PROMISED ONTARIO REGISTRY TO DELIVER ‘PEACE OF MIND’

The Citizen asked Ontario’s Ministry of Health and LongTerm Care about plans to revive a registry for personal support workers. Here are its answers.

Q: Is the ministry is considering reinstating the PSW registry? If so, why did the province decide to reinstate the registry?

A: Yes. As part of Ontario’s 2017 Budget, the government committed to establishing “a mandatory registry for personal support workers so that Ontarians have peace of mind knowing that the people delivering essential care have the necessary training to care for them and their loved ones, helping them feel safe and supported. The registry will provide transparent information on details such as education and training, and adherence to a code of conduct.”

Q: What would be different about this registry from the previous one? How much will it cost? When will it come into effect?

A: The previous PSW registry was closed in 2016 after a thirdparty review found that it was not meeting the objective of public safety due to a number of deficiencies. For example, the registry offered limited assurance for employers and clients of a PSW’s identity, technical competence and suitability to practice. There was also no mechanism for making complaints or removing PSWs from the registry. The new registry will be designed based on leading practices and will include rigorous and robust processes with respect to verification of identity, educational credentials and suitability to practise, among other things. The new registry will also have policies for reviewing, suspending or terminating a PSW’s registration. The ministry has not completed a costing exercise for a new registry. Q: Will the registry prevent abuse of patients in long-term care? A: Once established and fully operational, the registry will have clear governance focused on protecting patients and the public, including residents in long-term care.