Feedback Request: DRAFT NSCRT Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Abuse Standard
The Nova Scotia’s Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) and the Regulated Health Professions General Regulations were passed in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Within the next two years, this new legislation will replace all existing health professions Acts, including the Respiratory Therapists Act. Some of the provisions under the General Regulations came into effect immediately while others will not apply until an existing regulator migrates under the RHPA. The Nova Scotia College of Respiratory Therapists (NSCRT) is scheduled to migrate under the RHPA in 2025.
Section 10 of the General Regulations states that “By December 3, 2024, an existing regulator and a regulatory body must adopt a standard of practice for addressing sexual misconduct and sexual abuse.” A set of minimum requirements for this Standard of Practice were developed by the Nova Scotia Regulated Health Professions Network (NSRHPN) and approved by the Department of Health and Wellness (DHW). The DHW has granted regulators a grace period, with a deadline of January 8, 2025, to develop and approve the Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Abuse Standard.
The NSCRT has developed a draft Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Abuse Standard of Practice. The NSCRT is seeking your feedback regarding this new Standard. Consultation with registrants, regulators, the public, and relevant community organizations is an essential piece in the development of NSCRT documents. Your perspective will help us both refine the Standard and ensure the College is meeting its mandate to serve and protect the public interest in the regulation of respiratory therapists. Feedback can be sent to the Registrar at registrar@nscrt.com. Feedback will be received until 5pm on January 3, 2025.