Legislation, Regulations, & By-Laws

About Professional Regulation, Legislation, & By-Laws

The CRPO regulates its registrants in the public interest in accordance with the Psychotherapy Act, 2007 and the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the regulations and by-laws made under these Acts.

Legislation, Regulations, & By-Laws

About Professional Regulation, Legislation, & By-Laws

The CRPO regulates its registrants in the public interest in accordance with the Psychotherapy Act, 2007 and the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the regulations and by-laws made under these Acts.

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About Professional Regulation

 

In Canada, the regulation of trades and professions is done at the provincial level. The typical model for professions is self-regulation. Self-regulation refers to an approach or system where regulatory powers are delegated (in our case, through the Regulated Health Professions Act by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care) to a body that is comprised of members of the profession and that has the responsibility of protecting the public’s right to safe, effective and ethical health care.

 

Although newly regulated, Ontario’s Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) have the knowledge, skills and judgment needed to regulate themselves and their profession through the College. The College is led by a Council of nine professional members elected by their peers and as many public members as are appointed by the provincial government. Working with College staff, the Council regulates the practice of psychotherapy in Ontario to protect the public interest. This work includes:

 

  • developing, establishing and maintaining requirements for registration and renewal;
  • developing Professional Practice Standards for Registered Psychotherapists and the Code of Ethics;
  • ensuring the ongoing competence of members through the Quality Assurance (QA) Program;
  • holding members accountable for their conduct by investigating and addressing all complaints;
  • maintaining a Public Register of members;
  • taking action to prevent non-members from using restricted titles; and
  • providing funding for therapy and counselling in the event a client is sexually abused by an RP.

 

The professional regulator’s duty to protect the public interest makes its role different from other professional organizations, such as associations. Membership in professional associations is voluntary. These associations exist to advocate on behalf of and to serve their members through providing things such as networking opportunities, holding conferences/seminars/workshops, maintaining job boards and lobbying government to influence policy in furtherance of the economic, employment, professional and political interests of their members.

 

Right Touch and Risk Based Regulation

 

CRPO’s mission is to regulate registered psychotherapists in the public interest, striving to ensure competent and ethical practice. CRPO follows a right touch and risk-based approach, responding to situations based on the level of risk they pose. The Regulatory Problem Identification form allows anyone to nominate a problem for attention. A problem is pattern or trend of harm, malpractice or non-compliance within the profession. It goes beyond the actions of a single registrant and identifies areas for improvement in psychotherapy practice. CRPO will review forms received, determine if we can take any action, and report on our activities in the aggregate.

By-Laws

CRPO’s By-laws guide the operations of the College and its Council.

  • By-Laws

    The By-Laws of the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists of Ontario

    Read more here

Acts

Read about the acts of psychotherapy, regulated health professions, and personal health information protection.

  • Ontario Regulation

    Psychotherapy Act, 2007

    Regulations including registration, quality assurance, and professional misconduct.

    Read more here
  • Ontario Regulation

    Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991

    Regulations including but not limited to: controlled act restrictions, use of titles, and confidentiality.

    Read more here
  • Ontario Government

    Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004

    PHIPA allows health information custodians to engage the services of agents. For example, administrative staff or technical support providers could be considered an agent of the health information custodian.

    Read more here

Regulations Under the Psychotherapy Act, 2007

Read about professional misconduct, quality assurance, and registration regulation.

  • Psychotherapy Act, 2007

    Professional Misconduct Regulation

    Review the misconduct regulations set out by the Government of Ontario.

    Read more here
  • Psychotherapy Act, 2007

    Quality Assurance Program Regulation

    Review the quality assurance program regulations set out by the Government of Ontario.

    Read more here
  • Psychotherapy Act, 2007

    Registration Regulation

    Review the registration regulations set out by the Government of Ontario.

    Read more here

Controlled Act of Psychotherapy

For additional information on the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy, see the resources below.

  • Controlled Act

    Controlled Act Task Group Consultation Documents

    In developing this regulation, CRPO worked under authority drawn from section 11 of the Psychotherapy Act, 2007.

    Read more here
  • Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991

    Understanding when Psychotherapy is a Controlled Act

    The Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA), the governing legislation for regulated health professionals in Ontario, identifies 14 “controlled acts,” which may only be performed by regulated health professionals authorized to do so.

    Download PDF
  • Apply to CRPO

    Do I need to Apply?

    This self-assessment tool is intended to assist unregulated practitioners in determining if they need to apply for registration with CRPO or consider restricting their practice.

    Read more here
  • Apply to CRPO

    Controlled Act of Psychotherapy

    The 14 controlled acts are inherently risky and should only be performed by a properly qualified professional to ensure client/patient safety.

    Read more here

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