Principles to Manage Proposals for Changes to Entry-to-Practice (ETP) Credentials for Medical and Health Professions

1. Support for a change to an ETP credential will be based on evidence of public need and benefit, improved client outcomes, or a significant change in the provision of health services delivery.
2. Proposal s for a change to an ETP credential may be considered when:
   • a significant increase in competencies required to practise in a medical or health profession has occurred; and/or
   • a significant expansion in the scope of practice for a medical or health profession has occurred.
3. Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministries of Health and Ministries of Post-Secondary/ Advanced Education:
   • support the continuum of lifelong learning through the recognition and respect of an ETP credential as the initial step in career progression;
   • clearly articulate and communicate their expectations to stakeholders with respect to the process for the management of proposals to change ETP credentials; and
   • are active participants in the decision-making process when considering changes to ETP credentials based on a pan-Canadian process.
4. The pan-Canadian process for the management of proposals for changes to ETP credentials:
   • is based on an inclusive and transparent process;
   • serves to promote informed decision-making, while recognizing that final decisions rest with each jurisdiction; and
   • is based on mutual recognition, not harmonization, while respecting jurisdictional differences in accordance with the Agreement on Internal Trade.
5. Changes to ETP credentials should be implemented in a manner that is not unduly disruptive of the professional workforce or the educational infrastructure.
6. Support for a change in an ETP education program will be contingent upon demonstrated evidence of public need and benefit in consultation with employers and other impacted stakeholders.
7. Support for a change to ETP credentials should take into consideration the inter-dependence of various medical and health professional groups, as well as current and potential models of health services delivery.