ONTARIO-The Ontario government is making changes that will allow personal support workers (PSWs) to register with the new Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority (HSCPOA) and that it will regulate physician assistants (PAs) through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
“Our government is taking bold action to grow and support Ontario’s health care workforce now and for years to come,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Through these changes, our government is reinforcing the critical role personal support workers and physician assistants play in our health care system while supporting the confidence of patients and their families.”
Beginning December 1, 2024, the more than 100,000 personal support workers in Ontario will have the option to register with the new HSCPOA. The HSCPOA will ensure consistent education and training for personal support workers, regardless of where they work and if they are part-time or full-time.
Those registered with the authority will also be listed on an online public register and be easily identified with the HSCPOA’s quality mark on their identification badge or paperwork in order to show employers, patients and their families proof of registration.
On April 1, 2025, physician assistants will be regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario to improve their integration within Ontario’s healthcare system and facilitate quality care and patient safety. Physician assistants help reduce wait times and improve patient access to care, especially in emergency departments and primary care in rural communities. Under the supervision of a physician, physician assistants may work individually or alongside nurses and other members of health care teams to provide health services such as:
- Taking patient histories
- Conducting physical examinations
- Ordering and interpreting tests
- Diagnosing and treating illnesses
- Counselling on preventive healthcare
“Together these new regulatory changes will help build a more connected, patient-centered healthcare system by ensuring people continue to have access to timely, high-quality care when connecting to care in settings including emergency departments, primary care, home care and long-term care.” said a press release from the province.
