The clinical assistant licence in Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, clinical assistants are registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CPSS) under the policy for “Licensure of Physicians to Work in Limited Roles in Saskatchewan.” This policy applies to alternative forms of licensure for physicians who do not meet the normal criteria for independent registration. Such physicians will be restricted to working in tertiary hospitals under supervision.

Note: The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) decides independently when they want to open a program for limited roles licensure. Physicians who seek to work in limited roles in a variety of settings should be required to follow the same process as for independent practice licensure. The CPSS will refer to the physicians working in restricted roles as “clinical assistants.”

Candidates seeking licensure for clinical assistant positions shall meet the non-exemptible standards and standards applicable to all classes of licensure in regulatory bylaw 2.3:

• A medical degree from a university listed in either the World Directory of Medical Schools or Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) directory or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from a school in the United States accredited by the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation

• Pass result on the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE), successful completion of medical licensing examinations in the United States of America acceptable to CPSS, or other proof of appropriate medical knowledge acceptable to CPSS

• Acceptable proof of English language proficiency

• Provide evidence of currency of practice in accordance with regulatory bylaw 4.1 (Engaged in 5 months of clinical practice within the past 5 years or must complete an assessment and retraining satisfactory to CPSS at the physician’s expense)

Initially, the SHA will be required to provide information to the CPSS to demonstrate that the candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge. On the basis of this information the CPSS can:

• Issue an educational licence to permit the physician to engage in an assessment program before making a decision to grant or refuse a licence to practise in the restricted role

• Grant a provisional time-limited licence to practise in the restricted role

• Refuse a licence