Regulated Healh Professions Act (RHPA), 1991

About the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991

The Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) is an omnibus or umbrella law, which applies equally to 23 health professions. These professions include: Audiologists, Chiropodists, Chiropractors, Dental Hygienists, Dentists, Denturists, Dietitians, Massage Therapists, Medical Laboratory Technologists, Medical Radiation Technologists, Midwives, Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Opticians, Optometrists, Pharmacists, Physicians, Physiotherapists, Podiatrists, Psychologists, Respiratory Therapists, and Speech-Language Pathologists.
The RHPA also includes a procedural code, which sets common rules of procedure for the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario and all the 21 health regulatory Colleges.

Regulations Made by the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care, Under the RHPA

Funding for Therapy or Counselling for Patients Sexually Abused by Members (February 16, 1994)
Controlled Acts (Forms of Energy & Exemptions) (November 30, 1996)
Certificates of Authorization (for Professional Corporations) (February 8, 2002)

Respiratory Therapy Act (RTA) 1991

About the RTA

In addition to the RHPA, each of the regulated health professions is governed by profession specific legislation. For Respiratory Therapy, that legislation is the Respiratory Therapy Act, 1991, (also referred to as Bill 64). A third piece of legislation, the Regulated Health Professions Amendment Act, 1992, (also referred to as Bill 100), amends the RHPA by adding requirements aimed at the prevention of certain types of abuse and professional misconduct, especially abuse of a sexual nature. These bills were proclaimed into force by the government on December 31, 1993. The Office Consolidation version of the RHPA incorporates the amendments from Bill 100.

Regulations Made by the CRTO, Under the RTA

TIP: To find a specific regulation hit the CTRL and "f" key and enter the section you are looking for.

Advertising (April 17, 1997)
Notice of Meetings & Hearings (April 17, 1997)
Prescribed Procedures (below the dermis) (February 25, 1999)
Professional Misconduct (February 25, 1999)
Quality Assurance (February 25, 1999)
Registration (February 25, 1999)

Provincial Legislation


Apology Act, 2009 This legislation grants that an apology made by or on behalf of a person in relation to any civil matter does not constitute an admission of fault or liability. This applies, but is not limited to, healthcare matters; however it is not applicable in criminal proceeding.
Chase McEachern Act, 2006 Developed to protect individuals from civil liability when they attempt to save a life using an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, 1990 Defines the operation of pharmacies and the prescribing/ dispensing of drugs.
Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act, 1990 Legislation that covers the installation and use of x-ray machines and CT scanners.
Health Care Consent Act, 1996 Developed to establish the responsibilities with respect to consent to treatment that applies consistently in all health care settings.
Local Health Systems Integration Act, 2006 Legislative provision that shifts the management of the health system moves to the local level by establishing the local health integration networks (LHIN).
Long Term Care Act, 1994 Regarding the co-ordination of community services provided by multi-service agencies with those services offered by hospitals, long-term care facilities, mental health services, health care professionals and social service agencies, and to promote a continuum of health and social services.
Mandatory Blood Testing Act, 2006 Establishes the provision for mandatory blood testing to determine the HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B or hepatitis C status of a person to whose bodily substances that an emergency service provider or victim of crime may have become exposed to.
Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1990 The objects of this act are to secure the rights of workers and the duties of employers and other persons.
Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 Outlines the parameters for the collection, use and disclosure of personal health information within the health care setting.
Public Hospital Act, 1990 This legislation details the requirements for the administration of all publicly funded hospitals in Ontario. The Hospital Management Regulation (O. Reg 346/01) was established under this act.
Substitute Decision Act, 1992 Describes the process for appointing a decision-maker for a patient who is determined to be incapable.

Federal Legislation


Controlled drugs and Substances Act, 1996 Federal drug control statute.
Narcotics Control Regulation Regulations respecting the control of narcotics.
Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, 2000 Protects personal information that is collected, used or disclosed in by electronic means.