Cross-Border Physiotherapy

Cross-border physiotherapy refers to services performed across a provincial border for the purpose of transferring expertise or physiotherapy knowledge, improving individual choice and allowing for greater efficiencies.

Please note that you cannot hold two certificates with the College. If you currently hold an Independent Practice certificate in Ontario, you are not eligible to apply for a Cross-Border Physiotherapy certificate.

If you are interested in applying for a Cross-Border Physiotherapy—Independent Practice Certificate of Registration, please contact the Registration team after you have read the information below. Email registration@collegept.org.

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Cross-Border Physiotherapy: How to Apply

Registration Process
You are eligible to register for a Cross-Border Physiotherapy - Independent Practice Certificate for the purpose of providing cross-border physiotherapy if you intend to provide:
- Tele-rehabilitation service for the purpose of continuing to provide care for patients whose physiotherapy began in your primary jurisdiction and would benefit from continued and time-limited service in Ontario.
- Tele-rehabilitation service for the purpose of providing care where services are not available in Ontario but would benefit patients.
- In-person services for the purpose of continuing to provide care for patients whose physiotherapy began in your primary jurisdiction and would benefit from continued and time-limited service in Ontario.
- In-person services for the purpose of providing care where services are not available in Ontario but would benefit patients.
Criteria
Current Registration

You must be currently registered in Canada and the license type or certificate you currently have is similar to Ontario’s Independent Practice Certificate.

Character and Reputation

You are of good character and reputation. There is no past or present behaviour or conduct that would put the Ontario public at risk. Evidence is collected by Regulatory History forms.

Liability Insurance

To register with the College, you need:
- A minimum coverage of $5 million dollars for the annual policy period
- A liability limit of at least $5 million dollars per incident
- No additional terms, conditions, or exclusions, other than standard
- No deductible
- Tail insurance for a minimum of 10 years
Learn more about liability insurance here.
Application Process
Apply to be Registered

To apply for a Cross-Border Physiotherapy - Independent Practice Certificate you must complete your online application for an Independent Practice Certificate, provide the required documents and pay the application fee.

** Before completing the online application form, please email the Registration team who will provide you with additional information needed to complete your online application at registration@collegept.org.**

Please be sure that your application includes the following:
- A completed online application.
- A paid $113 non-refundable application fee.
- Evidence of Canadian citizenship (such as, a valid Canadian passport, birth certificate or citizenship card), permanent resident status or work permit. A photocopy of this document is required.
- Evidence of name change if applicable (such as, a photocopy of your marriage certificate, divorce certificate or official name change document).
Please note you must have professional liability insurance before you begin to provide patient care.

You will also have to arrange for other regulators and organizations to send the following document directly to the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario:
- Proof of registration or licensure and professional standing in all other jurisdictions where you have been registered or licensed as a physiotherapist. This can be done through a Regulatory History form or Letter of Professional Standing. This information should be dated within the last six months.
College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
375 University Avenue, Suite 800
Toronto, ON M5G 2J5
Costs and Timelines
Cost
- Application fee - $114
- Registration fee - $113
Timelines

Within 15 days of receiving your application, the College will send you an email to let you know that your application has been reviewed and tell you whether it is complete. An application is considered complete when all information, documents, and the application fee have been received.

We will contact you by email if we need additional documents to complete your application. Once received, we will make our best efforts to issue your Cross-Border Physiotherapy - Independent Practice Certificate within five business days.

Once your application is approved, you will be required to submit a $113 registration fee.

Renewal

Your Cross-Border Physiotherapy - Independent Practice Certificate is valid from the date that it is issued until March 31. You can renew it between February 1 and March 31 of each year. You will receive an email from the College reminding you of this each year on February 1.
Use of Personal Information

The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario collects information from members for regulatory purposes. This includes determining eligibility for registration, maintaining the Public Register and implementing the investigation and discipline process. The information is also used to support activities that further the College’s mandate to protect the public interest (for example, workforce planning and research that promotes innovative, quality physiotherapist care).

Who do we share your information with?

Information on the Public Register is available to all. This includes your name, registration number, registration status, conditions imposed on your practice permit, current or previous employment information (e.g., employer’s name and address), whether you are authorized (rostered) to perform certain higher risk activities and conduct findings on record. Members of the public may access information on the Public Register by contacting the Colllege directly or through our online Public Register.

Under the Health Professions Act, the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario is required by law to provide demographic, education and practice information to the Minister of Health Long-Term Care for health workforce planning purposes.

The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario may disclose information that is summarized or in a statistical form so that it is not possible to relate the information to any identifiable person.

How can you access and correct your information?

You may access and correct most information through the Online Member Portal. Information that cannot be changed online by yourself must be brought to the attention of the Registration team at registration@collegept.org or by calling 1-800-583-5885 or 416-591-3828 ext. 222.

Who should you contact for more information?

Contact the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario’s Privacy Officer, Maria Ramirez, if you have questions about the collection, use and disclosure of your information. Call 1-800-583-5885 ext. 237 or 416-591-3828 ext. 237 or email mramirez@collegept.org.

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FAQs: Cross Border Physiotherapy Applicants

What is an Independent Practice Certificate of Registration—Cross Border Physiotherapy?

This Certificate of Registration is available to physiotherapists who currently practice in another Canadian province and who wish to provide care to patients in Ontario, whether through tele-rehabilitation or in person.

Holders of this certificate may only provide care to Ontario patients for the purpose of continuing to provide care for those whose physiotherapy began in another province and who would benefit from continued and time-limited service in Ontario or where services are not available in Ontario but would benefit patients.
What is tele-rehabilitation?

Tele-rehabilitation is the provision of physiotherapy services which involves communication with a patient who is remotely located from the primary physiotherapist providing service. It can include videoconferencing, email, apps, web-based communication or wearable technology for example. The physiotherapist may or may not be present with the patient. All of the professional behaviours involved in the exchange of information are the same as if the patient is in direct face to face contact with the physiotherapist.

Tele-rehabilitation can be used to serve the public interest by delivering services not otherwise available without compromising quality of care or regulatory accountability. Services should always be provided in accordance with standards or any other applicable guidelines.

In-person services are those physiotherapy services provided by a physiotherapist in direct
face-to-face contact with a person.
How do I apply to the College for an Independent Practice Certificate of Registration—Cross Border Physiotherapy?

You can submit an application to the College using the PT Portal if you currently hold an Independent Practice certificate of registration in another Canadian province or territory.
When does my Independent Practice Certificate of Registration—Cross Border Physiotherapy expire?

The Certificate is valid from the date that it is issued until March 31 of each year. You can work in Ontario as long as your certificate is valid. The College will send you a reminder email advising you of the annual renewal process and timelines. You will be able to renew your certificate between February 1 and March 31 of each year.
How much does it cost to apply for an Independent Practice Certificate of registration— Cross Border Physiotherapy?

The application fee of $114 is submitted when you apply. There is an additional fee of $113, which is submitted once your application has been processed. The annual renewal fee is $113.
Do I need to submit my application in person?

No. Please submit your application online in the PT Portal.

Log in to the PT Portal

If you have questions, please contact the College:

College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
Registration Team
registration@collegept.org
1-800-583-5885 ext. 222
416-591-3828 ext. 222

PT Portal
How long will it take to approve my application?

Our processing time for all applications is 15 days. This includes a review of the application to ensure you meet all the requirements. This part of the review could take longer if your application is incomplete.

Also, if there are concerns about your application, you may be referred to the Registration Committee for another review. This process can take up to 60 days. In fairness to all applicants, there is no fast track or expedited application process.
I understand that in Ontario there is a roster for Authorized Activities, what does that mean?
Rostering for a controlled act or authorized activity is the process where physiotherapists add their names to a list indicating they have the required training, education and experience to safely perform the higher risk activity.

Physiotherapists must roster for each of the authorized activities or controlled acts they perform in their practice. Rostering must be completed online and is mandatory for any physiotherapist doing these identified activities under their own authority.

The only exception is communicating a diagnosis. This authorized activity does not require rostering as it is considered an essential competency.

Anyone performing:
- tracheal suctioning
- spinal manipulation
- acupuncture (including dry needling)
- treating a wound below the dermis
- pelvic internal exams (this includes putting an instrument, hand or finger, beyond the labia majora, or beyond the anal verge)
- administering a substance by inhalation
Can I roster for Authorized Activities?
You can roster for any authorized activity that you were qualified to perform, as long as:
- Your education included a theoretical component
  (for example: learning about risks contraindications)
- Your education included a practical component
  (such as practice on other course participants)
- Your education included an evaluation component of your knowledge (theory)
  and skills (practice)
- You can make these changes on the College’s member portal once registered
Which rules and standards do I need to follow?

When providing patient care in Ontario you will need to follow the laws, regulations, Standards and By-laws for physiotherapists in Ontario.
Do I have to participate in the College’s peer assessment program and complete the annual Professional Issues Self Assessment (PISA) and Jurisprudence Module?

No. You will need to meet the registration and ongoing professional development requirements in your home province.
What happens if a patient has a complaint about the care I have provided?

If this happens the patient will be able to decide if they wish to file their compliant in Ontario or in your home province. It is possible that both jurisdictions will investigate the compliant. If this occurs the Colleges in both provinces will work together on the investigation.
How will I be paid for the services that I provide?

You will need to contact the payor/funding sources to find out about reimbursement for the care that you provide.
I am no longer registered with the College or regulatory body in my home province, can I still keep my Independent Practice Certificate of Registration—Cross Border Physiotherapy?

No. You will need to advise the College if you are no longer hold a Certificate of Registration in your home province/territory. At that point, you will no longer be able to deliver patient care in Ontario under this certificate. You can choose to apply for an Independent Practice Certificate at that time.
Where can I learn more about this?

Read the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators document, The Delivery of Physiotherapy Services across Borders within Canada Guidelines for Physiotherapists.
I live in Ottawa and many patients who live in Quebec travel to my practice for treatment. I'm registered to practice in Ontario, but do I also need to register with the Quebec regulatory body as I am treating patients who live in Quebec?

No, you would only need to register in Quebec if you were providing physiotherapy services that take place in Quebec. Since you are treating patients in Ontario, you only need to be registered with the College.

Physiotherapists who are interested in learning more about providing care across borders should look up the requirements for each province.

Cross-Border Physiotherapy