Dennis Newhook RMT, CYT
Most people know that RMT stands for Registered Massage Therapist. However, few people understand what being "registered" really entails. The title of RMT is protected by legislation overseen by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). The CMTO is committed to protecting the public by maintaining high standards of practice for Massage Therapy throughout the province. Anyone carrying the title of RMT must be an active member of the CMTO, having proved their compentency by meeting educational requirements, passing registration exams, and through continuous education and peer assessment. Massage practitioners who do not carry the title of RMT are NOT regulated professionals. Though they may offer quality service, there is no governing body in place to oversee their practice or to protect the public should problems arise. Like all regulatory health colleges, the CMTO's primary goal is to ensure public safety by monitoring its members. If you have a concern regarding the quality of care you've received from any regulated healthcare professional, you are encouraged to contact the College for that profession. A complete list of regulated health professions and their governing Colleges can be found at the Federation of Health Regulatory Colleges of Ontario's Website: www.regulatedhealthprofessions.on.ca.
Currently there are 21 regulated health professions in Ontario. Advising the Ministry of Health as to which health professions should become regulated is the Health Professionals Regulatory Advisory Council (HPRAC). The Council works closely with public concerns regarding health services and conducts research to determine if currently unregulated health practices should become regulated by the government. Visit them at their website: www.hprac.org. The list of regulated professions in Ontario is slowly growing. Because of HPRAC the list will soon include Kinesiology, Naturopathy, Psychotherapy, Homeopathy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Within Ontario we have rights AND options as healthcare consumers. Becoming informed is the first step to becoming empowered. The choices you make not only affect your own health, but the health of your loved ones and the whole community. Finally, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care provides many great resources and links for healthcare consumers. Check them out at http://www.health.gov.on.ca/.
