A Self-Regulated Profession
Self-regulation means that the government allows the profession to regulate its own registrants. This is done through a regulatory College that sets standards and judges the conduct of its registrants through peer assessment. A self-regulated profession must have a commitment to acting in the public interest.
The Role of the College in Self-Regulation
The role and powers of the College of Optometrists of Ontario are set out in legislation. The College has the authority to:
- Regulate the practice of the profession in accordance with the law
- Develop and administer entry-to-practice (registration) requirements
- Develop and enforce standards of professional practice and conduct
- Help registrants respond to changes that affect their practice
- Develop programs to help people exercise their rights under the legislation by submitting complaints
- Promote positive relationships with registrants, the public and other stakeholders.
The College and the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care
The Regulated Health Professions Act requires the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care to ensure that:
- The health professions are regulated and coordinated in the public interest
- Appropriate standards of practice are in place
- Ontarians have access to services of the health professions of their choice
- The public is treated with sensitivity and respect by health professionals, the regulatory colleges and the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board.
Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council (HPRAC)
The Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council advises the Minister on:
- Whether unregulated professions should be regulated
- Whether regulated professions should no longer be regulated
- Whether amendments to the legislation are needed
- Quality assurance programs run by regulatory colleges
- Other matters that the Minister asks for advice on.
The Advisory Council also monitors each college’s patient relations program.
Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB)
The Board hears and decides on appeals that concern:
- decisions of the College’s Registration Committee
- decisions the College makes about complaints from the public
- decisions of the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (except those referred to the Discipline Committee).
The Board is made up of 12 to 20 people. They are appointed based on recommendations from the Minister.