Midwives provide comprehensive care to individuals during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They are skilled in managing low-risk pregnancies and are an integral part of hospital maternity care.
Under section 4, Midwives are authorized to perform many acts in the context of labour, delivery and postpartum, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on their certificate of registration. These acts include communicating a diagnosis and disease, managing labour, inserting urinary catheters into women, performing episiotomies and amniotomies, administering substances, prescribing drugs, placing instruments beyond the labia majora, taking blood samples from newborns, intubating newborns, and administering substances by injection or inhalation when ordered by a physician.
Other registration requirements for midwives depend on the applicant's background. These requirements vary based on whether the applicant is a graduate of an Ontario Midwifery Education Program (MEP), a former registrant of the CMO within the last five years, a midwife currently registered in another Canadian jurisdiction, a graduate of a Midwifery Education Program in another Canadian jurisdiction (but not currently registered), or an internationally educated midwife. Please see the registration requirements based on application type.
Midwives work closely with obstetricians, nurses, and family physicians, particularly when managing higher-risk pregnancies that require consultation or transfer of care.
Definition
Nurses, including registered nurses (RNs), registered practical nurses (RPNs), and nurse practitioners (NPs), provide direct patient care, including administering medications, monitoring health, and supporting recovery. NPs have advanced practice roles that allow them to diagnose, prescribe, and treat certain conditions independently.
Regulatory Body
The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) is the regulatory and governing body for nurses who practice in Ontario.
There is a public registry for nurses.
Relevant Legislation
Governed by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, the Nursing Act, 1991, and other health care regulations.
Scope of Practice Statement
Under section 3 of the Nursing Act, the practice of nursing is defined as “the promotion of health and the assessment of, the provision of care for and the treatment of health conditions by supportive, preventive, therapeutic, palliative and rehabilitative means in order to attain or maintain optimal function."
Authorized Acts
RPNs and RNs in Ontario are authorized to perform a range of controlled acts in the course of their practice, subject to the terms, conditions, and limitations imposed on their certificates of registration. They are permitted to:
Communicate a diagnosis to a patient or their representative; however, this is strictly limited to cases where the diagnosis is made for the purpose of prescribing a drug as authorized by regulation
Perform prescribed procedures below the dermis or a mucous membrane
Administer substances by injection or inhalation
Insert an instrument, hand, or finger beyond various anatomical points, including the external ear canal, the nasal passages beyond their normal narrowing, the larynx, the opening of the urethra, the labia majora, the anal verge, or into an artificial opening in the body
Prescribe drugs designated in the regulations, dispense drugs
Provide psychotherapy to individuals suffering from serious disorders affecting thought, cognition, mood, emotional regulation, perception, or memory when such conditions may significantly impair an individual's judgment, insight behavior, communication, or social functioning
NPs, who are registered nurses holding an extended certificate of registration, have a broader scope of practice that includes additional controlled acts beyond those authorized for RPNs and RNs. NPs are permitted to:
Communicate a diagnosis that identifies a disease or disorder as the cause of a patient's symptoms
Perform procedures below the dermis or a mucous membrane
Insert an instrument, hand, or finger beyond various anatomical landmarks, similar to RNs and RPNs.
Apply or order the application of a prescribed form of energy, such as defibrillation or ultrasound
Set or cast fractures and dislocations
Administer substances by injection or inhalation in accordance with the regulations, and, in some cases, administer such substances only when ordered by a physician or another authorized health care provider
Prescribe, dispense, sell, or compound drugs as permitted by the regulations
Provide psychotherapy for individuals experiencing serious mental health disorders that may significantly impact their cognitive or emotional well-being
Qualifications and Training
Education: Under O Reg 275/94 (Registration), applicants for registration as RPNs must have completed an approved diploma in practical nursing, while RNs must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an approved program or an equivalent qualification. NPs must be or have been registered as an RN, have completed an approved extended class nursing program, and passed an approved specialty examination. All applicants must meet examination, language proficiency, and practice requirements as determined by the Registration Committee.
Registration Requirements: All applicants must register with the CNO to become members. The registration requirements for nurses depend on the applicant's background and the type of registration they are seeking. Requirements vary based on whether the applicant is applying as an RN or RPN from Ontario, another Canadian jurisdiction, or outside Canada, applying as an NP, seeking registration in the Temporary Class, or applying for reinstatement of their membership with the CNO. Please see the registration requirements based on application type.
Delegation and Collaboration
Nurses collaborate with physicians, dietitians, and other health care providers to deliver comprehensive care.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Overview of applicable legislation can be found on the College of Nurses of Ontario webpage.
Occupational Therapy
Definition
Occupational therapists (OTs) help individuals regain or improve their ability to perform daily activities following illness, injury, or disability.
Regulatory Body
The College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) is the regulatory and governing body for occupational therapists who practice in Ontario.
There is a public registry for OTs.
Relevant Legislation
Governed by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Occupational Therapy Act, 1991.
Scope of Practice Statement
Under section 3 of the Occupational Therapy Act, 1991, the practice of occupational therapy is defined as “assessment of function and adaptive behaviour and the treatment and prevention of disorders which affect function or adaptive behaviour to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment function or adaptive behaviour in the areas of self-care, productivity and leisure."
Authorized Acts
Under section 3.1, a member of COTO may treat, by means of psychotherapy technique delivered through a therapeutic relationship, an individual's serious disorder of thought, cognition, mood, emotional regulation, perception or memory that may seriously impair the individual's judgement, insight, behaviour, communication or social functioning subject to the term, conditions and limitations imposed on their certificate of registration.
Qualifications and Training
Education: Under section 36 of O Reg 122/01 (Registration), an applicant for a general practicing certificate must have a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Ontario, an equivalent academic qualification approved by the Registration Committee, or a recognized diploma granted before 1973.
Registration Requirements: All applicants must pass the national certification exam and be registered with COTO. The registration requirements for OTs depend on the applicant's background and registration type. General registration is available to applicants who meet all requirements, including those educated in Canada or abroad and those registered in another province. Applicants may also be Canadian-educated, internationally educated, or already registered in another province. Former registrants of COTO must reapply and meet all currency, suitability to practice, and insurance requirements. Provisional registration may be granted to applicants awaiting the National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination (NOTCE), while temporary registration allows occupational therapists from other provinces or countries to practice in Ontario for a limited period. For more details, see the registration requirements based on application type.
Delegation and Collaboration
OTs work closely with physiotherapists, speech therapists, and physicians in rehabilitation settings.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Overview of applicable legislation can be found on the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario webpage.
Personal Support Work
Definition
Personal Support Workers (PSWs) provide care to individuals requiring assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as feeding, bathing, and mobility. They often work in homes, long-term care facilities, and community settings.
Oversight Authority
As of December 2024, the Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority (HSCPOA) is responsible for registering and overseeing PSWs in Ontario.
There is a public registry for PSWs.
Relevant Legislation
Governed by the Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority Act, 2021.
Scope of Practice Statement
The PSW framework does not define a specific scope of practice for PSWs. Instead, each hospital may choose to determine the scope of practice for PSWs working within their organization, subject to the controlled acts provisions in the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991.
Authorized Acts
N/A
Qualifications and Training
Education: Under section 5(2) of O. Reg. 217/24 (Registration), an applicant must have completed a program that meets the standards set by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities for preparing individuals to provide personal support services. The program must have been delivered by an Ontario post-secondary institution or district school board that issued the applicant a personal support worker certificate. Applicants who do not meet this requirement must explore alternative pathways to registration.
Registration Requirements: PSWs can apply for registration with HSCPOA through four different pathways based on their qualifications and experience. For more information about the registration pathways and the documentation requirements for each pathway, please visit the HSCPOA website.
Delegation and Collaboration
PSWs work closely with nursing staff, occupational therapists and other health professionals particularly in long-term care settings.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Overview of applicable legislation can be found on the Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority webpage.
Relevant Resources
Pharmacy
Definition
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in hospitals manage medications, review prescriptions, and advise health care teams on drug therapies. They play a critical role in ensuring medication safety and effectiveness.
Regulatory Body
The Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) is the regulatory and governing body for pharmacists who practice in Ontario.
Relevant Legislation
Governed by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Pharmacy Act, 1991.
Scope of Practice Statement
Under section 3 of the Pharmacy Act, 1991, the practice of pharmacy includes the custody, compounding, dispensing and prescribing of drugs, the provision of health care aids and devices and the provision of information and education related to the aforementioned. Additionally, the practice includes the promotion of health, prevention and treatment of disease, disorders and dysfunctions through monitoring and management of medication therapy and the assessment of conditions for the purposes of providing medication therapies.
Authorized Acts
Under section 4 of the Pharmacy Act, 1991, an OCP member may dispense and prescribe drugs, supervise the part of the pharmacy where drugs are kept, administer substances specified in the regulations by injection or inhalation, prescribe drugs listed in the regulations as well as those not in accordance with them, and perform procedures on tissue beneath the dermis, subject to the terms, conditions, and limitations set forth in their certificate of registration their certificate of registration.
Additionally, these acts must be performed in accordance with the regulations under the Pharmacy Act, 1991, which pharmacists, interns, pharmacy technicians, and intern technicians are authorized to do, specifies the substances and drugs that may be administered or prescribed, and sets out procedural safeguards, including informed consent, patient record-keeping, and collaboration requirements where applicable (see Part XIV – O Reg 256/24).
Qualifications and Training
Education: Under O. Reg. 202/94 (Registration), applicants for registration as pharmacists must hold a baccalaureate degree in pharmacy from a Canadian program accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs, or possess an equivalent qualification approved by the Council. Pharmacy technicians must have a certificate, diploma, or university degree in pharmacy from an accredited program, or an equivalent qualification approved by the Council. Applicants whose education does not meet these requirements must undergo an evaluation and complete either a bridging program or the qualifying examination of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC).
Registration Requirements: All registrants must successfully complete OCP national and provincial examinations. The registration requirements for pharmacists in Ontario depend on the applicant's education and licensing background. While all applicants must meet the same requirements and qualifications, there are different pathways to registration.
Applicants must first complete the education requirement before beginning the registration process. Pathways include graduating from a CCAPP-accredited pharmacy program in Ontario or another province, an ACPE-accredited pharmacy program, or an international pharmacy program. International graduates who have passed the PEBC Qualifying Exam on the first attempt may have additional considerations. Additionally, pharmacists already licensed in Canada outside Ontario can apply through a separate process. For more details, see the registration requirements based on application type.
Delegation and Collaboration
Pharmacists work closely with physicians, nurses, and dietitians to optimize patient medication plans.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Overview of applicable legislation can be found on the Ontario College of Pharmacists webpage.
Relevant Resources
Physiotherapy
Definition
Physiotherapists help individuals restore movement and function following injury, illness, or disability. They use physical therapy techniques to manage pain, improve mobility, and prevent further injury.
Regulatory Body
The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario (CPO) is the regulatory and governing body for physiotherapists who practice in Ontario.
Relevant Legislation
Governed by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Physiotherapy Act, 1991.
Scope of Practice Statement
Under section 3 of the Physiotherapy Act, 1991, the practice of physiotherapy is defined as “the assessment of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and cardio respiratory systems, the diagnosis of diseases or disorders associated with physical dysfunction, injury or pain and the treatment, rehabilitation and prevention or relief of physical dysfunction, injury or pain to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment function and promote mobility."
Authorized Acts
Under section 4 of the Physiotherapy Act, 1991, physiotherapists are authorized to perform several controlled acts in the course of their practice, subject to the terms, conditions, and limitations imposed on their certificate of registration. These acts include communicating a diagnosis identifying a disease, physical disorder, or dysfunction as the cause of a person's symptoms; moving the joints of the spine beyond a person's usual physiological range of motion using a fast, low-amplitude thrust; performing tracheal suctioning; and treating wounds below the dermis through cleansing, soaking, irrigating, probing, debriding, packing, and dressing. Physiotherapists are also authorized to assess or rehabilitate pelvic musculature related to incontinence or pain disorders by inserting an instrument, hand, or finger beyond the labia majora or anal verge, order the application of a prescribed form of energy, and administer substances by inhalation.
Qualifications and Training
Education: Regardless of the type of certification, under O Reg 532/98, a member requires a degree in physiotherapy.
Registration Requirements: The registration requirements for physiotherapists in Ontario depend on their educational background. Canadian-educated applicants can apply for Provisional Practice after graduating from a Canadian physiotherapy program, passing the written exam, and registering for the Ontario Clinical Exam. Once both exams are completed, they can apply for Independent Practice to become fully licensed. Internationally educated applicants must have their education credentialed and complete a language assessment through the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) before registering with the CPO. For more details, see the registration requirements.
Delegation and Collaboration
Physiotherapists work closely with physicians, occupational therapists, and other health care professionals to develop treatment plans for patients in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Overview of applicable legislation can be found on the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario webpage.
Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis
Definition
Psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions and cognitive disorders. They use psychological interventions to support individuals experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges.
Regulatory Body
The College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) is the regulatory and governing body for psychologists who practice in Ontario.
Relevant Legislation
Governed by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis Act, 2021.
Scope of Practice Statement
Under section 3 of the Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis Act, 2021, the practice of psychology is defined as “the assessment of behavioural and mental conditions, the diagnosis of neuropsychological disorders and dysfunctions and psychotic, neurotic and personality disorders and dysfunctions, the prevention and treatment of behavioural and mental disorders and dysfunctions and the maintenance and enhancement of physical, intellectual, emotional, social and interpersonal functioning." Meanwhile, the practice of applied behaviour analysis is defined as “the assessment of covert and overt behaviour and its functions through direct observation and measurement, and the design, implementation, delivery and evaluation of interventions derived from the principles of behaviour in order to produce meaningful improvements."
Authorized Acts
Under section 4 of the Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis Act, 2021, a CPBAO member is authorized to perform specific controlled acts in the course of their practice, subject to the terms, conditions, and limitations imposed on their certificate of registration. These acts include communicating a diagnosis that identifies a neuropsychological disorder or a psychologically based psychotic, neurotic, or personality disorder as the cause of a person's symptoms. Additionally, psychologists are authorized to treat individuals with serious disorders of thought, cognition, mood, emotional regulation, perception, or memory that may significantly impair judgment, insight, behavior, communication, or social functioning through psychotherapy techniques delivered within a therapeutic relationship.
Qualifications and Training
Education: Under section 6(1) of O Reg 67/15 (Registration), an applicant must have completed a psychotherapy program approved by the Registration Committee, received a master's degree in the same program or completed a program substantially equivalent to the ones mentioned above, or have other education and training that, when combined, meet the Committee's standards for substantial equivalence.
Registration Requirements: The registration requirements for psychology and behavioural analysis in Ontario depend on the applicant's background and application stream. Applicants may apply for Supervised Practice as a Psychologist or Psychological Associate, including those educated outside Canada/U.S. Those already licensed in another Canadian jurisdiction can apply for Autonomous Practice under Canadian Labour Mobility, while applicants currently licensed in the U.S. have a separate process. For more details, see the registration requirements.
Delegation and Collaboration
Psychologists collaborate with psychiatrists, social workers, and health care teams in hospitals and mental health clinics.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Overview of applicable legislation can be found on the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario webpage.
Definition
Psychotherapists provide therapeutic interventions to help patients manage mental health conditions and emotional challenges.
Regulatory Body
The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) is the regulatory and governing body for psychotherapists who practice in Ontario.
Relevant Legislation
Governed by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Psychotherapy Act, 2007.
Scope of Practice Statement
Under section 3 of the Psychotherapy Act, 2007, the practice of psychotherapy is defined as “the assessment and treatment of cognitive, emotional or behavioural disturbances by psychotherapeutic means, delivered through a therapeutic relationship based primarily on verbal or non-verbal communication."
Authorized Acts
Under section 4 of the Psychotherapy Act, 2007, a CRPO member may treat, by means of psychotherapy technique delivered through a therapeutic relationship, an individual's serious disorder of thought, cognition, mood, emotional regulation, perception or memory that may seriously impair the individual's judgement, insight, behaviour, communication or social functioning, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on their certificate of registration.
Qualifications and Training
Education: Under section 6(1) of O Reg 67/15 (Registration), an applicant must have completed a psychotherapy program approved by the Registration Committee, received a master's degree in the same program or completed a program substantially equivalent to the ones mentioned above, or have other education and training that, when combined, meet the Committee's standards for substantial equivalence.
Registration Requirements: The registration requirements for psychotherapy in Ontario depend on the applicant's background and application type. Applicants have five types of applications they can choose from, which includes CRPO recognized/accepted program, non-recognized program, labour mobility, Indigenous registration pathway and temporary. For more details, see the registration requirements.
Delegation and Collaboration
Psychotherapists work alongside psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers to provide mental health care services in clinical and community settings.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Overview of applicable legislation can be found on the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario webpage.
Definition
Respiratory therapists (RTs) provide care for patients with breathing disorders, including managing ventilators and administering oxygen therapy.
Regulatory Body
The College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO) is responsible for governing the practice of respiratory therapy and RTs in Ontario.
Relevant Legislation
Governed by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Respiratory Therapy Act, 1991.
Scope of Practice Statement
Under section 3 of the Respiratory Therapy Act, the practice of respiratory therapy is defined as “providing of oxygen therapy, cardio-respiratory equipment monitoring and the assessment and treatment of cardio-respiratory and associated disorders to maintain or restore ventilation."
Authorized Acts
Under section 4 of the Respiratory Therapy Act, RTs are authorized to perform several key medical procedures, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on their certificate of registration. These include performing prescribed procedures below the dermis, intubating and suctioning beyond the normal narrowing points in the nasal passages or beyond the larynx, and administering substances by injection or inhalation. Additionally, they can administer prescribed substances specifically by inhalation.
Qualifications and Training
Education: Under section 6 of Ontario Regulation 596/94 (General), an applicant must have completed a Canadian approved respiratory therapy program or have completed an acceptable program with additional education or supervised practice and demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills, and judgment through an acceptable assessment process.
Registration Requirements: All applicants must register with the CRTO and pass the national certification exam by the Canadian Board for Respiratory Care (CBRC). There are different application types including graduates of Canadian RT programs, RTs working elsewhere in Canada, and internationally educated RTs or other health care professionals. View information about these different pathways.
Delegation and Collaboration
RTs collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health care settings. They often work under physician orders but also exercise professional judgment in emergency and critical care situations.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Overview of Applicable Legislation can be found on the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario webpage.
Social Work and Social Services
Definition
Social workers and social service workers assist individuals, families, and communities to enhance their well-being. They provide services such as counseling, advocacy, and connecting clients with resources.
Regulatory Body
The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is responsible for governing social workers and social service workers in Ontario.
Relevant Legislation
Governed by the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998.
Scope of Practice Statement
The OCSWSSW defines the scope of practice for social workers and social service workers in its Code of Ethics.
Social work is the “the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of individual, interpersonal and societal problems using social work knowledge, skills, interventions and strategies, to assist individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and communities to enhance psychosocial and social functioning and/or reduce systemic barriers and promote equity, inclusion and belonging."
Social services work is “the assessment, treatment, and evaluation of individual, interpersonal and societal problems using social service work knowledge, skills, interventions and strategies, to assist individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and communities to enhance social functioning and/or to reduce systemic barriers and promote equity, inclusion and belonging."
Authorized Acts
While social workers and social service workers do not have authorized acts under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, they perform various professional activities within their scope of practice, adhering to the standards set by the OCSWSSW.
Qualifications and Training
Education: Under section 7 of Ontario Regulation 838/00 (Registration), a social work applicant must have obtained a degree in social work from a program accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education or approved by the OCSWSSW. Under section 8 of the same regulation, a social services work applicant must have obtained a diploma in social service work from a program approved by the OCSWSSW.
Registration Requirements: The registration process varies depending on type of application. For more information regarding the application process for social work and social service work applicants, visit the social work registration page or the social service work registration page.
Delegation and Collaboration
Social workers and social service workers often work as part of interprofessional health care teams, particularly in hospitals, community mental health agencies, and long-term care.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Overview of applicable legislation can be found on the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers webpage.
