December 10, 2008

Ontario is increasing protection for people who undergo high risk procedures – such as cosmetic surgery.

The province is introducing legislation that would, if passed, give health regulatory colleges’ new powers to conduct comprehensive inspections in settings that are currently unregulated.

The changes would allow a regulatory college, such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario or the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, to directly observe a health professional’s practice and watch a procedure being performed.

“Patient safety is our top priority,” said David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.  “We’re taking these steps to ensure Ontarians receive procedures from qualified health professionals using the best medical equipment in a safe and secure setting.”

“The new public safety initiatives proposed by the government would allow health regulatory colleges to observe, first-hand, health professionals at work and the equipment they use,” said Irwin Fefergrad, Registrar, Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario. “This Amendment helps provide an opportunity to educate practitioners first. And it will help continue to ensure that Ontario patients receive safe and high quality care from their health care providers.”

• Health regulatory colleges are bodies with the authority under the Regulated Health Professions Act to regulate the professions in the public interest.
• In 2007, the government also provided greater protection to the public by requiring health regulatory colleges to post information on their websites about their members related to malpractice and professional negligence, professional misconduct and discipline decisions.

Find out more about the regulation of health professionals in Ontario.

Find out more about the College of Physicians and Surgeons initiatives to ensure the safety of patients who undergo cosmetic surgery.

• Ontario Improving Patient Safety

For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free in Ontario only)

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