Public Protection

Important Note:

Under the Regulatory Bodies / Professional Associations section on our healthcare profiles you will find links that direct you to the appropriate Regulatory College and Professional Association websites of the health professional profile you are viewing. On these websites you will be able to find information on the latest Public Protection initiatives put on by the College.

What does that mean?

Safe and Effective Health Care.

The Ontario government protects your right to receive safe, competent, ethical and compassionate health care services for your health needs through the regulation of health professionals.

How does this help the public?

More information is now provided about the province’s health care professionals, specifically when it comes to their conduct and practice issues.

There are specific functions in place to protect you to receive safe and effective health care in Ontario, these are:

1. Government legislation and regulations that Regulatory Colleges must follow
2. Standards of practice, policies and guidelines as well as codes of ethics that must be carried out
3. Registration requirements from those applying to the profession
4. Quality Assurance Programs
5. Public registrars so that you can check to see if the health care professional is qualified to practice
6. A profess at the College to investigate your complaint or concern
   • Your complaint or concern goes directly to the college
7. A continuous increase in transparency of College processes and decision-making, so that more information is available to you

It is only regulated health care professionals that have to answer to a regulatory body for the quality of the care they provide. This means protection for your life and health.

Unregulated care providers do not have the same mandatory measures to make sure their professionals have the proper training, education or standards.  Your complaint or concern can only be dealt with by their employer or through the court system.

Related Topics:

What is a Regulatory College? – Public Education & Protection

What is a Professional Association? – A Voice for their Members

What is a Public Register? – Protection & Accountability

Quality Assurance – A Marker for Safety & Quality

Transparency – Commitment to Openness