Mailing Address
Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council
55 St. Clair Avenue West
Suite 806 Box 18
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M4V 2Y7

Telephone and Facsimile
Toll-Free: 1-888-377-7746
Telephone: 416-326-1550.
Fax: 416-326-1549

Personal Support Workers

Minister's Question and HPRAC's Approach

The Minister's Question  

In June, 2007 the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care requested HPRAC's advice on whether a self-regulatory association model "would be appropriate for personal support workers, what steps would be necessary, and what supports would be required to facilitate the creation of such an association for this sector". He recognized the "extensive health care services provided by personal support workers in numerous environments".

His question builds on HPRAC's report of September, 2006, that recommended "that steps other than regulation of personal support workers under the RHPA are appropriate for the protection of the public interest at this time, and speaks to the fledgling nature of the organizations representing this important group of health care providers".

The September, 2006 report is now posted in "Reports and Resources - Current Reports" on this site.

 HPRAC's Approach

When a referral is received from the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, HPRAC determines relevant public interest concerns and questions. HPRAC attempts to understand all perspectives on an issue including those of key health care practitioners, other affected health care professionals, clients and patients, facilities and institutions, advocates and regulators. 

Each issue proceeds through a multi-stage process where information and responses are requested from and shared with all concerned stakeholders.

Initially, HPRAC will prepare a discussion document, including relevant information concerning the question and matters for consideration in its review of the potential of a self-regulatory association to support personal support workers. This document will be shared with organizations and individuals with an interest in the matter for their comment and additional information. HPRAC will independently conduct literature, jurisdictional and jurisprudence reviews, other research and analysis, and engage in key informant interviews. Its analysis of the issues will lead to a determination of additional information required, and the appropriate process to be used.  Watch this site for further information.