How can the OPFA ensure the competency of its members?
The Code of Ethics requires that members only undertake work, which they are competent to perform. If mandatory continuing education is pursued, members practicing in certain fields may be required to upgrade their knowledge and skills on a regular basis. Increased enforcement of ethics and professional standards of practice will help ensure members practice in a competent manner. This increased enforcement and accountability can occur in two ways. First, the OPFA can increase the awareness of members, employers and the public as to complaints and discipline procedures so that poor practices can be brought to the attention of the OPFA and dealt with. Second, the OPFA can take a proactive approach with a practice review program that would entail peer review of members’ practices on a regular basis. These and other programs can be explored and developed with member input and will be subject to member agreement. Some aspects, such as increasing awareness of complaints and discipline proce
