Frequently Asked Questions
• How will regulation of Ontario Pedorthists affect the practices of Canadian Certified Pedorthists in other provinces?
Ontario and British Columbia have the most rigorous processes for regulation across the country. Through the Ontario experience, we will collectively build knowledge and capacity to move forward in other provinces, should this be a priority. We also understand that achieving regulation in one province will give credibility to the process in other provinces. OPREG has invited PAC members from the east and west to join our planning process (by teleconference) to gain familiarity.
The major national insurance companies have assured OPREG members that regulation in one province would have no negative repercussions on pedorthists practicing outside of Ontario. Insurance companies realize that regulation does not make one C Ped (C) more qualified than another, it only adds to the credibility of the profession as a whole. One of our strengths is our national association and college, which create standards to be upheld across the country. In no way will regulation in one province create a two tiered image of pedorthics across the country.
The major national insurance companies have assured OPREG members that regulation in one province would have no negative repercussions on pedorthists practicing outside of Ontario. Insurance companies realize that regulation does not make one C Ped (C) more qualified than another, it only adds to the credibility of the profession as a whole. One of our strengths is our national association and college, which create standards to be upheld across the country. In no way will regulation in one province create a two tiered image of pedorthics across the country.
• What qualifications must one have to become a member of the Ontario College?
Current membership in the College of Pedorthics of Canada will likely be recognized for the first registrants. Subsequent registrants will likely be required to demonstrate successful completion of an examination. . Decisions regarding the qualifications will ultimately be made by the new college, but given that regulation in Ontario is a model of self-regulation it will be members of the profession who ultimately make these decisions in consultation with the government and the public. Pedorthists will have the largest voice in how the profession is evaluated.
• How am I affected if I am already a member of another Regulated Health Care Profession in Ontario?
You will not be adversely affected. You will, however, be required to continue to pay your dues for any and all professions in which you wish to be recognized (e.g.,as a physiotherapist, chiropractor, orthotist, chiropodist, kinesiologist etc.).
• What is health regulation?
Regulation is governance or control of by act of law. It does not necessarily mean, as has been misrepresented by some, a different or higher level of qualification.
Regulation of health professions does however enforce certain expectations of professionalism and conduct upon the health care professional.
Regulation provides protection to the public using health care services and allows for a fair and transparent mechanism for dealing with complaints and potential misconduct by a member of a health profession.
Regulation of health professions does however enforce certain expectations of professionalism and conduct upon the health care professional.
Regulation provides protection to the public using health care services and allows for a fair and transparent mechanism for dealing with complaints and potential misconduct by a member of a health profession.
• Who decides which groups are Health Regulated in Ontario?
The Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council (HPRAC) provides independent policy advice to the Minister of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) on matters related to the regulation of health professions in Ontario.
HPRAC advises the Minister on
Members of the Council are appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council. In formulating its advice, HPRAC seeks information and comment from members of the public, community organizations, interest groups, health professional regulatory colleges and associations, and conducts extensive research. The Council aims to be accessible and open, and its consultative processes may include written submissions, public hearings, focus groups, research projects and community meetings in order to capture the experience and expertise of those with an interest in the matter.
HPRAC advises the Minister on
- which unregulated health professions should be regulated
• whether regulated professions should no longer be regulated,
• amendments to the Regulated Health Professions Act, a health profession act or a regulation under those acts,
• quality assurance and patient relations programs of Ontario's health regulatory Colleges, and
• matters referred to it by the Minister.
Members of the Council are appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council. In formulating its advice, HPRAC seeks information and comment from members of the public, community organizations, interest groups, health professional regulatory colleges and associations, and conducts extensive research. The Council aims to be accessible and open, and its consultative processes may include written submissions, public hearings, focus groups, research projects and community meetings in order to capture the experience and expertise of those with an interest in the matter.
• Which professions are currently Health Regulated in Ontario?
College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario
College of Chiropodists of Ontario
College of Chiropractors of Ontario
College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario
Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario
College of Dental Technologists of Ontario
College of Denturists of Ontario
College of Dieticians of Ontario
College of Massage Therapists of Ontario
College of Medical Laboratory Technologist of Ontario
College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario
College of Midwives of Ontario
College of Nurses of Ontario
College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
College of Opticians of Ontario
College of Optometrists of Ontario
Ontario College of Pharmacists
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
College of Psychologists of Ontario
College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario
Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy - Naturopathy
As well, several professions have applied for regulated status and have been successful in getting the necessary legislation passed to become members of the regulated health professions in Ontario. These professions which include kinesiology, pharmacy technicians, etc. will join the ranks of the regulated professions once their college councils are chosen.
College of Chiropodists of Ontario
College of Chiropractors of Ontario
College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario
Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario
College of Dental Technologists of Ontario
College of Denturists of Ontario
College of Dieticians of Ontario
College of Massage Therapists of Ontario
College of Medical Laboratory Technologist of Ontario
College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario
College of Midwives of Ontario
College of Nurses of Ontario
College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
College of Opticians of Ontario
College of Optometrists of Ontario
Ontario College of Pharmacists
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
College of Psychologists of Ontario
College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario
Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy - Naturopathy
As well, several professions have applied for regulated status and have been successful in getting the necessary legislation passed to become members of the regulated health professions in Ontario. These professions which include kinesiology, pharmacy technicians, etc. will join the ranks of the regulated professions once their college councils are chosen.
• Why should Canadian Certified Pedorthists become Health Regulated in Ontario?
Becoming a regulated health profession ultimately protects the public,and brings about a higher degree of accountability to the entire pedorthic profession. With this increased accountability however, come many residual benefits.
1. C Ped (C)’s have a unique skill set.
The ability to assess the lower limb and gait, as well as cast, manufacture, adjust, and dispense foot orthoses and shoes is a skill set unique to C Ped (C) s. Other professions whose practices are beginning to incorporate these skill sets without the proper training are putting the public at risk and potentially tarnishing the reputation of the entire industry.
2. HPRAC is currently reviewing the foot care model in Ontario.
This is a great opportunity for Pedorthists to make themselves known on a provincial stage, as the government will be assessing all facets of the foot care model in Ontario. It is not that common for an entire health care model to be put under review. We need to seize this opportunity to have a voice and make our position heard.
3. Other professions are looking to control the industry.
Like all forms of business, the foot health industry is full of competition. However, many inadequately trained people are providing foot orthoses and shoes with profit margins being the sole motive for dispensing products. As a very lucrative “side gig”, these other health care providers are taking interest in making orthotics and shoes a part of their scope of practice under the regulated guidelines. Although this is unlikely to be passed by government any time soon, the realization that this may occur should motivate Pedorthists to define and differentiate their profession by creating a formal scope of practice through regulation.
4. Open-minded Liberal government.
Unlike previous governments, who have been unwilling to consider the regulation of new health professions, the current Liberal government is very open to this process and has allowed a number of professions to apply for regulation. It seems timely that we have this legitimate opportunity to present our position to HPRAC and it would be a shame to see the door shut on this process if a new government was to come into power. Many professions, such as Kinesiology, waited for years for the opportunity to even be heard.
5. Improves our image amongst the health care community.
Although regulation does not imply a higher level of knowledge, making it through the intensive application process creates a level of credibility within the health care community and the public. Being regulated by a provincial governing body also takes the onus off insurance companies to monitor our profession, allowing our credentials to speak for themselves.
1. C Ped (C)’s have a unique skill set.
The ability to assess the lower limb and gait, as well as cast, manufacture, adjust, and dispense foot orthoses and shoes is a skill set unique to C Ped (C) s. Other professions whose practices are beginning to incorporate these skill sets without the proper training are putting the public at risk and potentially tarnishing the reputation of the entire industry.
2. HPRAC is currently reviewing the foot care model in Ontario.
This is a great opportunity for Pedorthists to make themselves known on a provincial stage, as the government will be assessing all facets of the foot care model in Ontario. It is not that common for an entire health care model to be put under review. We need to seize this opportunity to have a voice and make our position heard.
3. Other professions are looking to control the industry.
Like all forms of business, the foot health industry is full of competition. However, many inadequately trained people are providing foot orthoses and shoes with profit margins being the sole motive for dispensing products. As a very lucrative “side gig”, these other health care providers are taking interest in making orthotics and shoes a part of their scope of practice under the regulated guidelines. Although this is unlikely to be passed by government any time soon, the realization that this may occur should motivate Pedorthists to define and differentiate their profession by creating a formal scope of practice through regulation.
4. Open-minded Liberal government.
Unlike previous governments, who have been unwilling to consider the regulation of new health professions, the current Liberal government is very open to this process and has allowed a number of professions to apply for regulation. It seems timely that we have this legitimate opportunity to present our position to HPRAC and it would be a shame to see the door shut on this process if a new government was to come into power. Many professions, such as Kinesiology, waited for years for the opportunity to even be heard.
5. Improves our image amongst the health care community.
Although regulation does not imply a higher level of knowledge, making it through the intensive application process creates a level of credibility within the health care community and the public. Being regulated by a provincial governing body also takes the onus off insurance companies to monitor our profession, allowing our credentials to speak for themselves.
• What is the process for becoming Health Regulated in Ontario?
• How long will it take?
The rate at which regulation can move forward is determined by the Provincial government, specifically the MOHLTC and HPRAC (Health Profession’s Regulatory Advisory Council), and their willingness to expedite each stage of the process (remembering that HPRAC is not actually part of the government, rather, they are an independent advisor to government).
The Ontario working group - OPREG - came together to prepare the extensive documentation required for the submission. We will welcome assistance of others in completing this major task.
The Ontario working group - OPREG - came together to prepare the extensive documentation required for the submission. We will welcome assistance of others in completing this major task.
• How much will it cost?
Costs to achieve regulation have been projected, based on the experience of the Ontario Kinesiology Association (currently waiting for Royal Assent), the advice of a consultant and the views of OPREG volunteers. We have assumed a three-year process in the projections. Year one costs are estimated at $54,500, including consulting fees, lobbying costs, communications and a contingency. Total costs are conservatively estimated at $200,000.
About 60 per cent of legal costs will be generated in year 3 as the structure is created. The projections exclude volunteer time and personal expenses by OPREG volunteers, estimated to be at least 20 hours per week for the 3 year period.
About 60 per cent of legal costs will be generated in year 3 as the structure is created. The projections exclude volunteer time and personal expenses by OPREG volunteers, estimated to be at least 20 hours per week for the 3 year period.
• Do I have to join the College when it is approved in Ontario?
Yes. It will become a matter of law, that you must be a member of the College of Pedorthists in Ontario in order to practice.