Scope of Practice Announcement from Government of Ontario 

On May 11, 2026, the Ontario Ministry of Health announced future scope of practice expansions for several regulated health professionals, including physiotherapists. The Ministry has directed the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario to begin developing the regulatory framework to support qualified physiotherapists in ordering certain X-rays and diagnostic ultrasound. 

As indicated in the Government of Ontario news release “… the government has now officially directed Ontario’s regulatory colleges for optometrists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, dental hygienists, denturists, and audiologists and speech-language pathologists to begin developing the regulatory framework that would further expand scopes of practice in their fields.”

What This Means Right Now  

It’s important to note that no changes to physiotherapists’ scope of practice have been implemented yet regarding x-rays and diagnostic imaging. The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario is beginning the work to develop the regulatory framework. OPA will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and the College as the process moves forward. 

Progress  

We are hopeful, however, that this announcement demonstrates that the Ministry of Health is moving in the right direction to implement the remaining scope of practice changes for physiotherapists. 

Background 

OPA has tirelessly advocated for nearly two decades to advance scope of practice changes that enable physiotherapists to deliver more comprehensive care.  

In 2008, the Ontario Physiotherapy Association and the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario collaborated on a joint submission requested by the Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council (HPRAC) to review the scope of practice of physiotherapists. 

Successes to Date 

This joint submission proposed scope of practice amendments, which were all accepted and recommended for implementation by HPRAC, except for one – the authority to refer to specialists.   

In 2012, physiotherapist’s scope expanded to include: 

• Communicating a diagnosis (controlled activity that is within scope at the entry to practice level) 

• Treating a wound below the dermis 

• Internal pelvic exams (including putting an instrument, hand or finger beyond the labia majora or beyond the anal verge) 

• Administering a substance by inhalation (when the substance has been ordered by an authorized person) 

Why We Continue to Advocate 

Awaiting implementation and not able to put into practice:   

• Ordering a prescribed form of energy (e.g., diagnostic ultrasound or MRI) 

• Ordering diagnostics (e.g., X-rays or CT scans) 

• Ordering laboratory tests 

OPA’s Continued Advocacy 

Current advocacy on PT scope of practice focuses on implementing outstanding changes for activities that still need regulation changes, including ordering diagnostic imaging. Implementation will positively affect access to care, improve health system efficiency, and reduce workloads for all providers. It will lead to people in Ontario getting the right care at the right time, and better sustainability in career paths for physiotherapists.    

Stay Up-to-Date 

We encourage you to watch for further updates from both OPA and the College. Be sure to check OPA’s news where you can filter to access all scope of practice updates. Check out our dedicated Scope of Practice page for the latest information as this process unfolds.