Terms of Reference
Simulation Program Accreditation Committee
Role
The Simulation Program Accreditation Committee (Sim-AC) is a subcommittee that reports to the Accreditation Committee. Its major role is to ensure that simulation programs accredited by the Royal College meet the requirements and guidelines for accreditation.
Responsibility and Authority
The Sim-AC has the following responsibilities and authority:
- Develops, maintains, and recommends to the Accreditation Committee policies, standards, and criteria for the accreditation of simulation programs, both domestic and international;
- Assesses applications for accreditation of new simulation programs through on site reviews and other means;
- Oversees the (re) application process related to new accreditation of simulation programs;
- Reviews the reports of periodic evaluations of accredited simulation programs; and
- Determines level of accreditation to be granted to each simulation program, within Royal College regulations and policies.
Composition
The Simulation Accreditation Committee has fourteen (14) voting members, including the chair [1] and a vice-chair. The chair is a member of the Accreditation Committee and the vice-chair is a member of the Continuing Professional Development Accreditation Committee as well as the Professional Learning and Development Committee to ensure consistency across accreditation bodies. In addition to the chair and vice-chair positions, the composition of the committee also includes:
- Nine (9) national and international leaders in simulation-based medical education, Fellows and non-fellows, representing both English and French environments and important stakeholders in simulation programs.
- One (1) Specialty Resident representative, as selected from two nominees from Resident Doctors of Canada (RDoCs);
- One (1) Specialty Resident representative, as selected from two nominees from the Fédération des médecins residents du Québec (FMRQ);
- One (1) learner representative of audiences served by the simulation programs; learner may include resident, medical student, nursing student, etc.
The Simulation Accreditation Committee also includes one non-voting, ex-officio member position; a member of the CPD Accreditation Committee. This individual is invited to attend meetings as a non-voting observer and as such, shall not be counted for the purposes of establishing quorum.
[1] When appropriate for continuity, the outgoing Chair may remain involved with the Sim-AC as an ex-officio non-voting member for one year, in order to assist with the transition to a new Chair.
Key Competencies and Characteristics
Generally, committee members should possess the following key competencies and characteristics: demonstrated knowledge of Royal College simulation program accreditation standards; knowledge of policies and processes relating to accreditation of simulation programs; an ability to integrate strategic thinking and risk management in the formulation of accreditation policies and standards; an ability to strategize on new directions and processes for accreditation of simulation programs; and experience in simulation teaching and use.
Committee members should also possess the ability and willingness to meet the strategic directions of the Royal College and the willingness to participate effectively in committee meetings.
Term of Office
The usual term of office of the chair is two years, renewable once (maximum of four years). The term of the vice-chair is one year, renewable three times (maximum of four years). The usual term of office for members is two years, renewable twice (maximum of six years). The terms of office take effect as stipulated so long as the member’s total years of service on the committee do not extend beyond 10 years. All terms shall begin and end at the time of the Annual Meeting of the Members when vacancies need to be filled.
Meetings
The Simulation Accreditation Committee meetings will be conducted two times per year either face to face or by teleconference. Business may be conducted electronically at the discretion of the committee coordinator.
Quorum consists of a majority of the voting members of the committee (i.e., 50% plus one). The chair is counted as a voting member in constituting quorum. However as the presiding official of the committee, the chair does not move motions. Furthermore, the chair shall only vote when the vote is conducted by secret ballot. Every question shall be decided by a majority of the votes cast. In the event of a tie vote, the question shall be defeated. When a committee is called to make a decision outside of a meeting by e-ballot, the same rules apply.
Appointment to a Royal College committee carries significant responsibilities, and all committee members are expected to adhere to the Volunteer Code of Conduct. In addition, committee members are required to maintain absolute discretion and not divulge, re-produce, or release any confidential information except when authorized by the Royal College. Committee members may download a copy of committee materials for the sole purpose of participating in committee work. All downloaded materials must be deleted once the related committee work is completed. The Royal College retains copies of committee materials should committee members wish to access them at a later time for related work.
Committee work product
In the course of performing their committee duties, committee members may produce or contribute to materials, content or other work products. These work products and the related intellectual property will be owned by the Royal College. The Royal College is open to discussing other ownership arrangements for specific projects. Alternative arrangements must be confirmed in writing by the project contributors and the Royal College.
TOR record
| Approved by: | CSE |
| Approval Date: | May 1, 2019 |
| Approval path: | Accreditation Committee, CSE |
| Effective date: | May 1, 2019 |
| Date of next review: | Spring 2022 |
| Royal College Office: | OMEP |
| Version status: | Approved |