Consultations

Considering the views of the public, profession, and other stakeholders allows the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO) to develop policies, guidelines, and other documents that reflect best practice and the public interest. The CRTO is committed to developing policies that are transparent, accountable, and aligned with public expectations. Public consultation is an important way of doing this and is a critical element of the CRTO’s Policy Development Process.

To ensure transparency and promote conversation, all feedback received is anonymous.

Current Consultations

At present, there are no ongoing  consultations available for participation.

 


Closed Consultations

CRTO By-Laws

Consultation Closed on: February 7, 2024

Consultation Closed on: February 17, 2023
To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Consultation Closed on: February 11, 2022
To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here

To view the current By-Laws click here.

 

Policies

Accessibility Standards Policy

Consultation Closed on: May 21, 2021


The purpose of this policy is to identify access barriers, improve opportunities and provide accessibility for people with disabilities. The Accessibility Standards policy outlines the CRTO’s policies, practices and procedures to ensure compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

View the approved Accessibility Standards Policy.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Application for Registration Document Requirements Policy

Consultation Closed on: April 15, 2022


We would like your feedback on our Application for Registration Document Requirements Policy. This Policy was last reviewed by Council on June 6, 2014. This document has gone through a rigorous policy review process based on a new Policy Framework. Although the policy has been updated to reflect the CRTO’s new policy template, the intent and direction of the original policy has not changed. The only substantive change to this policy is section 4.0 (Documentation), this policy has been amended to also include members of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada. This policy applies to applicants of the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario.

View the approved Application for Registration Document Requirements Policy.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Application for Registration File Closure Policy

Consultation Closed on: April 15, 2022


We would like your feedback on our Application for Registration File Closure Policy. This Policy was last reviewed by Council on December 6, 2019. This document has gone through a rigorous policy review process based on a new Policy Framework. Although the policy has been updated to reflect the CRTO’s new policy template, the content and intent of this policy has not changed. This policy applies to applicants of the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario.

View the approved Application for Registration – File Closure Policy.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Approval of Canadian Education Programs Policy

Consultation Closed on: April 15, 2022


We would like your feedback on our Approval of Canadian Education Programs Policy. This Policy was last reviewed by Council on December 6, 2019. This document has gone through a rigorous policy review process based on a new Policy Framework. Although the policy has been updated to reflect the CRTO’s new policy template, the intent and direction of the original policy has not changed. This policy applies to the Registration Committee and Council of the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario.

View the approved Approval of Canadian Education Programs Policy.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Code of Conduct for Public Observers Policy

Consultation Closed on: April 15, 2022


We would like your feedback on our Code of Conduct for Public Observers Policy. This Policy was last reviewed by Council on June 1, 2018. It has been updated to reflect the CRTO’s new policy template. This document has gone through a rigorous policy review process based on a new Policy Framework. The title, intent and direction of this policy have changed to broaden the scope of the policy so that it applies to all members of the public who attend public CRTO proceedings. The current policy only applies to Discipline Hearing Observers. This policy applies to members of the public who attend public proceedings of the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario. This policy has also been updated to include in-person and virtual proceedings.

View the approved Code of Conduct for Public Observers Policy.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Deferral of Quality Assurance Requirements Policy

Consultation Closed on: April 15, 2022


We would like your feedback on our Deferral of Quality Assurance Requirements Policy. This Policy was last reviewed by Council on June 1, 2018. It has been updated to reflect the CRTO’s new policy template. This document has gone through a rigorous policy review process based on a new Policy Framework. The direction and intent of the policy has not changed. The purpose of this policy is to acknowledge that exceptional circumstances may temporarily make it difficult for Members to meet their PDP obligations within the time frame specified by the CRTO, and may require a temporary deferral. This policy applies to members of the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario.

View the approved Deferral of Quality Assurance Requirements Policy.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Disclosure of Witness Statements Policy

Consultation Closed on: December 15, 2021


As part of the CRTO’s implementation of the new Policy Framework, we are going through a process of refreshing and revising our public facing policy documents, in a phased approach. The Disclosure of Witness Statements policy has had significant changes which include: the policy’s terminology, which has been revised to capture specific types of conduct related to a member’s conduct or actions. In addition, the policy now specifically differentiates between CRTO staff and/or the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC), regarding who is assessing the information and disclosing information to parties involved in the matter. Lastly, the policy now includes an option of cautioning the member regarding the implications of retaliating against witnesses. This option has been added to account for instances where redaction of materials is not feasible, as it would limit the Registrar or ICRC’s ability to investigate the concern.

View the approved Disclosure of Witness Statements Policy here.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Emergency Registration Policy

Consultation Closed on: October 16, 2023

The Emergency Registration Policy is intended to expedite the registration process during emergency
situations. The policy has been revised to ensure that it aligns with the recent amendments to the
Registration Regulation [O. Reg 596/94 (General – Part VIII)], specifically the new Emergency Class of
Registration

 

View the approved Emergency Registration Policy here.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Entry-to-Practice Competency Assessment Policy

Consultation Closed on: December 15, 2021


As part of the CRTO’s implementation of the new Policy Framework, we are going through a process of refreshing and revising our public facing policy documents, in a phased approach. The Entry-to-Practice Competency Assessment policy has been updated to reflect the CRTO’s new policy template and has been revised to capture high-level information regarding the entry-to-practice assessment. Although there have been no changes in policy intent, some detail has been removed from the existing policy and transferred to the Entry-to-Practice Assessment Fact Sheet. 

View the approved Entry-to-Practice Competency Assessment Policy here.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Entry-to-Practice Competency Assessment Appeals Policy

Consultation Closed on: December 15, 2021


As part of the CRTO’s implementation of the new Policy Framework, we are going through a process of refreshing and revising our public facing policy documents, in a phased approach. The Entry-to-Practice Competency Assessment Appeals policy has been updated to reflect the CRTO’s new policy template and was last reviewed by Council on June 3, 2016. The content and intent of the original policy have not changed. 

View the approved Entry-to-Practice Competency Assessment Appeals Policy here.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Entry-to-Practice Exam Policy

Consultation Closed on: August 26, 2021


The Entry-to-Practice Exam policy provides direction governing the entry-to-practice examination requirements authorized by the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (“CRTO”).

The Entry-to-Practice Exam policy was last reviewed on December 3, 2010, by Council. Due to the new policy framework, this policy was updated in the new template and its associated procedure and fact sheet were also updated. Although the policy was revised, its intent and direction have not changed.

This policy applies to applicants for registration.

View the approved Entry-to-Practice Exam Policy here.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Graduate Certificate of Registration Policy

Consultation Closed on: April 15, 2022


We would like your feedback on our Graduate Certificate of Registration Policy. This Policy was last reviewed by Council on September 26, 2014. It has been updated to reflect the CRTO’s new policy template. This document has gone through a rigorous policy review process based on a new Policy Framework. Although the policy has been updated to reflect the CRTO’s new policy template, the intent and direction of the original policy has not changed. This policy applies to members that hold a Graduate Certificate of Registration with the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario.

View the approved Graduate Certificate of Registration Policy.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Handling, Administration and Dispensing of Controlled Substances Professional Practice Policy

Consultation Closed on: August 26, 2021


This professional practice policy, formerly a position statement, has been revised and updated into a new professional practice policy to align with the CRTO’s Policy Framework. This new category of policies will help provide a strong framework to enhance the understanding of the role that Respiratory Therapists (RTs) hold to ensure public/patient safety in the use of narcotics in the healthcare environment. It is the CRTO’s position that RTs who hold a General or Graduate Certificate of Registration with the CRTO with no terms, conditions or limitations (TCLs) preventing them from performing any authorized acts, may handle, administer, and dispense controlled substances, provided they have a valid order, and that the rules surrounding medications are the same, regardless of the substance type.

This policy applies to CRTO Members.

View the approved Handling, Administration and Dispensing of Controlled Substances Policy here.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Health Professions Appeal and Review Board Appeals for ICRC Policy

Consultation Closed on: December 15, 2021


As part of the CRTO’s implementation of the new Policy Framework, we are going through a process of refreshing and revising our public facing policy documents, in a phased approach. The Health Professions Appeal and Review Board Appeals for ICRC Policy has been updated to reflect the CRTO’s new policy template. Although there have been no changes in the policy’s intent, the most significant change to this policy includes clarification that it does not apply to Acknowledgement and Undertakings between a Member and the CRTO and has been included to provide clarity and confirm that the obligation to fulfill an undertaking runs regardless of any appeal made to HPARB.

View the approved HPARB Appeals Policy here.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Investments & Management of Net Assets Policy

Consultation Closed on: January 28, 2022


The Investment & Management of Net Assets Policy was last reviewed by Council on June 2, 2017. It has been updated to reflect the CRTO’s new policy template. This document has gone through a rigorous policy review process based on a new Policy Framework, including a review of the draft policy at the December 3, 2021 meeting.

The changes that have been made to this policy include the Amounts (in percentages) held for operating and for reserves; Classification of net assets; Movement of the revised Proposed Investment Categories Eligible for Investment Chart from Policy to Procedure; and Detailed outline in the Procedure regarding the types of reserve funds that the CRTO currently maintains and special consideration if returning membership fees is being contemplated.

 

A copy of the Consultation feedback will be posted in summer 2022.

Labour Mobility: Applicants from Regulated Canadian Jurisdictions Policy

Consultation Closed on: December 15, 2021


As part of the CRTO’s implementation of the new Policy Framework, we are going through a process of refreshing and revising our public facing policy documents, in a phased approach. The Labour Mobility: Applicants from Regulated Canadian Jurisdictions Policy has been updated to reflect the CRTO’s new policy template. Although the policy was revised to ensure its relevance to existing registration practices and legislation, the intent of the original policy has not changed.

View the approved Labour Mobility: Applicants from Regulated Canadian Jurisdictions Policy here.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Language Proficiency Requirements Policy

Consultation Closed on: December 15, 2021


As part of the CRTO’s implementation of the new Policy Framework, we are going through a process of refreshing and revising our public facing policy documents, in a phased approach. Within the Language Proficiency Requirements Policy, minor changes were made to reflect changes to the administration of the CanTEST and TESTcan tests. As of August 15, 2021, the University of Ottawa no longer administers language proficiency tests. As such, test scores by CanTEST and TESTcan will no longer be valid after August 15, 2022. Although the policy was updated to reflect the CRTO’s new policy template, the intent of the original policy and the required English and French language proficiency test scores and providers have not changed.

View the approved Language Proficiency Requirements Policy here.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Privacy Policy

As part of the CRTO’s implementation of the new Policy Framework, we are going through a process of refreshing and revising our policy documents in a phased approach. The Privacy Policy is one of the documents that has been updated. The policy has undergone a rigorous review process to ensure the document is relevant and up-to-date.

The policy reflects the CRTO’s commitment to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all personal information it collects, uses and/or discloses while carrying out its regulatory activities.

View the approved Privacy Policy here.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Professional Development Program Policy

Consultation Closed on: December 15, 2021


As part of the CRTO’s implementation of the new Policy Framework, we are going through a process of refreshing and revising our public facing policy documents, in a phased approach. The Quality Assurance Committee’s Professional Development Policy is one of the documents that has been updated. We have gone through a rigorous policy development process to ensure the document is relevant, and up-to-date. This policy was last reviewed in May 2020, and the most significant change since then is that the policy has been revised to be concise, yet its intent and direction remains the same.

View the approved Professional Development Program Policy here.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Registration Currency Requirements Policy

Consultation Closed on: December 15, 2021


As part of the CRTO’s implementation of the new Policy Framework, we are going through a process of refreshing and revising our public facing policy documents, in a phased approach. The Registration Currency Policy has been revised to ensure its relevance to existing registration practices, legislation, and readability, and to incorporate gender-neutral language. Specific changes have been made to the descriptions of the terms, conditions, and limitations that can be imposed on a certificate of registration. It is important to note that no changes were made to the intent or the direction of the original policy.

View the approved Registration Currency Requirements Policy here.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Reporting to Police Policy

Consultation Closed on: August 26, 2021


The Reporting to Police Policy was last reviewed in September 2015. This document has been updated through a rigorous policy review process based on a new policy framework.

Changes have been made to way the CRTO interacts with third parties, to ensure the strict confidentiality provisions of the RHPA are followed.

This policy applies to CRTO Members and its stakeholders.

View the approved Reporting to Police Policy here.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Registrar’s Reasonable and Probable Grounds Policy

Consultation Closed on: August 26, 2021


The Registrar’s Reasonable and Probable Grounds Policy was last reviewed in September 2015. This document has been updated through a rigorous policy review process based on a new policy framework.

Changes that have been made to this policy include:
– Item 6.0 of the policy expands and clarifies the possible actions the Registrar may take in order to facilitate a better understanding of the implementation of this policy by stakeholders.

This policy applies to CRTO Members.

View the approved Registrar’s Reasonable and Probable Grounds Policy here.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Supervision Professional Practice Policy

Consultation Closed on: April 15, 2022


We would like your feedback on our Supervision Professional Practice Policy. This professional practice policy, formerly a registration policy, has been revised and updated into a new professional practice policy to align with the CRTO’s Policy Framework. This new category of policies aims to strengthen the expectations of Respiratory Therapists (RTs) who may be required to provide supervision of a student RT, graduate RT, and/or Members of the profession that have Terms, Conditions, or Limitations, placed on their certificate of registration. This policy was last approved by Council on May 1, 2021 and has gone through a rigorous policy development process to ensure it is relevant and up to date. Although it has been updated to reflect the CRTO’s new template, the direction and intent of the policy has not changed. This policy applies to members of the CRTO.

View the approved Supervision Policy.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Unauthorized Use of Title and Holding Out Prior to Registration Policy

Consultation Closed on: April 15, 2022


We would like your feedback on our Unauthorized Use of Title and Holding Out Prior to Registration Policy. This Policy was last reviewed by Council on March 6, 2020. It has been updated to reflect the CRTO’s new policy template. This document has gone through a rigorous policy review process based on a new Policy Framework. Although the policy has been revised, the intent and direction of the original policy has not changed. This policy applies to applicants, persons, inactive and suspended members, who are applying for registration with the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario who are using the title and/or holding out to practice before their registration.

View the approved Unauthorized Use of Title and Holding Out Prior to Registration Policy.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.


Practice Guidelines


Abuse Awareness & Prevention

Consultation Closed on: July 31, 2023


The last version of the Abuse Awareness and Prevention Practice document was in 2018 and was due to be reviewed and revised. The format of this document remained unchanged. A jurisdictional and regulatory scan was conducted to confirm the content of the document is current and aligned with all relevant legislation and regulations.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here

Administering and Dispensing Medication Practice Guideline

Consultation Closed on: July 31, 2023


This PPG was last revised in November 2014 and was due to be reviewed and revised. The content has been updated to encompass legislative mandates, incorporate gender-neutral pronouns, and provide refreshed links and references. Furthermore, enhancements have been made to the medication error section, the stages of medication administration, and the rights of patients to refuse medication.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

A Commitment to Ethical Practice

Consultation Closed on: April 19, 2021


The last version of A Commitment to Ethical Practice document was in 2010 and was due to be reviewed and revised. The draft amendments include Addition of Social Media Use; Incorporated Blood Borne Pathogens; Expansion of Cultural Competency to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Updated language and examples to reflect current practice; Reordering of all sections to enhance the flow of information; Gender neutral pronouns; and updated references.

View the approved Committment to Ethical Practice Guideline here.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Conflict of Interest Professional Practice Guideline

Consultation Closed on: January 28, 2022


The Conflict of Interest regulation, which is within the General Ontario Regulation (O. Reg. 596/94) established under the Respiratory Therapy Act, was approved in 2013. This PPG enables Respiratory Therapists (RT) in Ontario to understand the expectations and professional responsibilities set out by the CRTO and this regulation regarding conflict of interest. Previously revised in June 2014, the Conflict of Interest PPG has been reviewed and updated. While mentioned in the CRTO’s Standards of Practice 5, Conflict of Interest, this PPG sets out further direction for RTs, including definitions, identifying, and preventing conflict of interest. The format of this document is unchanged. A jurisdictional and regulatory scan was conducted to confirm the content of the document is current and aligned with all relevant legislation and regulations. The content has been revised to include legislation amendments, gender neutral pronouns and updated links and references. Addition made to the “Treatment of a Spouse” section.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Delegation of Controlled Acts Professional Practice Guideline

Consultation Closed on: November 14, 2021


This PPG was last revised in February 2013 and was due to be reviewed and revised. The Delegation of Controlled Acts PPG has been updated to reflect current delegation practice, legislative and professional responsibilities. This PPG has been condensed, with new and simplified content to facilitate understanding and clear direction in delegation and accepting delegation.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Documentation Professional Practice Guideline

Consultation Closed on: November 14, 2021


This PPG was last revised in June 2015 and was due to be reviewed and revised. The Documentation PPG has been reviewed and updated to expand on current documentation standards and expectations, including the definition of patient/client contact, corrections to the medical record, and the use of dictation and templates. It also outlines the expectations for documenting across different practice settings, and the importance of understanding how to document while supervising. A jurisdictional and regulatory scan was conducted to confirm the content of the document is current and aligned with all relevant legislation and regulations.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Infection Control Clinical Best Practice Guideline

Consultation Closed on: February 17, 2023


Previously revised in November 2016, the Infection Prevention & Control CBPG has been reviewed and updated. The focus of this document has shifted from a practice guideline to a guidance resource. This CBPG will provide direction for RT’s to access information regarding public health guidelines, infection control and new and emerging pathogens. This PPG has been condensed, with updated and simplified content to facilitate understanding and clear direction with respect to infection control. This is a living document, intended to provide resources in an ever-changing global health situation. It is extremely important that the expectations and guidelines for Members surrounding this topic are clear, current, and concise.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Interpretation of Authorized Acts Professional Practice Guideline

Consultation Closed on: November 14, 2021


This PPG was last revised in March 2020. The Interpretation of Authorized Acts PPG has been revised to incorporate the previous position statement regarding the Use of AED’s by Respiratory Therapists (RT’s) and create a more concise source of information, ensuring that RT’s understand their professional and legislative requirements and responsibilities when applying of a form of energy, either ultrasound or AED. Under the new CRTO’s policy framework, the combination of these two documents will provide clear direction and expectations in the application of a form of energy and provide a better understanding of the ordering mechanism and delegation requirements.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Oxygen Therapy Clinical Best Practice Guideline

Consultation Closed on: January 28, 2022


This CBPG provides the public and other health care professionals with confidence that Respiratory Therapists are safe and ethical regulated health care professionals with the expertise to administer oxygen therapy that results in positive health care outcomes for the public of Ontario. Previously revised in September 2013, the Oxygen Therapy CBPG has been reviewed and updated to provide a framework for Respiratory Therapists to make informed patient care decisions about oxygen therapy that are safe, ethical, based on current best practices, and evidence based. The format of this document is unchanged. A jurisdictional and regulatory scan was conducted to confirm the content of the document is current and accurate. The content has been revised to include gender neutral pronouns, updated links and references, and the addition of a section on HOP documents and RTs was included.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Registration and Use of Title PPG

Consultation Closed on: February 12, 2024


The Registration and Use of Title Practice Policy Guideline (PPG) was updated in 2020 to include references to the new Emergency Class and “As of Right” exemption. It underwent rigorous review, including external legal scrutiny, to comply with legislative and regulatory standards.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Respiratory Therapists as Anesthesia Assistants

Consultation Closed on: January 4, 2024


The Anesthesia Assistance Practice Guidelines (AA PPG), last revised in September 2018, have undergone a recent review and update. The updated AA PPG delineates the relevant legislation and sets expectations for Respiratory Therapists (RTs) involved in anesthesia assistance.The updated AA PPG delineates the relevant legislation and sets expectations for Respiratory Therapists (RTs) involved in anesthesia assistance.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Respiratory Therapists as Educators Professional Practice Guideline

Consultation Closed on: November 14, 2021


This PPG was last revised in March 2015 and was due to be reviewed and revised. Respiratory Therapists possess a unique body of knowledge, which when shared with others, promotes the best possible outcome for patients, colleagues, students, and the public. It is extremely important that the expectations and guidelines for Members surrounding this topic are clear, current and concise. While mentioned in the CRTO’s Standards of Practice 13, Professional Responsibilities, this PPG sets out further direction for RTs in all aspects of educating, including the role of delegation, supervision, and documentation. The format of this document is unchanged. The content has been updated to include the expectations of RT’s in educating Respiratory Therapy students, elaboration on supervision and documentation, along with the introduction of the importance of positive role modelling.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Respiratory Therapists Providing Virtual Care Professional Practice Guideline

Consultation Closed on: May 9, 2023


Previously revised in June 2017 and titled Respiratory Therapists Providing Telepractice, this PPG has been reviewed and updated. In the current state of healthcare, telepractice has provided increased and improved access to healthcare for patients, which can improve access options and wait times. This PPG provides information regarding the applicable legislation and expectations for RT’s who provide virtual care. The format of this document is unchanged. A jurisdictional and regulatory scan was conducted to confirm the content of the document is current and aligned with all relevant legislation and regulations. The content has been revised to include legislative requirements, and updated links. Additions made to include documentation requirements.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Responsibilities Under Consent Legislation Professional Practice Guideline

Consultation Closed on: January 28, 2022


This Professional Practice Guideline (PPG) provides an overview of the legislation, specifically the Health Care Consent Act (HCCA) and the Substitute Decision Act (SDA) for RTs. It is extremely important that the expectations and guidelines for Members surrounding this topic are clear, current, and concise. Previously revised in February 2014, the Responsibilities Under Consent Legislation PPG has been reviewed and updated. While mentioned in the CRTO’s Standards of Practice 6, Consent, this PPG sets out further direction for RTs in all aspects of types of consent, capacity, substitute decision making, and special considerations. The format of this document is unchanged. A jurisdictional and regulatory scan was conducted to confirm the content of the document is current and aligned with all relevant legislation and regulations. The content has been revised to include current legislation, gender neutral pronouns and updated links and references

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Use of Social Media by Respiratory Therapists Professional Practice Guideline

Consultation Closed on: April 19, 2021


Respiratory Therapists (RT) have a professional and moral obligation to conduct and represent themselves in a manner that maintains and enhances the reputation of the profession. This responsibility carries over into the use of social media, and Members must ensure that this content aligns with the CRTO’s Standards of Practice. This document was developed to guide RT’s in their decision-making when using these types of platforms.

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.

Regulations

Ontario Regulation 596/94 Part VIII – Registration, Part VII – Prescribed Procedures and Part VII.1 – Prescribed Substances

Consultation Closed on April 18, 2023

To view a summary of the consultation feedback click here.