Module 1c

Question 1

Describe the duties of the Audit and Practice Review Committee.

Answer 1

• Establishes policy for selection of registrants for audit or practice reviews
• appoints assesors for conducting audits and practice reviews
• Establishes policy specifying pre-approved education courses or other action that may be required following a audit or practice review
• impose restrictions on the practice of registrants based on the findings of a practice review
• refer matters to the IC if there are reasonable grounds that registrants continued practice pose a threat to public interest

Question 2

Describe criteria for selection of reviewer and registrant for a Competence audit

Answer 2

• 3 perecent of registrants are selected randomly and proportionately from all practice areas
• registrants selects peer reviewer
• exemption possible with previous successful completion of a Competence Audit

Question 3

Desribe the criteria for selection of reviewer and registrant for a Practice Review.

Answer 3

• referral to APRC from IC regarding need
  -referral to APRC from Registrar regarding need
• APRC determines the need
  based on a referral from the
  Registrar regarding CPD
• An assessor is appointed by a
  committee

Question 4

Describe the requirements and processes for a competence audit

Answer 4

Competence Audit
- The peer reviewer must notify the Registrar or the
Audit and Practice Review Committee if the
registrant fails to comply with the timelines and
requirements set in the bylaws regarding the
competence audits.
- If at any time during an audit, the peer reviewer
concludes there is reason to believe the registrant
might have acted in a manner that constitutes
professional misconduct or conduct unbecoming
a registrant while engaged in the practice of
professional forestry, the peer reviewer must
notify the Audit and Practice Review Committee of
that conclusion in their report.
-A practicing registrant may volunteer for a
competence audit during a registration year by
notifying the ABCFP before June 30 of the year
during which the competence audit will be
completed.
- Registrants selected for a competence audit may
be exempted where there has been a satisfactory
competence audit of the registrant in one of the
previous three registration years.

Question 5

Describe the actions or outcomes that may result from competence audits.

Answer 5

• issued notice of non-compliance and charged late fees
• reviewer/auditor must notify registrar
• registrant fails to pay late fees with notice of non-comliance, registration can be cancelled
• audit and practice review committee may refer assessors report to IC
• failure to comply may warrant practice review
• may request registrant to enter into an agreement imposing limits or conditions on practice
• professional misconduct may authorize practice review

Question 6

Describe the duties of registrants with regard to audits and practice reviews, including the provisions for non-compliance.

Answer 6

• the registrant fails to provide their peer reviewer with required info in the specified timeline the peer reviewer must notify the registrar and registrar may deliver a notice of non-compliance along with specified fees and timeline both must be met by.

Question 7

Competence Audit

Answer 7

The purpose of a competence audit is to assess registrants’ competence (skills, knowledge, and ability), including registrants’ understanding of ethical and professional standards, FPBC bylaws, guidance, and policy. These audits are typically conducted by a peer reviewer and verify general competence, continuous professional development activities, professional development plans, and competence declaration records.

Question 8

Peer Reviewer

Answer 8

A forest professional chosen by the auditee who conducts a competence audit

Question 9

Professional Conduct Audit

Answer 9

The purpose of a professional conduct audit is to assess a registrants’ performance in applying ethical and professional standards. These audits are performance-based and will be conducted by an assessor appointed by the audit and practice review committee to verify professional conduct in professional services and products completed.

Question 10

Professional Conduct Auditor

Answer 10

An assessor appointed by a committee that conducts a professional conduct audit

Question 11

Practice Review

Answer 11

Practice reviews may only be authorized by the Audit and Practice Review committee after a notification or referral from a peer reviewer, professional conduct auditor, registrar, or the Investigation Committee.
The purpose of a practice review is to assess and verify registrants’ professional practice performance in applying ethical and professional standards, including demonstrated use of FPBC bylaws, guidance, and policy within an identified scope of practice related to the scope and context provided in the notification or referral.
Unlike annual audits, Practice Reviews are initiated in response to other outcomes.

Question 12

What criteria is considered in determining a candidate’s suitability for appointment as an assessor for professional conduct audits and practice reviews?

Answer 12

The Audit and Practice Review Policy criteria requires assessors to be practicing RFT or RPF registrants with at least 10 years of experience in one or more practice areas.
- they must be in good standing with ABCFP
- have experience auditing or assessing forest activities
- and have knowledge of the ABCFP bylaws and PGA

Question 13

Preparing for a competence audit

Answer 13

• keep records of self-assessment and PD plans
• have records of CPDS and learning outcomes
• maintain records of professional work including rationales for decisions and advice
• keep your resume of professional work and references up to date
• seek peer review and advice on matters that are high risk to the public interest

Question 14

Explain the duties of the Registrar

Answer 14

• responsible for determining if complaint is accepted by FPBC
• During complaints process: may decline to accept complaint, request additional information, deliver a report to IC summarizing why complaint was not accepted, must notify complaintant and respondent of acceptance or decline, refers complaint to IC or APRC
• during investigation registrar is involved in: requesting respondents opportunity to comment, notifying respondent if investigation is discontinued, resolving complaints through alternative complaint, notifying respondent if complaint is refered to APRC, requesting written response of investigations report
• During Discipline registrar is involved in: issuing citation, joining complaints, severing complaints or amending citation if deemed necessary, delivering citation and any amendments to respondent, delivering notice of hearing (30 days before), retains prosecution for hearing and pre-hearing, invites respondent to pre-hearing matters, notifys respondent of the assessed costs payable and issues time alloted to pay costs

Question 15

Explain the duties of the Investigations Committee

Answer 15

• oversee and decides on best resolution of complaints
• authorizes investigation and assigns an investigator or refers to APRC
• IC reviews and considers investigation report prepared by the lead investigator and they may issue further investigation
• Issues citation for discipline hearing OR
• dissmisses complaint
• resolves through alternative complaint resolution
• resolves concerns through respondents agreement to consent
• take any action within IC authority to resolve complaint
• At any time during investigation before discipline hearing IC may discontinue investgation due to lack of evidence
• OR in exteme cases if there is probable cause that the respondents practices poses threat to interest of public use extrodinary action

Question 16

Explain the duties of the Discipline Committee

Answer 16

• registrar may give authority to DC to issue or rescind a citation for a discipline hearing
• chair of DC must appoint panel made up of DC memebers to conduct hearing
• hearing panel may hold a pre-hearing conference where respondents legal counsel may attend
• during hearing the panel may grant an adjournment of a hearing, allow introduction of evidence, make any other direction it considers appropriate
• hearing panel may issue extrodinary action during a hearing
• after hearing, panel must deliver its decision with written reason to the registrar, the complaintant, and the respondent
• if cost associated, hearing panel must assess amount of cost payable

Question 17

Explain the duties of a registrant in the complaint process

Answer 17

• Respond within 14 days to a complaint against them.
• Participate in interviews requested by an
  inspector/Registrar.
• Appear before the investigation committee when asked to do so
• Provide information requested by the lead
  inspector/Registrar to be relevant evidence in
  support of the investigation including files,
  records or other documents, even if that
  information is confidential.
• Comply with any written notice issued by the
  investigation committee within seven days of
  receipt of the request or such further time as
  permitted by the requestor.
• Provide the lead inspector/Registrar with access
  to the premises where regulated practice is
  conducted.

Question 18

Describe the complaints process

Answer 18

• Bylaw 12-2
• any person may deliver a complaint in writing to the registrar
• complaint must allege conduct or practice of a registrant that if proven would constitute: incompetence, professional misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a registrant, or a breach of the act or bylaws
• If Registrar declines compliant, must deliver a report to IC
• IC then has 30 days to accept report or direct regitrar to act
• Before referring complaint to IC or APRC complaint if deemed immediate action to protect public registrar must deliver report to IC
• IC may order after review, protection of identity of complaintant to be disclosed to respondent or any tother person which can be requested from complaintant in writing

Question 19

Describe the investigations process

Answer 19

-IC authorizes investigation of it’s own motion or on info from registrar or referred from APRC
- Respondent then has the opportunity to comment. If IC authorizes under its own motion they must notify the respondent
- Respondent must resond within 14 days of reciept
- The investigation is then conducted with appropriate steps: requesting information, interviewing respondent , the complaintant, or any other relevant person
- Lead investigator must provide interim reports on progress of investigation to IC and provide updates to complainant
- Leadinvestigator prepares report after investigation to IC
- Before IC reviews report, respondent must provide written response to report within 14 days
- IC may discontinue investigation before preparation of report if there is not enough evidence and the complaintant and respondent must be notified of termination
- At any time before ciation of discipline hearing the IC may direct registrar or lead investigator to attempt to resolve through alternative complaint resolution which may include educational courses, or action approved by the APRC, or for the respondent to pay a cost
- At any time beofre discipline hearing IC may refer complaint to APRC
- At any time before discipline hearing IC may order extordinary action if there is propbable cause that the respondents practices poses harm to the public interest
- After investigation IC must review and consider report where they may order further investigation or amendments to report
- IC then decides action to take which may result in a discipline hearing
- notice must be given of action to complaintant and respondent where respondent must give written response within 14 days

Question 20

Describe the discipline process

Answer 20

• Citation of hearing must be delivered to respondent
• panel of DC members are appointed
• panel must then issue notice of hearing
• registrar retains prosecution and respondent may chose legal counsel
• hearing must be conducted orally unless panel directs to hearing or portion of hearing to be conducted in writting
• Registrar invites respondent or legal counsel on behalf of resondent to participate in pre-hearing meeting in private with FPBC to discuss the following: procedural issues, admission or agreed statement of facts, diclosure of information or records, style of hearing, witnesses, estimated length of hearing, possible resolution through ACR, possible referral to APRC, and possible diciplinary actions
• At any time before hearing panel may hold a pre-hearing conference held in private where respondent or respondents legal counsel may attend and may still be held in the absence of respondent if reasonable notice was given
• pre-hearing conferences may be held to fix date, time or place of hearing, for discovery or production of information or records, decisions on hearing or portion of hearing in writting or video, or any other matters that may aid in the dispostion of the ciation
• hearing must be held in public unless directed by panel to be held in private
• hearing panel must provide notice to all person required to attend or to produce files, records, or other documentation
• hearing panel is not bound by the legal rules of evidence in a hearing
• hearing panel must transcribe hearing in writting or audio recording
• at any time the panel may issue extrodinary action
• After the hearing the panel must deliver its decision and reason to registrar, complaintant, and respondant which may include suspension of registration

Question 21

Describe the actions that may result from complaints, investigations, and disciplinary processes

Answer 21

• dismissal of complaint
• alternative complaint resolution
• consent order
• citation of discipline hearing
• If a registrant is proven to have committed:
• professional misconduct
• conduct unbecoming of a registrant
• and/or incompetent performance of professional forestry
  the action taken against them may be one or more of the following:
• reprimand
• fine of up to 100 000 (2000 for trainees)
• assignment of costs
• imposition of conditions
• suspension or cancellation of registration
• Undertake other remedial programs or appear before a committee

For trainees the discipline action may be:
- undertake further training
- reprimand
- impose penalty not exceeding 2000
- cancel enrolment

Question 22

Describe the ABCFP requirements for public disclosure

Answer 22

Bylaw 13 sets out the detailed requirements regarding the register as well as public disclosure
requirements. The bylaws establish the conditions and requirements under which the Registrar will disclose information regarding complaints and investigations, or publish notices on the
FPBC website regarding decisions or actions taken regarding the following:
- Extraordinary actions
- Reprimand or remedial action by consent
- Consent orders
- Citations and notices of hearing
- Discipline decisions
- Registrants convicted of an indictable offence.

Question 23

conduct unbecoming a registrant

Answer 23

conduct of a registrant that
- brings regulatory body or its registrants into direpute
- undermines the standrads, methods or principles of the profession
- undermines the principle of upholding public safety and protection of the environment

Question 24

confidential information

Answer 24

• information, written or oral, provided by a person for the purpose of an investigation, audit or hearing
• under agreement the info will be kept confidential

Question 25

incompetent

Answer 25

• when engaged in a regulated practice the registrant displays a lack of competence or fitness to engage
• or displays an incapacity or impairment that prevents registrant to perform with reasonable skill, competence and safety

Question 26

professional misconduct

Answer 26

misconduct by a registrant relating to the performance of duties while engaged in the regulated practice, including failure to comply or a breack of PGA, regulations or bylaws

Question 27

criteria for a complaint to be denied

Answer 27

• complaint is trivial, frivolous, made in bad faith or constitutes an abuse of process
• complaint does not relate to a concern about the practice of a current or former registrant
• complaint does not alledge conduct of pratice is not referred to in bylaw 12
• complaint does not include sufficient info or praticulars to allow investigation to proceed
• the subject matter would be more appropriately be addressed by a different regulatory body, agency or by the court

Question 28

Describe forest stewardship as it applies to the ABCFP Bylaws and Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct.

Answer 28

the responsible use of forest resources based on the
application of an ecological understanding at the stand, forest, and landscape levels which maintains and protects ecosystem function, integrity and resilience, and an ethical
responsibility to the land and people for current and future generations.

Question 29

Name the seven principles of forest stewardship.

Answer 29

1. Ecological Integrity
2. Information and Understanding
3. Forest Management Goals and Objectives
4. Social Foundation
5. Temporal Options
6. Adaptive Practices
7. Spatial Strategies

Question 30

Four ways to test your alignment with the seven principles of forest stewardship

Answer 30

Legal Test
Knowledge and Application Test
Communication Test
Balance and Outcome Test

Question 31

Describe the criteria for selection for reviewer and registrant for a Professional Conduct Audit

Answer 31

• One percent of registrants are selected randomly from identified geographic areas
• The APRC considers risk of
  significant harm to the
  environment or public
• The APRC identifies issues
  from previous year’s
  competence audits
• Registrants are selected
  randomly from identified
  practice areas

Question 32

Actions taken by APRC after review of practice review report

Answer 32

• Recommend the registrant undertake further education or training or implement
  other measures to improve or enhance the quality of their practice.
• Request the registrant enter into an agreement imposing limits or conditions on
  the registrant’s practice
• Refer the assessor’s report to the Investigation Committee, with directions for the
  Investigation Committee to consider whether or not the findings of the practice
  review might warrant authorizing an investigation and advise the Audit and Practice
  Review Committee.

Question 33

Three benchmarks of Forest Stewardship

Answer 33

• Obtain a clear understanding of objectives for land and resource use;
• Uphold forest stewardship and practice the responsible use of forest resources
  based on the application of an ecological understanding at the stand, forest, and
  landscape levels, which maintains and protects ecosystem function, integrity, and resilience; and
• Take respectful and appropriate steps to raise identified concerns with another
  registrant about any practice that may be detrimental to forest stewardship, and to
  seek to resolve those concerns.

Question 34

Ecological Integrity definition and key principle

Answer 34

• refers to capacity to maintain an ecosystem
  over time in response to disturbance or change. This concept requires the comprehension of
  Valued Ecosystem Component (VEC) or elements that have scientific, social, cultural, economic,
  historical, archaeological or aesthetic importance.
  Key Principle:
  Forest stewardship requires the maintenance of structure, composition and
  function of forest ecosystems within ranges that ensure long-term diversity and resilience.

Question 35

Information and Undertanding key principle

Answer 35

• stay
  up-to-date on current scientific and social research as well as the traditional ecological
  knowledge of First Nations. You must also know how to access the information you need to make
  complex decisions that ensure that ecosystem integrity, function, and resilience is maintained.
• Forest stewardship requires knowledge of the values present in the forest, as well
  as science-based understanding of how forest ecosystems function and change over time.

Question 36

Forest Management Goals and Objectives key principle

Answer 36

• Goals and objectives reflect social perspectives and values.
• Forest stewardship requires clear goals and objectives to guide registrants’
  professional service in forest resource activities.

Question 37

Social Foundation key principle

Answer 37

• require an understanding of the
  range of forest attributes that provide value to people, including economic, aesthetic, cultural,
  spiritual, or other values that may be more challenging to quantify.
• Forest stewardship requires management strategies that will protect the public
  interest and reflect risks and benefits consistent with the values and interests of society.

Question 38

Temporal Options key principle

Answer 38

Forest stewardship requires registrants to provide professional services that fully
consider results — positive and adverse — over time without risking options for future
generations to enjoy similar benefits.

Question 39

Adaptive Practices key principle

Answer 39

The Adaptive Practice Approach
- Requires periodic reassessment of basic assumptions.
- Ongoing monitoring and research.
- Adjustment of management strategies over time.
- Anticipation of possible future events.
- Flexibility and an open, learning approach.

Forest stewardship requires strategies to minimize and mitigate risk and
uncertainty in forest management.

Question 40

Spatial Strategies key principle

Answer 40

It is important for registrants to monitor and mitigate cumulative adverse impacts that may pose
significant harm to the environment or risk to public safety.
Key Principle: Forest stewardship ensures an appropriate range of spatial scales are used to
monitor, assess, and plan professional service.

Question 41

Apply Legal Test

Answer 41

Does my professional work
comply with the applicable
laws?
Can I demostrate I am working in my area of expertise?
Does my work meet the legal requirements, including standards, ethics, and peer review?

Question 42

Apply Knowledge and Application Test

Answer 42

Does my professional work
considerthe requisite knowledge
and information to ensure good
forest stewardship?
Can I demostrate right level of risk assessment using appropriate scales?
Can I demonstrate that my professional work is informed by current information?

Question 43

Apply Communication Test

Answer 43

Does my professional work
properly communicate the
necessary information to show that it is consistent with the 7Principles?
Is there sufficient documentation for the implementation of my professional work?
Have I explained what I did to lead to a clear understanding?

Question 44

Apply the Balance and Outcome Test

Answer 44

Do I use a reasonable and balanced
approach in my professional work
to ensure good forest stewardship?
Does my professional work incorporate a clear analysis of the range of practical options?
Is there sufficient
documentation for the
implementation of my
professional work?