A Quick Guide to Regulated Professionals in Ontario
Ontario entrusts regulatory bodies, often referred to as “colleges,” with overseeing certain professions. These regulatory bodies ensure that practitioners meet high standards of education, ethics, and competence. Below is a detailed list of Ontario’s regulated professions, their respective regulatory bodies, and the legislation that governs them.
Regulated Health Professions
Ontario’s health professionals are regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) and profession-specific acts:
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology – College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Act, 1991)
Chiropody – College of Chiropodists of Ontario (Chiropody Act, 1991)
Chiropractic – College of Chiropractors of Ontario (Chiropractic Act, 1991)
Dental Hygiene – College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (Dental Hygiene Act, 1991)
Dental Technology – College of Dental Technologists of Ontario (Dental Technology Act, 1991)
Dentistry – Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (Dentistry Act, 1991)
Denturism – College of Denturists of Ontario (Denturism Act, 1991)
Dietetics – College of Dietitians of Ontario (Dietetics Act, 1991)
Homeopathy – College of Homeopaths of Ontario (Homeopathy Act, 2007)
Kinesiology – College of Kinesiologists of Ontario (Kinesiology Act, 2007)
Massage Therapy – College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (Massage Therapy Act, 1991)
Medical Laboratory Technology – College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (Medical Laboratory Technology Act, 1991)
Medical Radiation and Imaging Technology – College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario (Medical Radiation and Imaging Technology Act, 2017)
Medicine – College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (Medicine Act, 1991)
Midwifery – College of Midwives of Ontario (Midwifery Act, 1991)
Naturopathy – College of Naturopaths of Ontario (Naturopathy Act, 2007)
Nursing – College of Nurses of Ontario (Nursing Act, 1991)
Occupational Therapy – College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (Occupational Therapy Act, 1991)
Opticianry – College of Opticians of Ontario (Opticianry Act, 1991)
Optometry – College of Optometrists of Ontario (Optometry Act, 1991)
Pharmacy – Ontario College of Pharmacists (Pharmacy Act, 1991)
Physiotherapy – College of Physiotherapists of Ontario (Physiotherapy Act, 1991)
Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis – College of Psychologists of Ontario (Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis Act, 2021)
Psychotherapy – College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (Psychotherapy Act, 2007)
Respiratory Therapy – College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (Respiratory Therapy Act, 1991)
Traditional Chinese Medicine – College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006)
Regulated Professionals
Other regulated professionals in Ontario that we work with include:
Accountants – CPA Ontario (Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario Act)
Early Childhood Educators – College of Early Childhood Educators (Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007)
Engineers – Professional Engineers Ontario (Professional Engineers Act)
Lawyers and Paralegals – Law Society of Ontario (Law Society Act)
Real Estate Professionals – Real Estate Council of Ontario (Real Estate and Business Brokers Act)
Social Workers and Social Service Workers – Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (Social Work and Social Service Work Act)
Teachers – Ontario College of Teachers (Ontario College of Teachers Act)
Veterinarians – College of Veterinarians of Ontario (Veterinarians Act)
Common Legal Issues for Regulated Professionals
Despite the safeguards of regulation, professionals may face legal challenges, such as:
Professional Misconduct Allegations: Complaints to regulatory bodies can result in disciplinary investigations or hearings.
Licensing, Privileging, and Credentialing Disputes: Disagreements over qualifications, renewals, or licensing denials.
Negligence Claims: Claims of malpractice or breach of professional obligations.
Employment Disputes: Conflicts with employers, such as wrongful dismissal or workplace harassment.
Privacy or Confidentiality Breaches: Violations of privacy laws or professional confidentiality standards.
These issues can impact both your professional reputation and your livelihood. Knowing your rights and obligations is crucial.
How We Can Help
If you are a regulated professional facing legal challenges, Veromi Arsiradam Law is here to provide knowledgeable and supportive representation. We understand the complexities of professional regulation and can guide you through complaints, hearings, or other disputes.
Contact us today to learn more about your rights and legal options.