Government of Ontario: Ontario Connecting People to More Consistent, High-Quality Health Care

The Ontario government is improving consistency and patient understanding in the health care system through new changes that will allow personal support workers (PSWs) to register with the new Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority (HSCPOA) and that will regulate physician assistants (PAs) through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). These changes will provide better oversight in the health care system, supporting patient confidence and helping PSWs and PAs deliver connected and convenient care across Ontario.

“Our government is taking bold action to grow and support Ontario’s health care workforce now and for years to come,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Through these changes, our government is reinforcing the critical role personal support workers and physician assistants play in our health care system while supporting the confidence of patients and their families.”

Beginning December 1, 2024, the more than 100,000 personal support workers in Ontario will have the option to register with the new HSCPOA. The HSCPOA will ensure consistent education and training for personal support workers, regardless of where they work and if they are part-time or full-time, to support their career growth and give patients confidence they are receiving high-quality care.