Nova Scotia College of Medical Laboratory Technologists

teKnowledge.ns Continuing Competency Requirements

Approved June 16, 2005

Developed by the NSCMLT Interim Professional Development Director, approved by the NSCMLT Board of Directors, this policy pertains to continuing competency requirements.

Definitions:

v    "teKnowledge.ns" means the continuing education program developed by the College for its members;

v    "teKnowledge.ns certificate" means a current certificate issued by the College upon successful completion by a member of at least 8 TeKnowledge.ns credits every 4 years.

To renew a license on a yearly basis, a member of the College must hold a valid and current teKnowledge.ns certificate. Section 13 of the Medical Laboratory Technology Regulations, section 13 states the following:

“Applying for renewal of registration:
To renew the member’s registration, a member must submit a completed annual renewal form to the Registrar on or before the applicable renewal date together with

(a) proof of professional liability insurance coverage in accordance with Section 20;

(b) a declaration indicating the number of TeKnowledge.ns credits the member has completed during the periods specified on the annual renewal form;

(c) the declaration required by clause 3(1)(f)*; and

(d) payment of the registration fee.”

* clause 3 section 1 (f) subsections (i, ii, iii ) refer to the details of the declaration.

If a member does not hold a current teKnowledge.ns certificate the member’s license will be suspended immediately on the day following the current license’s expiry date. Section 16 of the Medical Laboratory Technologists Registration Regulations states the following:

“Failure to renew registration

16 (1) The license of a member who fails to submit a complete annual renewal form and comply with clauses 13 (a) to (c) on or before the expiry date of license must be suspended.

(2) Suspension of a license under subsection 31(2) of the Act or under subsection 16(1) is effective on the day immediately following the current license’s expiry date.

(3) The Registrar must immediately notify, in writing, any person whose license is suspended pursuant to subsection 16(1).”

Practicing Members:

All members of the NSCMLT who hold a current teKnowledge.ns certificate must renew their certificate prior to the expiry date listed on the current certificate. teKnowledge.ns applications must be submitted to the Professional Development Director on the 1^st day of the month of which the current certificate expires. This is to ensure that the application is processed in a timely manner. (See also policy on teKnowledge.ns Certificate Expiry Dates)

Non-Practising:

Non-practicing members are not required to hold a valid current teKnowledge.ns certificate; however if a member is seeking a practicing license, a teKnowledge.ns certificate must be obtained prior to obtaining a practicing license. See Return to Practice Policy.

Practicing Restricted:

All practicing restricted members have 4 years from the date of membership in the NSCMLT to obtain a teKnowledge.ns certificate. See section 15 (2) continuing competency requirements of the MLT Regulations. *

v    Clauses 78 (1) and (2) of the MLT Act expired December 31, 2004. As of December 31^st, 2004 all applicants seeking licensure into the NSCMLT must be graduates of a recognized Medical Laboratory Technology training program.   The current complement of practicing restricted MLTs who have not acquired a teKnowledge.ns certificate, must obtain a teKnowledge.ns certificate no later than November 30, 2008

New Graduates:

All graduates of a recognized MLT program accepted into the NSCMLT immediately after graduation have until the annual license renewal date of November 30^th of the fourth year after initial registration with the NSCMLT.

Practicing Members from Other Provinces:

Applicants seeking licensure into the NSCMLT must obtain a teKnowledge.ns certificate prior to the annual license renewal date of November 30^th of the fourth year after initial registration with the NSCMLT.

Return to Practice:

Individuals returning to the workforce after 1 year + 1 day and who do not hold a current teKnowledge.ns certificate must acquire a certificate prior to obtaining a license. Refer to the guidelines as described under the Return to Practice Policy.