Self-Regulation Flashcards
What is self-regulation?
A body that sets a framweork of rules through which it holds itself and its members to account
ex. SCPP, pharmacy professionals regulate their peers to ensure public safety
What unique about professional self-regulation?
Professional self-regulation occurs when the state delegates responsibility for a profession’s regulation to a body composed of that profession’s practitioners
How did self-regulation of professions come to exist from a Neo-Weberian perspective?
Arose from efforts of groups of professional who lobbied governments for regulatory privileges
Social bargain between profession and public
What are some results of self-regulating professions?
Cut off access to education, credentials, and practice opportunities for others, while reaping the rewards of a privileged position (limited number of new practitioners to prevent declining ages and standards)
What is the social bargain between self-regulating professional organizations and the public?
To act responsibly and in the public interest (the profession has to earn its privilege)
Public benefit is derived from higher quality services by excluding unqualified providers
Build public trust and punish members who do not meet minimum standards
Why did self-regulation of professions come to exist from a Foucauldian perspective?
Establishing self regulating professions was a part of state-building, and a way to expand the state’s capacity to govern
Form alliance between government and professions (in exchange for regulatory authority, the professions support the state in certain social areas like health, justice, finance without drawing heavily from state resources)
What are some critiques of self-regulation?
Groups often put the needs of their members ahead of the needs of their patients (self-interest, which is why PAS split from SCPP)
Groups often fail to protect the public from professional misconduct by their members (lenient on members)
Groups create and maintain discriminatory and/or unattainable entry criteria (are they fair?)
Groups push for policies favourable to themselves, while undermining competitors (MDs to PharmD, and PharmDs to pharmacy techs)
What are some arguments for professional self-regulation?
Perspective not based on profit or efficiency, and a check against potential abuses by the state
With a commitment to serve the public, self-regulated professions can rally other voices against logics where cost ot the bottom-line is the main or only concern
Independent professions can be a positive force in society by acting as leaders for progressive social changes
What are the key functions of the Regulated Health Professions Act in Saskatchewan?
Designation of Professions:
- Allows the government to designate a health profession as regulated, including its scope of practice
Establishment of Colleges
Public Protection:
- Colleges are required to fulfill their legislated mandate of public protection
Standard Processes:
- Regarding registration, continuing competence, complaints, and discipline
Review the BC legislative changes paper, as this is likely to be an exam question
