In May 2022, CMTBC advised registrants of its plan to make changes to the Quality Assurance program.

Since then, CMTBC has received much feedback and many questions from registrants. CMTBC acknowledges the need for additional communication and consultation with registrants prior to implementation of the redesigned Quality Assurance program.

Below are some frequently asked questions from RMTs regarding the new Quality Assurance program.

Why is the Quality Assurance program changing?

Many RMTs have asked CMTBC why the Quality Assurance program is changing.

CMTBC’s mandate, under the Health Professions Act, is to establish and maintain a continuing competence program which promotes high practice standards amongst registrants. The College’s current Quality Assurance model consists only of the requirement to complete a specified number of continuing education (CE) activities over a two-year cycle – with the important addition, in recent years, of CMTBC-authored online courses, which are designed to help registrants remain current with, and practice in accordance with, CMTBC’s Bylaws, Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

However, this model of Quality Assurance – that is, a program which consists primarily of requirements for completion of continuing education activities – is no longer up-to-date with best practices in regulation and current evidence on continuing competence.

What can you expect in the year ahead?

In the coming year, CMTBC will continue the development of a new Quality Assurance program, a process which will include consultation with registrants, with a plan to launch the new Quality Assurance program in January 2024.

As both the College and registrants transition away from the current Quality Assurance program, new requirements will not come into effect in 2023.

Throughout 2023, CMTBC will be engaging in communication with registrants regarding the development of the new Quality Assurance program. The requirements of the program will be communicated to RMTs in advance of the new program’s launch in January 2024.

In 2023, there will be no requirement for RMTs to complete either a CMTBC-authored online course or self-directed courses for continuing education credits. CMTBC asks that in the coming year, RMTs remain current with information provided by the College regarding the redesigned Quality Assurance program.  

Although there will be no requirement for registrants to report continuing education credits in 2023, RMTs are encouraged to continue to engage in any professional development course or activity that they consider will support their practice. RMTs are individually responsible for ensuring that any modality or skills-based training they wish to complete is within the scope of practice for massage therapy, if they plan to incorporate that learning into their practice.

How can you get involved?

CMTBC is committed to the development of a Quality Assurance program that supports CMTBC’s mandate to protect patient safety, is based on best practices and current evidence on continuing competence, and is current and relevant to RMTs.

Beginning early next year, CMTBC will be seeking input from RMTs as part of a consultation process.

What are next year’s Quality Assurance requirements?

There are no requirements – neither a CMTBC-authored online course or self-directed course(s) – for 2023. The new Quality Assurance program is planned to launch January 2024.

CMTBC reminds RMTs that they must meet the following Quality Assurance requirements to renew their registration for 2023:

• Completion of any outstanding continuing education credits (CECs) for Cycle 13
  • See: Continuing Education Credits
• CMTBC-authored online course “Documentation in Massage Therapy Practice”
  • See: CMTBC Online Courses

CMTBC encourages RMTs to stay up-to-date as information about the new Quality Assurance program is provided. Updated information will be posted on the CMTBC website.