This summer, government will commence extensive consultations to create legislation for health professionals seeking regulation, says Health and Wellness Minister Carolyn Bertram.
“We have many health professionals in Prince Edward Island who have approached government seeking regulation,” said Minister Bertram. “Extensive consultations with these health professionals will take place throughout the summer and fall months, and we hope to have drafted umbrella health professions legislation prepared by spring of next year. Health professions legislation is a valuable tool for government in protecting Islanders by ensuring these professionals are competent in their skills and services.”
Preparing and maintaining stand-alone legislation and regulation for every regulated health profession has been proven to be inefficient. Across Canada, many jurisdictions have taken an umbrella legislation approach to supporting those health professions seeking regulation.
Many unregulated health professions have sought in the past, or are currently seeking, to become regulated including:
• Medical laboratory technologists
• Medical radiation technologists
• Naturopathic doctors
• Respiratory therapists
• Resident care workers
• Midwives
• Massage therapists
Each of these professions who have come forward seeking regulation will be contacted to take part in the consultation process. Through these consultations, Government will be able to clarify the criteria and develop a formal process for assessing requests for regulation. Additional health professional groups interested in taking part in the consultation process can contact the Department of Health and Wellness.