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The RHPA Defines the College's Role

A quick reference guide to the Regulated Health Professions Act

How is the profession regulated and members governed?
"To regulate the practice of the profession and to govern the members in accordance with the health profession Act, this Code and the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the regulations and by-laws." RHPA, 1991, Sched. 2, s. 3(1) 1.
How CRTO deals with it The Council sets the strategic direction and makes policies that govern the profession. The Registrar and College staff administer these policies and bylaws on a daily basis.
Who determines who is qualified to practice?
"To develop, establish and maintain standards of qualification for persons to be issued certificates of registration." RHPA, 1991, Sched. 2, s. 3(1) 2.
How CRTO deals with it The Registration Committee develops fair and transparent registration requirements. They continually review entry-to-practice standards to ensure all applicants are qualified before being issued a certificate.
How is the quality of the profession assured?
"To develop, establish and maintain programs and standards of practice to assure the quality of the practice of the profession." RHPA, 1991, Sched. 2, s. 3(1) 3.
How CRTO deals with it The Quality Assurance Committee oversees programs that help members maintain their competence. This includes developing Standards of Practice and Clinical Best Practice Guidelines to guide daily care.
How is continuing competence promoted among members?
"To develop, establish and maintain standards of knowledge and skill and programs to promote continuing evaluation, competence and improvement among the members." RHPA, 1991, Sched. 2, s. 3(1) 4.
How CRTO deals with it Through the Quality Assurance Program, the CRTO requires members to participate in professional development (PORTfolio) and continuous learning activities to actively maintain and improve their knowledge and skills.
How are common controlled acts managed?
"To develop, in collaboration and consultation with other Colleges, standards of knowledge, skill and judgment relating to the performance of controlled acts common among health professions to enhance interprofessional collaboration..." RHPA, 1991, Sched. 2, s. 3(1) 4.1.
How CRTO deals with it The Council works with the Federation of Health Regulatory Colleges of Ontario (FHRCO) to align standards for overlapping scopes of practice, ensuring patient safety across different professions.
What standards guide professional behavior?
"To develop, establish and maintain standards of professional ethics for the members." RHPA, 1991, Sched. 2, s. 3(1) 5.
How CRTO deals with it The Council establishes the Code of Ethics. The Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) and Discipline Committee enforce these ethical standards when concerns are raised.
How are individuals assisted in exercising their rights?
"To develop, establish and maintain programs to assist individuals to exercise their rights under this Code and the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991." RHPA, 1991, Sched. 2, s. 3(1) 6.
How CRTO deals with it The Patient Relations Committee administers the program for funding therapy for patients who have been sexually abused by members. The College also maintains clear, accessible processes for the public to voice concerns.
What is the College's administrative role?
"To administer the health profession Act, this Code and the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 as it relates to the profession and to perform the other duties and exercise the other powers that are imposed or conferred on the College." RHPA, 1991, Sched. 2, s. 3(1) 7.
How CRTO deals with it The Registrar acts as the chief executive officer, managing the College's operations, finances, and statutory duties under the oversight of the Council and Executive Committee.
Who does the College build relationships with?
"To promote and enhance relations between the College and its members, other health profession colleges, key stakeholders, and the public." RHPA, 1991, Sched. 2, s. 3(1) 8.
How CRTO deals with it The College actively engages with members, the public, and partners through newsletters (e.g., The Bulletin), consultations, town halls, and the Communications team to build trust and transparency.
How does the College support working with others?
"To promote inter-professional collaboration with other health profession colleges." RHPA, 1991, Sched. 2, s. 3(1) 9.
How CRTO deals with it The College actively participates in regulatory forums and collaborates with other health colleges (via FHRCO) to address shared healthcare challenges and improve system-wide regulation.
How does the College handle future changes?
"To develop, establish, and maintain standards and programs to promote the ability of members to respond to changes in practice environments, advances in technology and other emerging issues." RHPA, 1991, Sched. 2, s. 3(1) 10.
How CRTO deals with it The Council engages in strategic foresight and planning. The Quality Assurance Committee reviews standards to reflect technological advances and evolving practice environments (e.g., simulation, AI in healthcare).