The CPTA's College Conversations

College of Physiotherapists Alberta
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Ever wish you had a friend at the College that you could call when you have questions about the standards of practice or challenging situations you encounter in practice? In this friendly and informative podcast, the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta's staff and guests will highlight issues of regulatory importance and answer common questions about the standards of practice. Got questions? We have answers! We can help you navigate the challenges of physiotherapy practice.

  1. MAR 1

    Episode 83 - Themes from 2025: Answers to your most common questions! (Part 1)

    Speakers: Leanne Loranger and Sean FitzGerald In this episode of College Conversations, Leanne and Sean kick off a two-part series exploring the most common questions received by the College's Practice Advisor. Drawing on an aggregate review of 2025 inquiries, they explain how tracking and coding questions to the Standards of Practice helps identify trends, inform the development of College resources, and guide future updates to the Standards of Practice. Part 1 focuses on two of the top five recurring themes addressed by the Practice Advisor: privacy and supervision. The discussion on privacy highlights clients' legal right to access their health records, acceptable timelines for responding to requests, and appropriate fees for chart copies under Alberta legislation. Leanne and Sean also address when disclosure of private information without consent may occur - such as mandatory reporting or situations involving imminent risk of serious harm - and outline ongoing responsibilities for secure record storage, access, and destruction. The episode then turns to supervision, particularly the assignment of services to physiotherapist support workers (PTSWs) and supervision of PT Interns. Key responsibilities, accountabilities, and common pitfalls are reviewed, emphasizing the requirement to assess the competence of the PTSW, role clarity, and patient safety.  Sean and Leanne also highlight the many College resources available at cpta.ab.ca and encourage listeners to contact the College when questions arise. Resources: ·      Good Practice: 5 Important Points about Client Access to Chart Records ·      Privacy and Record Retention Standard of Practice ·      Working With Physiotherapist Support Workers eLearning Module ·      Supervision of Physiotherapist Support Workers Guide ·      Supervision Standard of Practice Links: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Spotify

    15 min

  2. FEB 21

    Episode 82 - Bonus Episode – Duty of Care and Declining to Provide Physiotherapy Services

    Speakers: Jody Prohar and Leanne Loranger From time to time, conflicts and challenging situations may arise between physiotherapists and their clients, which may lead the physiotherapist to consider declining to continue to provide services to the client. These situations exist on a continuum from the slightly challenging to the potentially dangerous. The 2025 Duty of Care Standard codifies professional expectations that have been in place for a long time. In this bonus episode we revisit an episode we first shared back in 2021, highlighting the physiotherapist's duties if they are opting to decline services for a client who still needs treatment. Jody and Leanne discuss a range of situations that can lead a physiotherapist to discontinue physiotherapy and the expectations that apply to those situations. When is it ok for a physiotherapist to decline services to a client? Listen to this episode to find out. Resources: ·        Duty of Care Standard of Practice Links: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Spotify

    15 min

  3. FEB 1

    Episode 81 - Council Recruitment and Exploring Council's Governance Role

    Speakers: Jody Prohar and Leanne Loranger In this episode, Leanne and Jody explore the governance role of Council and how it supports the College's legislated mandate to protect the public interest. Jody explains the College's responsibilities under the Health Professions Act, including setting entrance standards, ensuring continuing competence, establishing standards of practice, and addressing unprofessional conduct. Council oversees this work by setting the College's strategic direction, providing financial and risk oversight, and monitoring regulatory processes to ensure alignment with legislated public‑interest obligations. They also clarify the distinction between governance and operations — Council 'steers' the boat that is the College while staff 'row' — and discuss how the College evaluates whether issues fall within its jurisdiction. The episode highlights the shift from elections to competency‑based Council appointments, aimed at strengthening public representation and reducing representational governance. Towards the end of the episode, Jody outlines the annual recruitment process for physiotherapist Council members, including the Council competency matrix, identification of skill gaps, application reviews, and interviews. The episode closes with a call for physiotherapists interested in governance and public protection to consider submitting an expression of interest to serve as a Council member. Resources: ·       Council Appointment Information Links: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Spotify

    12 min

  4. JAN 1

    Episode 80 - 2025 Year in Review, 2026 Preview

    In this, the 80th episode of the CPTA's College conversations, Leanne and Jody reflect on the College's major activities in 2025 and share a preview of what we are anticipating in 2026.  2025 Highlights: Implementation of updated Standards of Practice in January 2025 and the related jurisprudence module which registrants completed at registration or renewal. Updated Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct (SASM) module required for all registrants. Ongoing focus on professional conduct, with higher-than-hoped complaint numbers and related budget impact.  2026 Preview: Launch of the new Canadian Physiotherapy Examination, featuring written and oral components on the same day—ending the two-stage format, and the implications of this change for initial registration with the College and transition into practice. The growing influence of artificial intelligence in physiotherapy, including concerns about deskilling and the importance of maintaining critical thinking. Pending legislative changes: auto insurance (Care First Model), freedom of speech protections for regulated professionals, and possible privacy legislation updates.  Tune in to this episode to hear the details and stay tuned for more in the months ahead. It should be another eventful year! Links: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Spotify

    15 min

  5. 2025-12-01

    Episode 79 - AI in Physiotherapy – Regulatory Realities

    Speakers: Leanne Loranger and Sean FitzGerald In this episode, Sean and Leanne dive into how artificial intelligence is popping up in physiotherapy—from chatbots for booking and billing tasks and scribe tools for clinical documentation to robotics - and the regulatory considerations to keep in mind. With the explosion of AI tools, physiotherapists may look at options that help them in their work. Before implementing an AI tool there are a few things to know about doing so in a way that's consistent with the Standards of Practice and regulatory requirements.   We unpack the privacy laws you need to know (think the Personal Information Protection Act, Health Information Act and Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act), the current status of proposed AI regulation, and why it's crucial to keep up with changing legislation. Sean reminds us: even if your workplace picks the AI tool, you're responsible for your compliance with the standards and relevant legislation, which means that you need to do your due diligence to be sure you are using an AI tool appropriately.  Transparency is key — clients should always know if AI is involved in their care, and that they can say "no thanks" at any time.  Watch out for bias in the AI tools you use, keep your clinical skills sharp, and don't let reliance on AI tools lead to a loss of skills. We discuss cybersecurity and even the environmental impact of AI data centers.  Bottom line? Stay informed about new developments in AI and always put your clients first. Remember, AI is meant to support your expertise, not replace it. Resources: •          Artificial Intelligence Guide for Alberta Physiotherapists     Links: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Spotify

    18 min

  6. 2025-11-01

    Episode 78 - What's Wrong With "Just" Being A Physiotherapist?

    Speakers: Jody Prohar and Leanne Loranger "Vestibular physiotherapist', 'sports physiotherapist', 'advanced practice physiotherapist', 'performance physiotherapist…' On this episode, we ask what's wrong with being 'just' a physiotherapist? In this conversation, we review the requirements of the Titles, Credentials and Specialty Designations Standard of Practice, highlighting the importance of clarity and transparency when communicating with clients, potential clients and members of the public. We also discuss the technological disruptions that are currently effecting physiotherapy practice and the risks that unscrupulous unregulated individuals pose to clients, when they use AI or Virtual Care platforms to masquerade as registered physiotherapists. We end with clear calls to action for all physiotherapists to · use their protected title in their interactions with clients and the public at large, and · inform the public about what it means to be a regulated health professional and how to check the registration status of anyone providing the client with health services. Want to hear more? Check out this episode! Resources: · Titles, Credentials and Specialty Designations Standard of Practice              · Virtual Care Guide for Alberta Physiotherapists Links: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Spotify

    15 min

  7. 2025-10-01

    Episode 77 - Conflict of Interest: It's About How Others See It

    Hosts: Leanne Loranger & Sean FitzGerald Date: October 1, 2025   Description: In this episode, Leanne and Sean dive deep into the realities of conflict of interest (COI) in physiotherapy practice. They explore how COI isn't just about what you do—it's about how your actions are perceived by others. Drawing on real-world scenarios from private practice, public sector, and clinical education, they unpack the concept of fiduciary duty, different types of conflicts (actual, potential, perceived), and why recognizing even perceived conflicts is crucial for ethical practice.   Key Topics: What is a conflict of interest, and why does it matter? Fiduciary duty: What it means for physiotherapists. Common conflict of interest scenarios: Fee discrepancies, incentive contracts, self-referrals, and providing physiotherapy services for friends or family.   Call to Action: Reflect on your practice: Where might your judgment be influenced by personal interests or competing duties?     Listen in for practical advice, honest discussion, and actionable steps to navigate COI in your day-to-day work as a physiotherapist.   Resources: ·       2022 College-Selected Activity: Professionalism ·       Code of Ethical Conduct ·       Core Professional Values   Links:  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Spotify

    15 min

  8. 2025-09-01

    Episode 76 - Connecting the Dots: Standards or Practice, Code of Ethical Conduct, and Core Professional Values

    Speakers: Jody Prohar and Leanne Loranger On this episode of the College Conversations podcast, Jody and Leanne discuss the Code of Ethical Conduct and the Core Professional Values and how these foundational documents can help guide physiotherapist actions when the Standards do not specifically address a situation. Jody and Leanne discuss two common situations where being a regulated physiotherapist means fulfilling responsibilities to peers and the profession as a whole. The Code of Ethical Conduct includes responsibilities to the patient, the public, and to self and the profession. Being a regulated health professional means being responsible and accountable for one's actions when providing physiotherapy services or using professional title. Listen to this episode to find out more. Resources: 2022 College-Selected Activity: Professionalism Code of Ethical Conduct Core Professional Values Links:  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Spotify

    15 min
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Ever wish you had a friend at the College that you could call when you have questions about the standards of practice or challenging situations you encounter in practice? In this friendly and informative podcast, the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta's staff and guests will highlight issues of regulatory importance and answer common questions about the standards of practice. Got questions? We have answers! We can help you navigate the challenges of physiotherapy practice.

Information

  • Creator
    College of Physiotherapists Alberta
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Physiotherapy Alberta – College + Association
  • Show Website
    The CPTA's College Conversations