standard of Practice as you will need to declare that you have read it, understand it, and will comply with it.
- Ensure you have a clear PDF copy of your certificate to upload.
- Complete and submit the online application.
What to expect after you apply
- Registration documents and emails from all applicants and members are placed in a queue and dealt with in the order they are received. We try to deal with them in six business days, however, processing time does take longer when there is a high volume.
- We will send you an email when your application is approved or if further information is required.
Maintaining Competence
The authorization model currently only includes initial authorization; however, physiotherapists are expected to maintain their competence to perform the activities they are authorized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta have a list of "approved" spinal manipulation education programs?
No. The College of Physiotherapists of Alberta does not maintain a list of approved courses to learn spinal manipulation.
Members must select the education program that meets their specific needs and confirm that the curriculum includes the elements required for authorization including theory, practice, safety instruction and final evaluation. It is your responsibility to determine if the course curriculum includes these components.
Can I take a spinal manipulation course while on the Provisional Register?
No.
While you are on the Provisional Register you may not perform spinal manipulation even in a course setting, which would restrict you from participating in any practical components involving another individual. The legislation does not restrict you from taking theory components or practicing on inanimate objects.
I just enrolled in a spinal manipulation program. Can I start to use the techniques I learn in the program immediately or do I need to wait until I complete the program and receive authorization to independently perform spinal manipulation?
If you are registered on the General Register you may use the techniques taught in the program PROVIDED:
- You only perform the techniques under the direct supervision of another physiotherapist who is authorized.
- You adhere to the supervision requirements outlined in the legislation which requires the supervising physiotherapist to be present, so they are able to observe and promptly intervene (i.e., stop or change actions) if required.
Using needles in practice is an activity where additional authorization is required. The authorization includes use of needles for the purpose of acupuncture, intramuscular stimulation, or biofeedback.
Authorization Required
Physiotherapists on the General Register must apply for authorization to use needles in practice. The physiotherapist may only perform the activity independently when authorization is granted and noted on their practice permit.
Physiotherapist interns on the Provisional Register are not eligible to apply for authorization and may not to use needles in practice under any circumstance.
Supervision
Who requires supervision?
Supervision is required when the physiotherapist on the General Register is learning to use needles in practice. That is, they are enrolled in an education program that will lead to eligibility for authorization. If this is your situation you do not need to inform the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta. It is your responsibility to ensure the supervision requirements are met.
What type of supervision is required?
The supervision requirements for restricted activities are outlined in Section 54 of the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation and in the Performance of Restricted Activities Standard of Practice. The supervision requirements for restricted activities differ from the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta's expectations for appropriate supervision in other situations in that there is no flexibility or discretion regarding in-person supervision:
- The supervising physiotherapist must be present in the treatment cubicle or room.
- The supervising physiotherapist must be able to observe and promptly intervene (i.e., stop or change actions) if required.
Who may provide supervision?
A physiotherapist on the General Register who is competent and authorized to use needles in practice.
Requirements for Authorization
Applications for authorization will be evaluated to determine that the following requirements are met.
- Physiotherapist on the General Register
- Completed a post entry-level needling education program that includes as part of the curriculum: theory, practice, safety instruction, and final (summative) evaluation conducted by the course instructor which resulted in a passing grade.
- Understanding of the Performance of Restricted Activities Standard of Practice.
- A report was created by the Health Quality Council of Alberta (HQCA) of an independent review of adverse outcomes, specifically pneumothorax, resulting from dry needling practices by physiotherapists in Alberta to improve the quality and safety of dry needling. Click here to read The Safe Practice of Dry Needling in Alberta.
How to Apply
- To start the application process first review the Performance of Restricted Activities Standard of Practice as you will need to declare that you have read it, understand it, and will comply with it.
- Ensure you have a clear PDF copy of your certificate to upload.
- Complete and submit the online application.
What to expect after you apply
- Registration documents and emails from all applicants and members are placed in a queue and dealt with in the order they are received. We try to deal with them in 6 business days. However, processing time may take longer when there is a high volume.
- We will send you an email when your application is approved or if further information is required.
Maintaining Competence
The authorization model currently only includes initial authorization; however, physiotherapists are expected to maintain their competence to perform the activities they are authorized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta have a list of 'approved' needling education programs?
No. The College of Physiotherapists of Alberta does not maintain a list of approved courses to learn dry needling.
Members must select the education program that meets their specific needs and confirm that the curriculum includes the elements required for authorization including theory, practice, safety instruction and final evaluation. It is your responsibility to determine if the course curriculum includes these components.
Can I take a needling course while on the Provisional Register?
No.
While you are on the Provisional Register you may not use needles in practice even in a course setting, which would restrict you from participating in any practical components involving another individual. The legislation does not restrict you from taking theory components or practicing on inanimate objects.
I just enrolled in a needling program. Can I start to use the techniques I learn in the program immediately or do I need to wait until I complete the program and receive authorization to independently use needles?
If you are registered on the General Register you may use the techniques taught in the program PROVIDED:
- You only perform the techniques under the direct supervision of another physiotherapist who is authorized.
- You adhere to the supervision requirements outlined in the legislation which requires the supervising physiotherapist to be present, so they are able to observe and promptly intervene (i.e., stop or change actions) if required.
