The Situation

In December 2012, Susie Q was notified by email that the PISA portal was open, ready for use and the deadline for completion was September 30, 2013. Susie saw the email from the College in her inbox, but she was busy so she decided not to open it. In the summer of 2013, the College sent Susie a reminder email about PISA and the fast-approaching September deadline. Susie was busy and on her way out and so she decided not to bother with it. When the September 30, 2013 deadline hit, Susie had still not completed her PISA. Susie was surprised when she received a letter by courier stating she had received an extension until October 11, 2013. The letter also said that if she failed to do so she would be referred to Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) for review. Susie read this letter, but decided to ignore it as, “Everybody knows PISA is as a waste of time.” 

The Requirement

PISA is a mandatory requirement for all physiotherapists practicing in Ontario. Completing PISA is part of your obligation to demonstrate lifelong learning and part of the College’s obligation to require continuous professional development from all PTs. The PISA topics are applicable to all areas of practice and it takes only a few minutes to complete.

The Consequences

Susie Q’s file was referred to ICRC for review. In total, 25 College registrants were referred to ICRC. Some of them had completed PISA by the time the Committee met and, depending on their past history with the College, the ICRC decided how best to manage their issues. Susie received a caution in person. This meant that she had to take a half-day off work and come to the College to meet with members of the Committee to explain why she disregarded her professional obligations. She might consider herself lucky, however: several years ago a PT who did not complete her jurisprudence module wound up at a Discipline Hearing.

At the College, we know that self-regulation depends on two things: every member’s professional conduct and the confidence of the public in the profession’s ability to regulate itself. When Susie Q decided to disregard the rules, the Committee was forced to take it seriously.