November 19, 2008

Position Papers and Statements

The CPA has published numerous position papers and statements on topical issues related to psychiatric care and practice. Each paper or statement is developed by an expert CPA committee, and reviewed and approved by CPA’s Board of Directors.

All position papers and statements are subject to a formal review five years from their date of approval after which recommendations are made to retain, revise, or delist the document being reviewed. Delisted papers and statements are removed from the website.
Below are links to official CPA position papers and statements organized by topic.


Education and Training

Psychiatric Training in Rural and Remote Areas: Increasing Skills and Building Partnerships (2005-46)

Filling Gaps in Psychiatric Education: Skills in Administrative Psychiatry and Knowledge of Mental Health Systems, Services, and Policy (2004-45)

Emerging Trends and Training Issues in the Psychiatric Emergency Room (2004-44)

Medical Training in Psychiatric Residency: The PGY-1 Experience (2000-40)

Evidence-Based Psychiatric Practice: Implications for Education and Continuing Professional Development (2000-39)

Ethical Issues

Mandatory Outpatient Treatment (2003-43)

The Duty to Protect (2002-42)

The Confidentiality of Psychiatric Records and the Patient's Right to Privacy (2000-21s)

The Need for Research and Ethical Safeguards in Special Populations (1993-28)

Clinical Practice

Prescribing Antidepressants for Depression in 2005: Recent Concerns and Recommendations (2004-23s)

Psychotherapy in Psychiatry (2004-22s)

The Role of Psychiatrists in Quality Review (1994-30)

Limitation of Freedom of Movement in Adult Psychiatric Units (1983-10)

Policy/Legal Issues

Wait Time Benchmarks for Patients with Serious Psychiatric Illnesses (2006-1pp)

The Role of Mental Health Legislation (2005-24s)

CPA Advisory: Implications for Psychiatrists of the Supreme Court of Canada Starson v. Swayze Decision (2003)

For a listing of guidelines currently under review see
Guidelines Under Review.

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