Synopsis of Statutory Changes

Scope of practice

3.   The practice of physiotherapy is the assessment
      of physical function and the treatment,
      rehabilitation and prevention of physical
      dysfunction, injury or pain, to develop, maintain,
      rehabilitate or augment function or to relieve
      pain. 1991, c. 37, s. 3.

Scope of practice

3.   The practice of physiotherapy is the assessment
      of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and cardio
      respiratory systems, the diagnosis of diseases or
      disorders associated with physical dysfunction,
      injury or pain and the treatment, rehabilitation
      and prevention or relief of physical dysfunction,
      injury or pain to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or      augment function and promote mobility.

Authorized acts

4.   In the course of engaging in the practice of
      physiotherapy, a member is authorized, subject
      to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed
      on his or her certificate of registration, to perform
      the following:

Authorized acts

4.   (1) In the course of engaging in the practice of
      physiotherapy, a member is authorized, subject to
      the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on
      his or her certificate of registration, to perform the
      following:

n/a

1.   Communicating a diagnosis identifying
      a disease, a physical disorder or dysfunction as 
      the cause ofa person’s symptoms.

1.   Moving the joints of the spine beyond a person’s
      usual physiological range of motion using a fast,
      low amplitude thrust.

2.   Moving the joints of the spine beyond a person’s
      usual physiological range of motion using a fast,
      low amplitude thrust.

2.   Tracheal suctioning.

3.   Tracheal suctioning.

n/a

4.   Treating a wound below the dermis using any of
       the following procedures:

             i. cleansing,

             ii. soaking,

             iii. irrigating,

             iv. probing,

             v. debriding,

             vi. packing,

             vii. dressing.

n/a

5.   For the purpose of assessing or rehabilitating
      pelvic musculature relating to incontinence or
      pain disorders, putting an instrument, hand or
      finger,

              i. beyond the labia majora, or

              ii. beyond the anal verge.

n/a

6.   Ordering the application of a prescribed form of
      energy.

n/a

7.   Administering a substance by inhalation.

n/a

Certain procedures subject to regulations

(2)   A member is not authorized to perform a
       procedure set out in paragraph 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6
       of subsection (1)unless the member complies
       with any applicable regulations respecting those
       paragraphs.

n/a

Additional requirement for certain procedures

(3)    A member shall not perform a procedure under
         paragraph 7 of subsection (1) unless the
         procedure has been ordered by a member of
         the College of Physicians and Surgeons of
         Ontario, or a member of any other College who
         is authorized to perform the procedure.

n/a

Professional misconduct

(4)    In addition to the grounds set out in subsection  
        51(1) of the Health Professions Procedural
        Code, a panel of the Discipline Committee shall
        find that a member has committed an act of
        professional misconduct if the member
        contravenes subsection (2) or (3).

Regulations

11.1   Subject to the approval of the Lieutenant
          Governor in Council and with prior review by
          the Minister, the Council may make regulations
          regulating and governing the performance of
          any act set out in paragraph 1, 2, 3, 4,5 or 6 of
          subsection 4 (1) and ancillary matters,
          including, without limiting the generality of the
          foregoing,

              (a) establishing requirements for the                     performance of the act;

              (b) governing the purposes for which, and
                    the circumstances under which, the act
                    must be performed;

Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act

6.    (1)  No person shall operate an X-ray machine
       for the irradiation of a human being unless the
       irradiation has been prescribed by,

           (a) a legally qualified medical practitioner;

           (b) a member of the Royal College of Dental
                Surgeons of Ontario;

           (c) a member of the College of Chiropodists
                of Ontario who has been continuously
                registered as a chiropodist under the
                Chiropody Act and the Chiropody Act,
               1991 since before November 1, 1980 or
               who is a graduate of a four-year course of
               instruction in chiropody;

          (d) a member of the College of Chiropractors
               of Ontario; or

         (e) Repealed:  1998, c. 18, Sched. G, s. 51 (4).

         (f) a person registered as an osteopath under
              the Drugless Practitioners Act. 

  (2)    Despite subsection (1), a person may operate
        an X-ray machine for the irradiation of a human
        being if their radiation is prescribed in a manner
        permitted by the regulations by a member of the
        College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Regulations under the Laboratory and Specimen Collection Centre Licensing Act

n/a

While no changes have yet been proposed, the government has indicated that after the statutory changes have been made, changes to the current LSCCA regulation will be made to permit physiotherapists to order a number of lab tests

Regulations under the Public Hospitals Act

n/a

While no changes have yet been proposed, the government has indicated that after the statutory changes have been made, changes to the current regulation 965 under the Public Hospitals Acts will be made to permit physiotherapists to order care in hospitals