Effective January 1, 2024, it is a requirement for MLTs in Alberta to have PLI for $5,000,000.
The HPA outlines that the CMLTA is now required to have a bylaw that sets the type and amount of liability insurance required for the profession. Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) protects the public by providing them with financial compensation if damages are caused by your professional actions. PLI also protects you as a professional in these instances as your insurance will cover the cost of those damages. Most health professionals in Canada are required to carry PLI.
Why is $5,000,000 in PLI required?
The decision to set the PLI requirement at $5,000,000 was based on research and consultation with insurance providers. The research informed us that $2,000,000 is no longer sufficient to cover the cost of claims, which is why the coverage requirement was set at $5,000,000.
Where can I get my PLI?
There are currently three options for PLI:
Are there any benefits to carrying my own PLI even though I am covered by my employer?
Yes, your employer’s insurance will likely not cover the cost to defend you if a complaint of unprofessional conduct is made against you. One benefit to getting your own PLI is that most plans will cover legal costs to defend you against a complaint of unprofessional conduct made to the college.
It is also important to note that there are some exemptions from this coverage for most PLI providers such as criminal activity or complaints of sexual abuse and sexual misconduct. Make sure you check with your insurance provider and understand your policy!
Do I need my PLI prior to renewal this year?
No, you will not need PLI until January 1, 2024. At renewal you will be asked to declare that you will have the PLI insurance requirements by that date.
The College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Alberta (CMLTA) is the regulatory body for Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) employed in Alberta.
We wish to acknowledge that the land on which the CMLTA office is located is Treaty 6 territory and a traditional meeting ground for many Indigenous people. This is home to the Cree, Blackfoot, and Metis, as it is for the Nakoda, Tsuu T’ina, Chipewyan, and other Indigenous people. Their spiritual and practical relationships to the land create a rich heritage for our life as a community.
301-9426 51 Avenue NW,
Edmonton, Alberta
T6E 5A6
Phone: 780-435-5452
Toll Free: 1-800-265-9351
Fax: 780-437-1442
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