Leave of Absence and Other Status Change Requests

Status Change Requests

To initiate a leave of absence from the Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists (NSCP), you’ll need to follow a formal process to ensure your registration status is updated appropriately and that you remain in good standing.

A leave of absence is typically intended for physiotherapists who are:

Taking parental, medical, or personal leave
Pursuing full-time studies unrelated to clinical practice
Moving out of the province temporarily but planning to return
Not practicing for a specific period but wishing to maintain ties to the College
Retirement

Before Your Leave:

To initiate a leave of absence, submit a Leave of Absence Request by logging into the portal and selecting the "Leave of Absence Request" option under Status Changes. Ensure that your Continuing Education (CE) hours and practice hours are up to date in the system before proceeding.

During Your Leave:

While on leave, your license will be inactive, meaning you are exempt from paying fees or meeting practice requirements during this period; however, you cannot practice physiotherapy. Although optional, you are encouraged to complete and log Continuing Education (CE) hours during your leave to stay current in your practice.

Returning from Leave:

When you are ready to return, submit a Reinstatement Request by logging into the portal and selecting "Reinstate License" under Status Changes. If you are returning from leave after September 15, consider the three-month registration option to reduce costs leading into the annual renewal period.

Finally, review and update your records to confirm that your CE hours and practice hours are accurate and complete.

FAQ

What do I need to do before submitting my leave request?

Before submitting your request, make sure your Continuing Education (CE) hours and practice hours are fully updated and accurately reflected in the system. This will ensure a smooth process when you are ready to reinstate your license.

What happens to my license while I’m on leave?

Once your leave request is approved, your license will become inactive. This means you are temporarily removed from practicing physiotherapy but remain in good standing with the College.

Can I still practice physiotherapy while on leave?

No, you are not allowed to practice physiotherapy while your license is inactive during a leave of absence.

Will I have access to my account and records during my leave?

Yes, you will still have access to your online account to view and update your records, such as CE hours and other professional details, while on leave.

Do I need to pay licensing fees while on leave?

No, you are exempt from paying licensing fees while your license is inactive during a leave of absence.

Am I required to meet Continuing Education (CE) requirements during my leave?

Completing and logging CE hours during your leave is optional. However, staying engaged with professional development activities is encouraged to maintain and enhance your knowledge and skills.

What if I decide to extend my leave?

If you wish to extend your leave of absence, you must email the College to notify the College. Additional documentation may be required depending on the length of your leave.

How do I reinstate my license after a leave of absence?

To reinstate your license, log into the portal and select the "Reinstate License" option under the Status Changes menu. Follow the steps to complete your request, including payment of the reinstatement fee.

Is there a fee to reinstate my license?

Yes, reinstating your license requires payment of a reinstatement fee. The exact fee amount will be displayed during the reinstatement process in the portal. Please note that we do not provide a prorated fee structure. Fees - Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists

What is the three-month registration option ?

The three-month registration option is a cost-effective solution for members returning from leave after September 15. It allows you to register for the remainder of the calendar year at a reduced rate, minimizing costs before the annual renewal period.

How do I qualify for the three-month registration option ?

Anyone can choose the three-month registration option, but please note that the 3-month option is non-renewable, therefore, if you are trying to renew before September 15th, it may be in your best interest to wait until the annual renewal date in order to obtain the full year registration as you will eventually need to upgrade to a full registration anyhow.

What should I do if my CE hours or practice hours are incomplete?

Before reinstating your license, ensure your CE hours and practice hours are complete and accurately logged in the system. If you need assistance, contact the College for guidance.

Will there be a review process for my reinstatement request?

Yes, the College will review your reinstatement request to ensure compliance with all requirements, including updated CE hours and payment of fees.

How long does it take to process a reinstatement request?

Processing times can vary, but you should allow 5 - 10 business days for the College to review and approve your reinstatement request. Be sure to plan ahead, especially if you need your license active by a specific date. The College prioritizes these types of requests and completes them as quickly and efficiently as possible.

What if I have questions or encounter issues during the reinstatement process?

If you have any questions or face technical issues while submitting your reinstatement request, contact the College's support team for assistance at info@nsphysio.com.

Can I practice physiotherapy immediately after submitting my reinstatement request?

No, you must wait until your reinstatement request is reviewed and approved by the College. You will be notified when your license is officially active.

Retirement

Retiring as a physiotherapist in Nova Scotia involves several steps to ensure a smooth transition from active practice to retirement. Licensed physiotherapist’s in Nova Scotia must formally resign their registration upon retirement. Here's what you need to know:

The next step to initiate retirement is to submit a Status Change Request by logging into the portal and selecting the "Retirement" option under Status Changes. This will ensure that your license status will be changed from active to retired/inactive.

When completing the resignation form and status change request, make sure all practice hours and continuing education (CE) hours for the past year (or the current year if resigning after the annual license renewal) are provided.

Professional Liability Insurance

It's important to note that professional liability insurance is typically tied to your active practice. Upon retirement and resignation from the NSCP, you are not required to maintain this insurance. However, it's advisable to confirm any post-retirement coverage details with your insurance provider to ensure all aspects are appropriately addressed.

Continuing Education and Practice Hours

Accurately reporting your accumulated CE hours up to the point of resignation is necessary when completing the resignation process. Reporting your continuing education and practice hours upon retirement and resignation, is not required.

Notification to Employers and Clients

Inform your current employer and clients of your retirement plans in advance to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of care.

Record Keeping:

Physiotherapists are strongly encouraged to securely retain the original records. Beyond their obvious obligations to current and former patients, physiotherapists and/or their estates may be called upon to produce records in the event of a later legal action or regulatory complaint. The College endorses the legislation, which advises physiotherapists to retain their patient records for at least 6 years from the date of last entry or, in the case of minors, 6 years from the time the patient would have reached the age of majority, which is 19 years in Nova Scotia.

Physiotherapists do not need to obtain patient’s consent to store their records. There are companies that will securely-store confidential records and assist in releasing specific information to designated parties as directed.

Post-Retirement Engagement

If you plan to engage in any physiotherapy-related activities post-retirement, such as mentorship or consultancy, verify if any specific registration or license is required.

Retirement FAQ

What steps are required to change my status to retired or inactive?

After submitting your Resignation Form, you need to log into the NSCP portal and initiate a Status Change Request. Select the "Retirement" option under the Status Changes menu. This will ensure your license status is updated from active to retired or inactive.

What information do I need to provide when resigning my registration?

When completing the Resignation Form and the Status Change Request, you must provide:

Your practice hours for the past year (or current year if resigning after the annual license renewal).

Your continuing education (CE) hours for the past year (or current year).

Why do I need to submit my practice hours and continuing education (CE) hours?

This information is required to ensure compliance with NSCP standards and to maintain accurate records for your professional practice history.

Can I resign my registration at any time during the year?

Yes, you can submit your resignation at any time. If you resign after the annual license renewal, make sure to include all relevant practice and CE hours for the current year.

What happens after I submit my resignation and status change request?

Once your resignation and status change request have been processed, your license status will be updated to retired or inactive. You will receive confirmation of this change.

Who can I contact if I have questions about the resignation process?

If you have any questions or need assistance with the resignation process, you can contact the NSCP via email at info@nsphysio.com, or by phone.

Can I return to active practice after resigning my registration?

Yes, if you wish to return to active practice after resigning, you will need to reapply for registration and meet the current requirements, including practice hours and continuing education criteria.

Do I need to maintain professional liability insurance after resigning?

Professional liability insurance is typically tied to your active practice. Upon retirement and resignation from the NSCP, you are no longer required to maintain this insurance. However, it is highly recommended to confirm any post-retirement coverage details with your insurance provider to ensure all aspects are appropriately addressed.

What should I do with patient records when resigning or retiring?

Ensure that all patient records are appropriately managed, stored, or transferred in accordance with NSCP guidelines and the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA). Proper handling of patient records is essential to maintain confidentiality and compliance with regulations.