What is Ontario’s As of Right legislation?

On July 24, 2023, the Ontario Government announced approved legislative amendments that will enable inter-jurisdictional mobility for physicians and other select registered health professionals outlined in Bill 60, Your Health Act, 2023.

Who is eligible to practise in Ontario under these new rules?

Effective immediately, physicians with independent practice certificates in other Canadian jurisdictions and who are in good standing are eligible to practise in Ontario public hospitals, long-term care homes and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. In order to qualify, candidates must:

• Have submitted an application for registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO);
• Be licensed to practise in another Canadian jurisdiction without any terms, limitations or conditions;
• Use only speciality designations certification from a Canadian regulatory authority, the College of Family Physicians of Canada or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada;
• Not have been denied registration with a Canadian regulatory body within two years of applying for registration in Ontario;
• Not have a finding of professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity about or against them in a proceeding related to the profession;
• Not be the subject of any current professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity proceeding, or any similar proceeding related to the profession; and
• Hold professional liability insurance or benefits from professional liability coverage that extends coverage to Ontario.

How long are physicians eligible to practise under these terms?

Under the regulations, out-of-province physicians will have six months from the point of application to practise in Ontario without a license.

Can I find the profile of a physician practising under the As of Right program on the CPSO Doctor Search?

Because physicians practising under this new program are not registered with our College, they do not have profiles on our Register. To inquire about the practice history of these candidates, individuals would need to consult with the regulatory body in the physician’s home jurisdiction.

If a patient has concerns about a physician registered out-of-province, can they submit a complaint to CPSO?

CPSO cannot credential or determine out-of-province physicians’ eligibility before registration. In addition, we cannot provide any regulatory oversight, including complaint investigation, until the physician is licensed with the College.