REGULATING PSYCHOLOGISTS IN NOVA SCOTIA SINCE 1980

I have a question regarding designating someone as a “guardian” of your files for NSBEP, should something happen to you (e.g., death). This seems straight forward in my private practice work, but I am wondering if NSBEP has any guidance on this for inpatient work. I brought it up with my NSBEP supervisor and they were uncertain. I’ve just reached out to another inpatient psychologist, but thought I would reach out to NSBEP as well.

Seeing as I do not “have” any files for my inpatient work (i.e., all notes are written directly into the patient’s chart/binder, which gets sent to medical records on discharge), it seems like I would not need to ask anyone to be the guardian of my files for this role?

A

I have a question regarding designating someone as a “guardian” of your files for NSBEP, should something happen to you (e.g., death). This seems straight forward in my private practice work, but I am wondering if NSBEP has any guidance on this for inpatient work. I brought it up with my NSBEP supervisor and they were uncertain. I’ve just reached out to another inpatient psychologist, but thought I would reach out to NSBEP as well.

Seeing as I do not “have” any files for my inpatient work (i.e., all notes are written directly into the patient’s chart/binder, which gets sent to medical records on discharge), it seems like I would not need to ask anyone to be the guardian of my files for this role?

We could say “NSRP uses the term Custodian. The Personal Health Information Act states that the NSHA would be the custodian, so NSRP would not be asking the registrant to name a psychologist when they are employed by the NSHA.”

Posted on December 29, 2021
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If you are experiencing a mental health crisis:

The Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology (NSRP) is a regulatory body that oversees the practice of psychology to ensure public safety and professional standards. We do not provide emergency services, crisis intervention, or referrals to psychologists. For immediate support, please contact one of the following confidential mental health and addictions services:

Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line

1-888-429-8167

24/7 support

Emergency Services

911

Call 911 or visit your nearest hospital emergency department

Mental Health and Addictions Intake

1-855-922-1122

to access community-based services

For non-emergency inquiries about finding a psychologist, you may contact the Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia (APNS) at https://apns.ca/ for referral information.

Psychology is a regulated profession under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). “Psychologist” is a title protected by a law that governs the practice of psychology in Nova Scotia.

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