The College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) is the governing body established by provincial legislation to regulate chiropractors in Ontario in the public interest. The enabling legislation is the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) and the Chiropractic Act, 1991. Every chiropractor practising in Ontario must be a registered member of the College.
How CCO fulfills its statutory mandate:
- Registers qualified chiropractors
- Maintains a public register of chiropractors in Ontario
- Reviews and decides complaints about chiropractors in Ontario (Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee)
- Conducts discipline hearings for chiropractors referred by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee
- Develops and implements a Quality Assurance program to promote continuing competence
- Develops regulations, standards of practice, policies, guidelines and other notices
CCO has the following specific objects: as defined by the Health Professions Procedural Code, Schedule 2 of the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA),
- To regulate the practice of the profession and to govern members in accordance with the health profession act, this code, and the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, and the regulations and bylaws.
- To develop, establish and maintain standards of qualification for persons to be issued certificates of registration.
- To develop, establish and maintain programs and standards of practice to assure the quality of the profession.
- To develop, establish and maintain standards of knowledge and skill and programs to promote continuing evaluation, competence and improvement among the members.
- To develop, establish and maintain standards of professional ethics for members.
- To develop, establish and maintain programs to assist individuals to exercise their rights under this code and the RHPA.
- To administer the health professions act, this code and the RHPA as it relates to the profession, and to perform the other duties and exercise the other powers imposed or conferred on the College.
- To promote and enhance relations between the College and its members, other health profession colleges, key stakeholders, and the public.
- To promote inter-professional collaboration with other health profession colleges.
- To develop, establish and maintain standards and programs to promote the ability of members to respond to changes in practice, environments, advances in technology and other emerging issues.
- Any other objects relating to human health care the Council considers desirable.