CPC Position Statement
Supervision of PAC Members Working towards Certification (i.e. Pedorthic Interns) and Other Non-Certified Personnel
This page outlines the supervisory relationship and responsibility of C. Ped (C)s and C. Ped MCs overseeing Pedorthic Candidates and other non-certified pedorthic personnel who interact with patients.
Elsewhere, the CPC has defined the scope of practice for Certified Pedorthic Technician [C. Ped Tech (C)], Certified Pedorthist (Canada) [C. Ped (C)], and Certified Pedorthist Master Craftsman [C. Ped MC]. The practices of these individuals are governed by the College of Pedorthics.
The CPC supports the training of Pedorthic Candidates seeking certification as a C. Ped (C). The CPC also acknowledges the need to supervise and interact with other “non-certified pedorthic personnel” in the delivery of pedorthic services to enhance the effectiveness of fabrication, modification and overall pedorthic treatment.
“Non-certified pedorthic personnel” may include: Pedorthic Candidates, Technical Apprentices, C. Ped Tech (C)s, office assistants or any individual that is providing services related to pedorthics on behalf of or as a result of working with a C. Ped (C) or C. Ped MC.
Pedorthic Candidates working towards C. Ped (C) certification have a requirement to fulfill work experience hours supervised by a C. Ped (C) or C. Ped MC (a “supervisor”). Appropriate supervision is crucial to ensure the quality of client services. The supervisor of the Pedorthic Candidate must provide supervision that meets these criteria:
- A supervisor must have at least 3 years of experience working as a C. Ped (C)
- A supervisor may only supervise up to 2 candidates at a given time irrespective of whether the candidate is working full-time hours or not.
- A supervisor may only co-sign clinical paperwork for a candidate for a limited time of 36 months (consistent with PAC membership).
- The supervisor must provide direct or indirect supervision of all work completed by the candidate in compliance with the supervision chart.
- A supervisor must review, discuss and confirm the appropriateness of work performed by the candidate , this work includes:
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- Recommended treatment plan
- Analyses of the presenting problem(s)
- Design of the device or modification
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- The supervisor must co-sign all written documentation by the candidate including both in clinic chart notes and any external correspondence to referring parties or agencies.
C.Ped (C)’s and C. Ped MC’s are ultimately responsible for all work completed by non-certified pedorthic personnel. In the event of a complaint or clinical problem identified with non-certified pedorthic personnel, the College will investigate the supervising certified member as they are identified as having ultimate responsibility for the quality of service.
| Domain | Pedorthic Diploma Students | Apprentice | C. Ped Tech (C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment through observation of surface anatomy and palpation of the lower limb, gait analysis, range-of-motion testing, footwear analysis and review of potentially complicating health factors | Supervised* | Supervised* | Direct Supervision |
| Casting, fitting and adjusting foot orthoses | Supervised* | Supervised* | Direct Supervision |
| Fitting and modifying standard and orthopaedic footwear | Supervised* | Supervised* | Independent |
| Casting, measuring, fitting and adjusting custom footwear and Subtalar Control Foot Orthoses (SCFO’s) | Supervised* | Supervised* | Direct Supervision |
*Supervised: Level of supervision to be determined by supervising C. Ped (C) and shall be either direct or indirect supervision as outlined by C. Ped (C).
Definitions:
Independent: The practitioner is able to perform duties without any level of supervision
Direct Supervision: A C. Ped (C) is in the same room as the student/apprentice/C. Ped Tech (C), while they perform this duty. The supervisor must personally review the assessment and care rendered before any treatment is to proceed.
Indirect Supervision: The student/apprentice/C. Ped Tech (C) is qualified to provide patient care under the guidance of a C. Ped (C) in good standing. The supervisor must personally review the assessment and care rendered before any treatment is to proceed. The supervisor must be available for consultation throughout the delivery of care.
Dec 2019