Professional standards
Code of Professional Ethics and practice standards
Every BCACT registrant agrees to the Code of Professional Ethics as a condition of registration. The Code sets out the principles that govern practice; the practice standards describe how those principles are applied.
Ethical principles
Competence
Registrants practise within the limits of their assessed training, experience, and supervision, and take active steps to maintain and extend their competence.
Client welfare
The interests and safety of the client take precedence over the professional, commercial, or personal interests of the practitioner.
Informed consent
Clients receive clear information about the nature of the work, its expected form, fees, limits of confidentiality, and their right to end the work at any point.
Confidentiality
Client information is protected, and its limits — including legal reporting duties and supervision — are explained at the outset.
Professional boundaries
Registrants maintain clear boundaries and do not enter into relationships that exploit the trust or dependency inherent in the therapeutic relationship.
Non-discrimination
Registrants practise with respect for the identity, culture, beliefs, and circumstances of each client.
Honesty in representation
Registrants describe their qualifications, registration category, and areas of practice accurately and do not imply competence they have not established.
Accountability
Registrants respond openly to concerns about their practice and co-operate with BCACT professional conduct processes.
Practice standards
The practice standards set the operational expectations that follow from the Code. They apply to all registration categories, in every practice setting, including work delivered remotely.
- Scope of practice: registrants state clearly the modalities and client groups within their competence and refer on where a presentation falls outside it.
- Assessment and contracting: the work begins with a written or clearly recorded agreement covering purpose, frequency, fees, cancellation, and review.
- Record keeping: contemporaneous, factual, and secure records are maintained and retained in accordance with British Columbia requirements.
- Supervision and consultation: registrants maintain regular supervision or consultation proportionate to their caseload and experience.
- Remote and digital practice: platforms, identity verification, and jurisdictional limits are addressed before remote work begins.
- Fitness to practise: registrants monitor their own health and circumstances and take responsible action, including pausing practice where necessary.
- Ending and transfer: work is ended or transferred in a planned way, with continuity of care considered.
- Advertising: public statements about services, outcomes, and credentials are accurate and free of guarantees of result.
Continuing professional development
Registrants complete a minimum of 30 hours of professional development each registration year, of which at least 10 hours must relate directly to clinical practice or ethics. Development is recorded and may be requested for audit at renewal. Acceptable activity includes structured training, supervised case study, professional reading with recorded reflection, and accredited conference attendance.
If a standard has not been met
Concerns that a registrant has departed from the Code or the practice standards are considered through the BCACT professional conduct process. That process is set out in full, including how a concern is assessed, what a registrant is told, and what outcomes are available.