All Registrants must keep their knowledge and skills up to date through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) that matches their licence type. There is a required learning cycle that physicians must complete to maintain their licence to practice medicine. Click here to learn more.

The Oversight and Assessment Program reviews and supports Registrants in practice. It is required for certain licence types (Provisional, Clinical Assistant, and Physician Assistant). It may also be required in other situations. The goal is to make sure Registrants meet the standards for their licence type and area of practice.

Registrants must practice only within what they are trained and experienced to do. If a Registrant wants to expand their scope of practice, or return to practice after an extended time away, they must be assessed under the Clinical Assessment and Training Policy.

Registrants must follow the ethical guidance in the CMA Code of Ethics and Professionalism and the CAPA Code of Ethics. The College also sets Standards of Practice (rules Registrants must follow) and Practice Guidelines (recommended best practices). If a Registrant does not meet these expectations, the College may take action through its Quality Assurance or Professional Conduct processes.

Registrants must reduce or change their practice if a personal health issue could affect patient care. Through an agreement with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, Registrants can self-refer to the Physician Care Network for prevention, early support, and treatment. The College may also require a Registrant to connect with the Physician Care Network for an assessment or ongoing monitoring if there are patient safety concerns.

If there are concerns about the quality of a Registrant’s practice, the Quality Assurance Committee reviews them. The Committee can require a practice review, a clinical skills assessment, or education. It can also refer the Registrant to the Physician Care Network or place limits on the Registrant’s ability to practice.

Before a Registrant retires, closes a practice, or takes leave from a practice in Newfoundland and Labrador, they must take steps to reduce the impact on patients and notify the right people and organizations. These steps are in the Standard of Practice: Closing or Taking Leave from a Medical Practice. Click here to learn more.