April 6, 2009

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

The province has passed the Regulated Health Professions Amendment Act, which allows health regulatory colleges to directly observe a health professional’s practice, including watching a procedure being performed, as part of a facility inspection.

The new legislation also ensures that a college investigator may make reasonable inquiries of a health professional under investigation. The health professional must cooperate fully.

“Our government is taking yet another step to improve patient safety in the province. This legislation will ensure that patients receive safe and high quality care from their health care providers, using the best medical equipment in the most secure settings.”
- David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

"We welcome this legislative change which will enhance our ability to fulfill our mandate to protect the public."
- Dr. Rayudu Koka, President, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario

• 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.

For further information :

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

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