Purpose

This document outlines the procedure necessary to ensure students in the School of Rehabilitation Science (SRS) comply with the Saskatchewan Academic Health Sciences Network (SAHSN) provincial affiliation agreement for clinical placements, which mandates Criminal Record Checks with Vulnerable Sector Screening (CRC/VSS). It also ensures the safety of individuals receiving services from SRS students during clinical placements in all sites/locations.

Background

All Saskatchewan citizens have the right to receive and/or provide health care in a safe environment. Students admitted to the SRS may be placed in positions of trust during clinical education; therefore, all students must obtain a CRC with VSS. 

Student Responsibilities

Students admitted to SRS programs must: 

Acknowledge Policy 

  • Complete and submit the Statement of Acknowledgement of Criminal Record Check Policy for Acceptance Form 
Obtain CRC/VSS 
  • Secure two original copies of a CRC with VSS from their local police service or RCMP 
  • Ensure the CRC/VSS is dated no earlier than six months before program orientation 
  • Submit the request for a CRC/VSS upon receipt of the admissions package to allow up to three months for processing 
Submit Documentation 
  • Submit one original copy to the SRS by the date specified in the admissions package 
  • Retain one copy for personal records
Costs 
  • Cover all costs associated with obtaining the CRC/VSS 
Reporting 
  • Immediately report any new criminal convictions or charges within five business days of occurrence
  • Understand that failure to report or to provide false/misleading information may result in withdrawal of admission or expulsion 
Impact of “Not Clear” CRC 
  • Students admitted with a “not clear” CRC/VSS acknowledge that clinical training opportunities may be limited, which may affect program completion 

Admissions Process

  • Applicants must submit a CRC/VSS at their own expense by the date specified in the admissions package 
  • The CRC/VSS will be reviewed to determine suitability for admission 
  • Applicants may be placed on hold based on “Not Clear” CRC/VSS results 

Preparation for Clinical Placements

  • Students must provide a CRC/VSS no sooner than six months before the first day of classes 
  • CRC/VSS results will be used to determine acceptance by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and other facilities for clinical placements

Procedure for "Not Clear" CRC/VSS

If an applicant’s CRC/VSS is “not clear”: 

  • The file will be forwarded to the Criminal Record Check Review (CRCR) Committee 
  • The CRCR Committee includes:  
    • Admissions Committee Chair 
    • Program Chair 
    • Academic Lead Clinical Education and Community Affairs 
    • Additional members as needed 

Committee Procedures

  • Review CRC/VSS and decide whether to confirm, withdraw, or defer admission 
  • Applicant may:  
    • Appear before the Committee (with one support person) 
    • Submit written documentation 
  • Decision factors include:  
    • Nature and relevance of offence 
    • Date and seriousness of conviction 
    • Disclosure and rehabilitation efforts 
    • Ability to secure clinical placements 
  • Decisions:
    • Confirm admission 
    • Withdraw offer 
    • Defer admission for up to one year pending legal outcomes 
  • The written decision will be provided to the applicant within one week of final determination 

Clinical Placement Considerations

  • SHA and other facilities may refuse students with “not clear” CRC/VSS 
  • Students denied placement must understand that training opportunities may be limited.  This may mean that students will not be able to successfully complete the program 

Appeals

Applicants may appeal CRCR Committee decisions through the School of Rehabilitation Science Admissions Appeal Process. 

Contact

Liz Rackow 
Academic Lead, Clinical Education and Community Affairs 
Email: liz.rackow@usask.ca