Restricted Registration for Residents: Definitions for Levels of Supervision

Below is a chart summarizing the definitions of Levels of Supervision as outlined in the CPSO policy on Professional Responsibilities in Postgraduate Medical Education and the Guidelines for Supervision. For the complete policy documents, please refer to the CPSO website.

LOW MODERATE HIGH
Nature of Supervision The Supervisor must:

  • Be willing and able to see patients under his/her care when action is required or requested
  • Ensure Restricted Registrant has appropriate knowledge, skill and judgement to perform the delegated acts such that a patient is not put in jeopardy
  • Allow the RR responsibility appropriate to their level of training and ability
  • Ensure that all relevant clinical information is made available for the best care of the patient
Most Responsible Physician (MRP) The identified supervisor is also the Most Responsible Physician
Availability of Supervisor Supervisor is available to the resident, by telephone, within the institution or on call for immediate attendance. Practices will be acceptable to the program director and Postgraduate Dean
Autonomy of Restricted Registrant The Resident is not the MRP

Residents who are close to completing their program and achieving independent practice status may exercise independent judgement in a variety of situations that would not require direct approval by the supervisor
The Resident is not the MRP

For some Residents, there may be some situations in which they act independently with minimal interaction with the supervisor (e.g. low-risk procedures, treatments, patient examinations).
The Resident is not the MRP

For some Residents, there may be some situations in which they act independently with minimal interaction with the supervisor (e.g. low-risk procedures, treatments, patient examinations).
This chart taken from CPSO Professional Responsibilities in Postgraduate Medical Education (2003) and CPSO Guidelines for Supervision)
Last revised: December 5th, 2007