Standards of Practice
The ‘Standards of Practice’ of a profession describe the requirements for professional practice. Health regulatory bodies like the NSRRT are required to develop and maintain standards of practice. The standards, as well as relevant legislation (including regulations and bylaws), position statements, policies and practice guidelines, establish a framework for the practice of Respiratory Therapy in Nova Scotia. Standards of Practice establish the following:
- The level of quality and safety required of professional services provided to the public by its Registrants.
- A legal framework for the professional practice for all Registrants, in all classes of registration regardless of their roles, job descriptions, and areas of practice.
- A means to determine whether appropriate standards of practice and professional responsibilities have been met or are being maintained by Registrants.
- A reference against which to consider any complaints about the practice of NSRRT Registrants.
- A mechanism to promote the continuing competence of self-regulated health care professionals by helping Registrants to identify continuing quality improvement opportunities.
Registrants of the NSRRT are professionally accountable to practice in accordance with these Standards. Standards of Practice can be revised at any time, and it is individual practitioners’ responsibility to be aware of any changes relevant to their practice. Employers may have policies in place that relate to specific Standards. If an employer’s policies are more restrictive than the NSRRT’s expectations, an RT must abide by the employer’s policies. Where an employer’s policies are more permissive than those of the NSRRT, the RT must adhere to the NSRRT's requirements.
Standard 1 - Business Practices
Standard 2 - Collaboration/Interprofessional Collaboration
Standard 4 - Competence/Ongoing Competence
Standard 5 - Conflict of Interest
Standard 7 - Documentation & Information Management
Standard 8 - Evidence Informed Practice
Standard 9 - Infection Prevention & Control
Standard 10 - Patient/Client Assessment & Therapeutic Procedures
Standard 11 - Privacy/Confidentiality
Standard 12 - Professional Boundaries/Therapeutic & Professional Relationships
Standard 13 - Professional Responsibilities
Standard 14 - Safety & Risk Management
Standard 16 - Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Abuse of Clients
Printable PDF Versions below:
Standard 16 - Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Abuse of Clients-PDF printable
General Standards of Practice-PDF printable