FAQ's of the Continuing Competence Program
Q What does the Continuing Competence Program consist of?
A It consists of a self-assessment tool, a learning plan, and a quality assurance audit. Each of these tools is defined below.
1. Self Assessment Tool
The Self Assessment Tool is designed to be used by the Saskatchewan Dietetic Association (SDA) member to articulate his/her continuing education and/or professional development needs. The SDA member must update this information annually.
The tool is based on the Dietitians of Canada Professional Standards Documents which describe the minimal level of performance expected of all dietetic professionals.
The SDA member is not required to submit the Self-Assessment Tool as part of the annual membership renewal. SDA members must, however keep a copy of the Self-Assessment Tool as part of his/her personal professional record for a period of five years for Quality Assurance Audit purposes.
2. Learning Plan
SDA members are required to submit a copy of the learning plan annually as part of the membership renewal.
The purpose of the learning plan is for the SDA member to identify his/her learning objectives which, when accomplished, will have a positive impact on his/her professional practice. The learning objectives may be developed from the continuing education and professional development needs identified in the Self-Assessment Tool. As part of the plan, the SDA member will be asked to identify the activities which will be most helpful in accomplishing his/her learning objectives.
3. Quality Assurance Audits
There is a quality assurance aspect to the continuing competence program whereby annually 5% of SDA members will be randomly selected to participate in an audit. Auditors will be appointed by the Professional Standards Committee to review the member’s required documentation to support his/her professional practice. The portfolio will be reviewed by at least two auditors. If a member is not successful in their audit, he/she will be provided with coaching and assistance as required.
Q How is continuing competence and the continuing competence program defined by the Saskatchewan Dietitians Association Professional Standards Committee?
A Continuing Competence is defined as the ongoing ability of a Registered Dietitian to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills, judgment and interpersonal attributes required to practice safely and ethically in a designated role and setting.
Continuing Competence Program is defined as a program that focuses on promoting the maintenance and enhancement of continuing competence of Registered Dietitians throughout their careers.
Q Does the continuing competence program measure “competence”?
A The continuing competence program does not measure “competence”. The program puts in place a mechanism to ensure that Registered Dietitians maintain their continuing competence, as defined in the previous question. The program provides tools for the member to assess and measure their own professional development and learning needs.
Q If an SDA member is on maternity/paternity or disability leave, is it expected that the self-assessment and learning plan be completed?
A Yes, individuals on maternity/paternity or disability leave are still expected to complete the self-assessment tool and learning plan as they are expected to be competent upon re-entering the workforce. However, individuals on maternity/paternity or disability leave may make application to the SDA Professional Standards Committee for consideration of an extension due to exceptional circumstances.
Continuing Competence Program
Saskatchewan Dietitians Association (SDA) has a continuing competence program that requires members to report their learning goals and progress annually.
Completed Learning Plans and Learning plans for the upcoming year must be submitted on or before March 31st.
The following are instructions, forms and examples of the self-assessment and learning plans.
Members may submit the learning electronically or print off the form and mail it into SDA office.
Instructions:
Instructions for the Self-Assessment Form 
Instructions for the Learning Plan
Forms:
Self-Assessment Form
Learning Plan
Continuing competence Program Log Examples:
Example of completed Self-Assessment Form
Example of Learning Plan
Examples of Documentation for Continuing Competence Program
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