Policy: Accommodations: STRiVE – the Quality Assurance Program
Background
The Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) requires all health profession regulators in Ontario to have a Quality Assurance (QA) program. Section 80 and 80.1 of the RHPA states that at a minimum the QA program include continuing education or professional development, self, peer and practice assessments, and a mechanism to monitor registrants’ participation in, and compliance with, the program.
The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) supports the provision of reasonable accommodations for Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) with documented disabilities, as defined in the Human Rights Code below.
“Disability” means,
(a) any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device, (b) a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability, (c) a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language, (d) a mental disorder, or (e) an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997;
Human Rights Code, Part 11, 10(1)
Policy
RMTs with a documented disability who may require an accommodation to fully participate in the Quality Assurance program are encouraged to contact STRiVE – the Quality Assurance Program within 30 days of receiving a notification. Any health information shared with CMTO remains confidential.
For assessments, only details about the accommodation are provided to the assessor, referred to as Assessment Advisor. Accommodation will be provided up to the point of undue hardship. Methods of accommodation that would substantially alter the core elements of the assessment process will not be granted. CMTO has an obligation under the RHPA to review accommodation requests that may raise concerns about an RMT’s ability to practise safely.
Procedures
- The RMT emails STRiVE – the Quality Assurance Program a completed Accommodations Request Form, outlining the documented disability or disabilities, and the accommodation being requested. Assistance in completing the form is available from CMTO Staff.
- Staff review the request to determine whether additional information may be necessary, or what accommodations may be implemented to assist the RMT in participating in the Quality Assurance program process.
- Staff will contact the RMT and/or their Assessment Advisor to facilitate and provide any assistance necessary within the accommodations granted.
Further information
Adopted: June 18, 2024
