Today we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On September 30 we honour and remember the Indigenous children who never returned home, survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities.
Watch Courtney Bean, OPA’s President, speak about this day, its history, and significance to all of us. Check out resources below mentioned in the video.
Toronto Public Library’s Reading for Reconciliation list (link includes a list of in-person events at the library including film screenings, bead pin making and more)
Thank you to everyone who has been engaged with the recent announcement about pending scope of practice implementation for physiotherapists in Ontario. We are equally excited about these next steps and want to assure our community that we will share additional information as soon as it becomes available to us.
Following the Announcement, the Government of Ontario opened a public consultation on the scope of practice for a number of regulated health professions and specifically included the authority for physiotherapists to order diagnostic imaging.
What’s Been Completed
Scope of practice expansion began under the Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in 2009. Specifically, members will recall that the Physiotherapy Act was amended to:
Expand the legislative description of the scope of practice of physiotherapy in section 3 of the Act;
Authorize physiotherapists to “communicate a diagnosis”;
Perform several procedures relating to wound care;
These changes have been in place for some time. Combined with the earlier extension of authority to “administer a substance by inhalation” that was extended prior, the scope changes arguably represent the most extensive granted to any profession that was regulated by the Health Professions Regulations Act when it came into force and effect in 1993. With the pending addition of diagnostic imaging, the only outstanding authority is the ability to order of lab tests.
In the fall of 2024, OPA collaborated with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario to update past submissions to the Ontario Government on scope of practice implementation. This included the results of a 2024 updated survey of Ontario physiotherapists to understand the current landscape. A comprehensive submission has already been made to the Ministry in advance of this announcement. OPA has been committed to advocacy in this area dating back to 2009. View the timeline of OPA activities related to scope changes.
What Needs to Happen for Scope of Practice Changes to Advance
It is important to know that few of the health professions that are seeking scope expansion are at the same point in terms of the necessary enabling legislation. In this regard, the physiotherapy profession is among the furthest advanced. In our case, the necessary statutory amendments have already been made and have been proclaimed.
Once this current consultation period has ended, the following amendments to regulations need to occur. The changes to regulations are under the authority of the Minister of Health, subject to approval by Cabinet. Implementation of the physiotherapy scope of practice changes require:
A regulation under section 6(2) of the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act to add prescribing of X-rays by physiotherapists.
Amendment to the Exemptions section of O. Reg 107/96 “Controlled Acts” under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 is required to give physiotherapists the authorization to order the following “ prescribed forms of energy”: o MRIs, under Sections 3.1 and 7.4, o Diagnostic Ultrasound, under Section 7.1(2), by including “a member of the College” as a “member with ordering authority.”
Physiotherapists are also seeking the ability to order laboratory tests, but the announcement did not reference this request. The following regulation changes would be required:
Amendment to O. Regs. 45 /22 Sections 17 & 18, under the Laboratory and Specimen Collection Act to permit physiotherapists to order laboratory tests (9.1(a)) as appropriate.
Amendment to O. Reg. 207/94 General, Section 12 under the Medical Laboratory Technology Act, 1991 to permit taking blood samples when ordered by a physiotherapist.
What the Government Announcement Means
This announcement is consistent with the government’s commitment to advance scope of practice expansion. The public consultation is a forum for the government to share its intent and to receive input on the benefits and risks of implementing scope of practice changes for multiple regulated health professionals including physiotherapists. We remain optimistic that following the completion of the consultation on November 3, 2025 the government will move quickly with the needed regulation changes to expand the scope of practice for physiotherapists.
What Information We Do Not Have Yet
Specific timelines for the drafting and approval of the necessary enabling regulation changes. We are hopeful that the regulations pertaining to physiotherapy could be in place as early as mid-year 2026.
Timeline from approval of regulation changes to clinical implementation including confirmation of the College of Physiotherapists processes for rostering that will be adapted to support this new authority. We understand that the College is preparing for implementation so that once the government has made the final regulatory changes, they will be ready to move forward. We will continue to work with CPO on implementation related considerations.
Government of Ontario Consultation
Thanks to all who provided thoughts to inform OPA’s feedback. This feedback closed October 8, 2025.
The Government of Ontario has released a consultation on the proposed changes to scope of practice closing on November 3, 2025.
Continue with your letter writing advocacy in support of scope expansion for physiotherapists.
We are actively collecting feedback from the physiotherapy community to include in our response to this consultation, which closes on November 3, 2025.
In addition to a summary of the existing PT competencies and scope of practice already passed in legislation, OPA will ensure the following points are clearly articulated with supporting evidence.
Continued access to diagnostic imaging must to be publicly-funded.
Implementing the authority for physiotherapists to order diagnostic imaging will:
Increase access to the right health care at the right time for many people in Ontario
Improve efficiencies and reduce costs in the healthcare system by eliminating redundancies and red tape
Require additional education and ongoing learning by PTs to ensure best practices
Be implemented safely and effectively by the College of Physiotherapist of Ontario’s robust and proven rostering process and quality assurance
OPA will share our submission with members prior to the government’s consultation closing.
We strongly encourage all PTs to provide their support through any of the two remaining pathways with comments directly to the Government’s consultation or continue with our letter writing campaign. Our voices are stronger together!
OPA President, Courtney Bean, shares a message upon the recent Government of Ontario announcement about pending scope of practice implementation for physiotherapists in Ontario. Courtney also welcomes new students to the physiotherapy community.
Join representatives from the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario and the Ontario Physiotherapy Association for an interactive discussion. Get updates about the organizations, learn about upcoming priorities, and have your say with a chance to get your questions answered.
Light refreshments will be served
We appreciate you registering in advance to help us plan accordingly.
We are pleased to share that today the Government of Ontario announced proposed changes to expand scope of practice for physiotherapists.
For physiotherapists, proposed scope expansion enables ordering of diagnostic imaging further enabling our ability to diagnose. OPA has long advocated for these changes so that people in Ontario have timely access to care. We are pleased to see this progress and OPA is committed to continue to advocate to take scope expansion across the finish line.
The government has recognized that scope expansion provides more timely access to care for people when they need it most. Supporting and enabling physiotherapists to work to the full extent of their training and expertise will further contribute to the optimal use of Ontario’s health human resources. The regulation changes for physiotherapists are straightforward and within the Ministry’s authority under current legislation, and we look forward to working with the Government to complete this important work this fall.
Sarah Hutchison Chief Executive Officer Ontario Physiotherapy Association
We wanted to share with you recent OPA staff team updates.
Wishing Farewell to Amy Hondronicols, Director, Practice, Policy & Member Services
We bid farewell to Amy Hondronicols, Director of Practice, Policy and Member Services, who has made extraordinary contributions to the OPA over the past two years. Amy has been key in advancing our practice and policy work, engaging extensively with members and stakeholders across the physiotherapy community, and supporting countless initiatives that have strengthened our profession. We are excited for Amy in her new role as Director of Clinical Education at McMaster University. We wish her the very best in this new role and thank her for all that she has done for the profession.
Welcome to Emily Stevenson, new Director of Practice & Policy
Emily is an accomplished health care leader and Registered Physiotherapist with over 20 years of cross sectoral experience advancing physiotherapy and rehabilitation. She brings a combination of clinical expertise, health system leadership, and policy development to the role of Director of Practice and Policy. Her prior experience has focused on strategy, quality improvement, and the design and delivery of innovative programs that improve access and health outcomes.
Emily holds a MSc in Physiotherapy from McMaster University and a BSc/BPHE from Queen’s University. She is the recipient of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association’s Advocacy and Leadership Award (2024) and McMaster University’s Distinguished Alumni Award (2019). Contact Emily at estevenson@opa.on.ca beginning October 6.
Welcome to Janine Framst, new Manager of Marketing & Communications
Janine Framst is a seasoned marketing and communications professional with extensive experience in healthcare and member-based organizations. Before joining the Ontario Physiotherapy Association in June, she led marketing initiatives at the George Hull Centre Institute of Childhood Trauma and Attachment, significantly increasing digital engagement. Her past consulting work with a physiotherapy clinic deepened her appreciation for the profession’s role in improving health outcomes. Janine brings a strategic mindset, a collaborative approach, and a strong commitment to equity and continuous improvement. Contact Janine at jframst@opa.on.ca.
Welcome to Prerna Tawde, new Membership Coordinator
We are delighted to welcome Prerna to the team at OPA. Prerna joined us in early August as our new Membership Coordinator. Prerna is a Healthcare Management professional with a strong background in project management and physiotherapy. She has worked at UHN, where she supported virtual education programs for healthcare providers.
She was trained in India as a physiotherapist where she worked at a multispecialty hospital in Mumbai. With a Master’s in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy and Postgraduate diploma in Project Management and Healthcare Management, she brings a great combination of skills and experience to our team. Contact Prerna at ptawde@opa.on.ca.
Marcos Rodrigues, Adam A. Saporta, Raj Suppiah, and Kyle Whaley share their perspectives on the benefits of interprofessional collaboration with massage therapists.
Whether it is meeting with clients jointly as health care professionals, coordinating efforts by exchanging observations, developing an effective treatment plan collaboratively or considering the changing client goals together, learn from all the authors about the ways to effectively communicate and collaborate with RMTs in this article.
“Through their combined expertise, RMTs and physiotherapists not only address the mechanical aspects of recovery but also support the sensory, emotional, and psychological dimensions of healing.” – Marcos Rodrigues, PT, MSc, MBA
“Clients feel more supported when they see their therapy team working together, speaking the same language, and reinforcing each other’s interventions with consistency.” – Adam A. Saporta PT, MScPT, PTS
“As a team, physiotherapists and massage therapists must provide their clients with realistic expectations and timelines. Research has shown that treatment planning and effective communication of the plan is as important as the treatment itself. “- Raj Suppiah, BHScHons, MScPT, Cert. MDT, Cert. Sport PT
“By aligning treatment to the patient’s rehab phase—and explicitly linking it to the patient’s rehabilitation goals—RMTs and physiotherapists position themselves as the most effective team in a patient’s recovery.”- Kyle Whaley, BScPT, BSc, BPHE, CAFCI
Nearly one year has passed since OPA published the 2024 Physiotherapy Fee Guideline, and we’re continuing our commitment to annual reviews that keep pace with the evolving private practice landscape.
Supporting Your Practice Success
The Annual Fee Guideline Review ensures that physiotherapists have access to current, relevant fee guidance. This review process examines market trends, practice realities, and member needs, to deliver a tool that serves our profession.
This resource is designed for all physiotherapists, with particular focus on those in private practice who face daily decisions about fee structures while striving to deliver exceptional patient care and maintain sustainable businesses.
Addressing Real Practice Challenges
We know you’re navigating an increasingly complex practice environment. Economic pressures, changing patient expectations, insurance considerations, and evolving service delivery models all impact how you structure your fees. Without current guidance, it becomes challenging to make confident decisions that balance patient accessibility with practice sustainability.
The private practice landscape doesn’t stand still, and neither should the resources that support your success.
How Your Input Drives Meaningful Updates
Our annual review process is built on member engagement. We’re seeking your insights through a survey that explores your current fees, fee models, and experiences using the Fee Guideline as an advocacy tool in your practice.
This data collection allows us to continue to evolve and modify the Guideline with your real-world experience as the foundation.
The Value You Receive
By participating in this annual review, you gain:
Evidence-based fee guidance that reflects current market conditions
A powerful advocacy tool to support conversations with patients, insurance providers, and other stakeholders
Professional confidence in your fee decisions, backed by peer input
Practice sustainability support that helps balance patient care with business viability
Community connection through shared insights and collective professional growth
Your Participation Matters
The survey takes just minutes to complete but provides invaluable insights that strengthen our entire profession. Your responses help us understand emerging trends, identify challenges, and ensure the Fee Guideline remains practically relevant for diverse practice settings across Ontario.
By participating, you are actively contributing to a resource that supports thousands of physiotherapists in delivering quality care while maintaining sustainable practices.
Looking Forward
Stay tuned for updates this fall as we compile insights, analyze trends, and prepare the updated guideline. This collaborative approach ensures the Fee Guideline continues evolving as a relevant, practical tool that serves our growing professional community.
Supporting Your Professional Journey
This annual review exemplifies why OPA exists: to provide physiotherapists with the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive in all practice settings. Whether you’re establishing fees for a new service, advocating with insurance providers, or simply ensuring your practice remains sustainable, the Fee Guideline serves as your professional foundation.
Ready to contribute? Complete the survey today and help shape the resource that supports our profession’s future.
The Canadian Physiotherapy Association has opened the Call for Presentations for abstracts to be considered for Congress 2026, hosted in Halifax, Nova Scotia from May 28-30, 2026. The Call for Presentations is open from July 2 until October 9, 2025.
For 2026, OPA has decided to promote participation by Ontario members to both submit proposals for Congress and attend in Halifax in May. By facilitating attendance in alternating years at Congress and OPA’s InterACTION, there is an opportunity to create events with robust discussions from members of the physiotherapy community across the country.
This decision will also enable OPA to imagine and host different types of events in 2026. Stay tuned for details about these innovative offerings throughout 2026. We will be planning to offer our next InterACTION Conference in 2027.
Congress 2026 Submission Requirements
Submissions for CPA Congress 2026 must:
Apply to one of the 18 themes or practice areas identified in the call
Be evidence-informed and directly related to physiotherapy practice
Showcase best practices and innovation
Prioritize engagement and practical application
Congress is an excellent opportunity for Ontario physiotherapists to share their expertise, research, and innovative practices with colleagues from across Canada while contributing to the advancement of the profession nationally.
OPA encourages members to submitting proposals that highlight the outstanding work being done by physiotherapists across Ontario. Your participation helps ensure that Ontario’s voice and expertise are well-represented at this national gathering.
The Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA) is searching for a strategic and experienced professional to join our team as Director – Practice and Policy. This permanent, full-time position offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of physiotherapy practice across Ontario while advancing the profession through policy development, advocacy, and member services.
Job Description
Director – Practice and Policy – Permanent Full Time Position
The Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA) is a dynamic professional non-profit organization with over 5,500 physiotherapist, physiotherapist assistant and student members across the province. We are committed to the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and welcome those who will help us increase our capacity for diversity. OPA welcomes all qualified applicants and we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Black, Indigenous and other racialized persons, and persons with disabilities.
The Director, Practice and Policy, is the Association’s primary contact with and resource to staff, members, volunteers and the public in the areas of practice and policy related to physiotherapy in Ontario. They are responsible for activities that contribute to the achievement of OPA’s strategic goals in member services, professional practice issues and resources, advocacy, policy and strategic partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
Manage internal and external environmental scanning and analysis of existing and emerging legislation and policy pertaining to physiotherapy in Ontario.
Identify and research emerging issues related to the practice of physiotherapy and recommend and implement strategies.
Develop policy and advocacy positions on behalf of OPA members.
Provide support to the Board of Directors, Advisory Committees and other governance groups related to the work of the Association.
Contribute to the development of the Strategic and Operational Plans, monitors and reports on the progress of annual objectives of the Association.
Develop and/or coordinate content related to areas of responsibility for association communication vehicles including newsletter, website and social media.
Lead and manage the education portfolio, including the OPA conference.
Oversee all aspects of members services, including evaluation of current programs and services and recommending and developing new member services to enhance the value of membership.
Participate in the hiring process of staff; responsible for the supervision and development of staff in the practice and policy area.
Acts as senior manager in the absence of the CEO and supports the CEO as a member of senior management.
Requirements
Knowledge:
Knowledge and experience with provincial/regional health systems and health system policy
Graduate degree in a relevant field (e.g. public relations, political science, health policy, public or business administration) an asset
Masters of Science in Physical Therapy – plus current registration with a Canadian regulatory College of Physiotherapists (in good standing)
Experience:
5+ years of progressive leadership experience
Policy & Advocacy experience
Experience working with volunteers in a not-for-profit environment an asset
Skillsets:
5+ years of progressive leadership experience
Policy & Advocacy experience
Experience working with volunteers in a not-for-profit environment an asset Skillsets:
Excellent interpersonal skills including team building, mentoring, networking and leadership
Strong analytical, facilitation, presentation and communication, including written, skills
Ability to search for and synthesize information and research
Solid time management, organizational and coordination skills
Strong problem-solving skills combined with effective risk management skills
Location Hybrid – this position is a combination of work from home and in-person at our office location at 110 Sheppard Ave East, Toronto. The successful candidate will need to be available to work regular hours and occasional evenings and weekends.
Compensation Salary Range: $90,000 to $115,000. Offer commensurate with experience. Comprehensive Benefit Package.
Contact Information Interested individuals are directed to forward a letter of interest and resume by Friday, August 22nd 2025. Send your application to the attention of: Sarah Hutchison, CEO shutchison@opa.on.ca Please also send electronically to: apply@opa.on.ca
