Health News For Central West


Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Ontario. Ministry of Health - [Toronto - University Avenue] - [Public Health Care]
Ontario Taking Next Steps to Improve Health-Care Access

Proposed changes would expand scopes of practice for a range of health-care professionals

To protect Ontario’s health-care system by providing more connected and convenient care to people around the province, the government is consulting to expand the scopes of practice for a wide range of regulated health professionals, including optometrists, psychologists and physiotherapists. This expansion would improve access to timely care, reduce pressure on the health-care system and allow more providers to work to the full extent of their training and expertise.

“Across our province, qualified health-care professionals are ready to contribute more to their communities, ensuring doctors’ offices and emergency departments are available for those who truly need them,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “By working to expand scopes of practice for additional professions, we are building on our progress to make it faster and easier for families to access the care they need, when and where they need it.”

The government is currently consulting with partners on proposed changes that could:

  • Grant optometrists authority to perform minor surgical procedures in the office under local anesthesia, use laser therapy to manage cataracts and glaucoma, order diagnostic tests and independently treat open-angle glaucoma without having to refer patients to a physician
  • Grant psychologists with specialized training and education in psychopharmacology authority to prescribe certain medications, such as antidepressants, for the management and treatment of mental health conditions and addictions, as well as order and interpret select diagnostic tests such as urinalysis and blood work
  • Grant several regulated health professionals the authority to order and perform certain diagnostic imaging procedures, such as x-rays, MRIs and CTs, including dental hygienists, denturists, speech-language pathologists, physiotherapists, chiropractors and chiropodists, which would further improve access to care

In addition, the government provided direction to the Ontario College of Pharmacists to develop regulatory changes that would further expand pharmacists’ scope of practice, enabling pharmacists to assess and prescribe for an additional 14 ailments:

  • Acute pharyngitis (sore throat) 
  • Calluses and corns 
  • Headache (mild) 
  • Herpes zoster (shingles) 
  • Minor sleep disorders 
  • Onychomycosis (fungal nail infections) 
  • Otitis externa (swimmers’ ear) 
  • Pediculosis (head lice) 
  • Rhinitis – viral (nasal congestion) 
  • Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) 
  • Tinea corporis (ringworm) 
  • Tinea cruris (jock itch) 
  • Verrucae (vulgaris, plantar) (warts) 
  • Xerophthalmia (dry eye)

If approved, pharmacists would also be able to administer additional publicly funded vaccines (including RSV, Pertussis, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pneumococcal, and Shingles), and administer Sublocade® (buprenorphine) for opioid use disorder. Additionally, the Ontario College of Pharmacists will be consulted on the administration of point-of-care tests by pharmacists to support implementation of common ailment prescribing, like strep throat testing. These changes would help alleviate pressures on primary care providers, walk-in clinics and hospital emergency departments, giving them more time to help people with more complex needs.

As part of Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the government is protecting the health-care system, including making it easier for highly skilled, regulated health-care professionals to work to the full extent of their training and expertise to provide people with more connected and convenient care.    
         
Quick Facts:

  • Pharmacist assessment of common ailments began in January 2023, with an initial 13 ailments, and was expanded in October 2023 to include six additional ailments.
  • Since the program launched, pharmacists have provided over 1.8 million assessments with nearly 100 per cent of community pharmacies participating in this program.
  • Under the proposed changes, pharmacy technicians would also be able to contribute to preventative care in an expanded capacity for vaccines as they have been doing for COVID-19 and influenza.
  • Anyone with symptoms should contact their local pharmacy to confirm whether they provide assessment services for certain common ailments before visiting the pharmacy.    
         
Quotes:

"The Ontario Pharmacists Association is excited to see the Ontario government’s continued efforts to expand pharmacy professionals’ scope of practice. Building on the success of the minor ailments program—which has already connected more than one million Ontarians to timely care—the addition of services like strep throat testing will make care even more convenient. Equally important, expanding access to publicly funded vaccines in community pharmacies will reduce barriers and increase vaccination uptake by allowing Ontarians to get the care they need closer to home. Together, these advancements mark a significant step forward in improving access to care and ensuring Ontarians can connect with the care they need, when and where they need it."

- Justin Bates, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Pharmacists Association

"Today’s announcement is an important step toward fully integrating pharmacy into Ontario’s health system as a trusted destination for public health and primary care. Expanding pharmacists’ ability to prescribe for more minor ailments, order lab and point-of-care tests, and administer additional vaccines will give Ontarians faster, more convenient access to care. As the most accessible health care destination in every community, pharmacies are key to delivering care that strengthens the health system for everyone."

- Sandra Hanna, RPh., LLM, ICD.D, Chief Executive Officer, Neighbourhood Pharmacies

"The College supports the government’s ongoing focus on improving access to health care for Ontarians. We are pleased to work with the Ministry of Health on drafting regulations that expand the ability of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, as trusted healthcare professionals, to deliver safe, ethical and quality care that helps people get care closer to home."

- Doug Brown, Chair, Ontario College of Pharmacists Board of Directors

"The decision to grant prescribing privileges to psychologists is a milestone in Ontario’s ongoing commitment to improving mental health care. By integrating therapy and medication management within the scope of psychological practice, this advancement will expand access, reduce delays, and foster deeper collaboration with family physicians and nurse practitioners. Equally important, it ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, including safe medication adjustments and de-prescribing when clinically appropriate."

- Richard Morrison, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Psychological Association

"Expanding the scope of practice of psychologists with specialized training to include the prescription of specific medications could improve access to much-needed mental health and addictions care for Ontarians. The College welcomes the opportunity and is prepared to support the development of the regulatory infrastructure necessary for safe practice."

- Tony DeBono, Registrar and Executive Director, College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario 
"Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward in modernizing oral health care in Ontario by increasing access to Denturism care, reducing costs to patients, and promoting professional collaboration. We commend the Ontario government for adapting to the evolving needs of patients and maximizing the capabilities of highly trained oral health-care professionals."

- Roderick Tom-Ying, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, College of Denturists of Ontario

"As denturists, we welcome the government’s commitment to expanding our scope of practice so patients can access care more quickly and efficiently. By allowing regulated health professionals like denturists to perform diagnostic imaging, Ontarians will benefit from faster treatment, reduced wait times, and more comprehensive oral health care close to home. We greatly appreciate the government’s leadership in advancing this important initiative, which puts patients first and strengthens the entire health-care network. This is more than a policy shift: it is a forward-thinking investment in a stronger, more responsive health-care system."

- Anas Al Halabi DD, President, Denturists Association of Ontario

"The College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario heartily supports this initiative that will see Ontario’s Registered Dental Hygienists practising more fully within their scope of practice and expertise. This addition increases access for the people of Ontario to a more comprehensive oral health care and supports an increase in the efficiency of the delivery of that essential care."

- Dr. Glenn Pettifer, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario

"On behalf of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association, we acknowledge and appreciate the leadership of Minister Jones in bringing forward the necessary regulation changes to enable physiotherapists to practice at their full scope. Physiotherapists have an important role in supporting patients in timely access to care and in the health and wellness for all people living in Ontario—we are delighted to see this progress."

- Sarah Hutchison and Courtney Bean, Chief Executive Officer and President, Ontario Physiotherapy Association

"The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario fully supports giving physiotherapists the authority to order diagnostic imaging procedures. These changes will improve access to care, reduce the burden on the health-care system and allow physiotherapists to work to the full extent of their knowledge, skills and training. We look forward to ongoing collaboration with the Ministry during this process."

- Craig Roxborough, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, College of Physiotherapists of Ontario

"The College of Chiropodists of Ontario applauds this government’s continuing initiatives to improve access to quality care in the province. As the regulator of footcare professionals in Ontario, the College recognizes the critical importance of access to highly trained chiropodists and podiatrists in ensuring the health and wellness of Ontarians. "

- Nicole Zwiers, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, College of Chiropodists of Ontario

"The Ontario Society of Chiropodists welcomes the Ministry of Health’s initiative to provide Ontario patients with faster, more responsive access to care by further empowering regulated health professionals. As primary care providers, Ontario’s Chiropodists are committed to working with the Ministry of Health and interdisciplinary partners to support better primary care delivery, reduce wait times and help achieve better outcomes for patients."

- Sasha Kozera-Faye, Interim President, Ontario Society of Chiropodists

"The College of Optometrists of Ontario is excited to work with the government in the implementation of the proposed changes to Optometry's scope of practice. We are confident that this will benefit the people of Ontario with new accessibilities to eye care in the province. "

- Dr. Mark Eltis OD, FAAO, Dipl. ABO President, College of Optometrists of Ontario

"College of Chiropractors of Ontario's (CCO) statutory mandate is to protect the public through the registration of chiropractors and the development of standards of practice to which the profession must conform. CCO has draft standards of practice ready for approval, pending the appropriate regulatory changes. These tools will provide chiropractors with the tools they need to practice safely and effectively within the chiropractic scope of practice, for the benefit of Ontarians. We look forward to working with the Ministry and other system partners on this important consultation."

- Dr. Kyle Grice, President, College of Chiropractors of Ontario

"We welcome the Ontario government’s move towards expanding access to advanced diagnostic imaging such as MRIs and CT scans as part of the plan for more connected, convenient care. Chiropractors are regulated, highly trained and educated health-care professionals, working in communities across the province, helping people to find relief from spine, muscle and joint pain so they can regain mobility, and return to the lives they love. Authority to order advanced imaging would enable chiropractors to connect patients with the tests they need more quickly providing a faster path to diagnosis, treatment and recovery."

- Caroline Brereton, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Chiropractic Association
 
"The College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario welcomes the Ministry of Health’s commitment to innovation, reducing pressures on physicians and expanding the scope of practice for regulated health professionals, including speech-language pathologists. These practitioners are highly trained and capable, and these changes will allow them to more fully apply their expertise and training. We are encouraged by this announcement, which recognizes their vital role in improving timely access to high-quality care for Ontarians."

- Margaret Drent, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario

"Speech-Language & Audiology Canada welcomes the Ontario government’s decision to expand the authority of regulated health professionals, including speech-language pathologists, to order and perform specific diagnostic imaging procedures within their scope of practice. This important step will help improve access to timely care and enhance collaboration across the health-care system. We look forward to continued progress on scope expansion for regulated health professionals, including those we represent, to better serve Ontarians and ensure patients receive convenient and connected care."

- Luciana Nechita, Chief Executive Officer, Speech-Language and Audiology Canada    
         
Additional Resources:

         
Media Contacts:

Ema Popovic
Minister Jones’ Office
ema.popovic@ontario.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
media.moh@ontario.ca

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