- About Us
- Scope of Practice Review
- Find a Physiotherapist/The Public Register
- Entry to Practice/Registration
- New Registrants
- Registration Categories
- Applying to the College
- Bridging Program
- Annual Registration
- Professional Incorporation
- Internationally Educated Physiotherapists
- Agreement on Internal Trade
- Jurisprudence
- Registration Services
- Update Your Profile
- Entry to Practice Documents
- Fair Registration Practices
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Practice Advice
- Physiotherapist Support Personnel
- Quality Management
- Professional Conduct
- College Documents
- Webcast Archives
- Awards Program
- Contact Us
- Pandemic Planning
Date: 08-Jan-2010
Physiotherapy Scope of Practice Review
On June 30, 2008 the physiotherapy profession submitted its proposal for changes to the Physiotherapy Act and other pieces of legislation to the Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Committee (HPRAC). The review initiated by HPRAC in April focussed on PT scope of practice and the controlled act scheme, with the aim of ensuring that patients are able to access the full range of competencies and services that physiotherapists can provide in an interprofessional collaborative care environment. The full submission can be found below and is the direct result of a strong partnership between the Ontario Physiotherapy Association, the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario and the Chairs of the five academic programs in Ontario.The partners actively participated in public consultation on the submission over the month of August. HPRAC submitted its recommendations to the government and more directly the Minister of Health and Long Term Care on August 31, 2008. On November 17, 2008, the Minister released the HPRAC report for public consultation. After this public consultation the government introduced Bill 179, The Regulated Health Professions Statute Law Amendment Act on May 11, 2009
The Bill made a number of changes to the Regulated Health Professions Act and to the acts governing specific health professions. But perhaps most importantly to physiotherapists, the Bill also made a number of significant (and eagerly anticipated) changes to the Physiotherapy Act.
The changes to the Physiotherapy Act are very important and will facilitate the ability of physiotherapists to offer inter-professional care. They include an amended scope of practice, which clarifies the ability of physiotherapists to diagnose, authority for physiotherapists to perform five additional controlled acts (diagnosis, wound care, pelvic floor examinations and interventions, diagnostic ultrasound, and administering substances such as oxygen), as well as changes that will ultimately permit physiotherapists to order x-rays and lab tests.
The Bill passed third reading on November 30, 2009 and Royal Assent was received on December 15.
Please note that while the legislation that makes these changes has been passed, the actual changes are not yet in effect. Before the changes to the Physiotherapy Act can come into effect, proclamation must occur. We anticipate that proclamation will happen in October, 2010.
Resources
College Submission to HPRACHPRAC Report
Regulated Health Professions Act (revised)
Physiotherapy Act (revised)
Physiotherapy Scope of Practice Update - January 2010
Synopsis of Scope Changes
Education Session Webcast Archive - March 3, 2010
 |
 |