Regulation of Physician Assistants
Registration with CPSO is open. Beginning April 1, 2025, PAs who wish to use the protected title of "Physician Assistant" or "PA" in Ontario must be registered with CPSO. PA applicants can begin the registration process by visiting our New Applicant Account Creation page, where they can learn more and begin submitting the required documentation.
Beginning in 2026, PAs will be asked to renew their registration in accordance with CPSO’s regular annual renewal process.
Physician assistants (PAs) are skilled health care professionals who provide a broad range of medical services within health care teams under the supervision of a physician. PAs act as physician-extenders to complement existing services and aid in improving access to health care.
What is a PA’s scope of practice?
A PA’s scope of practice will reflect their supervising physician's scope of practice and is determined by the PA’s own knowledge, skill, and judgment. This means that each PA’s scope of practice will vary according to a number of factors, including the individual’s education, training and experience.
Why are PAs regulated in Ontario?
PAs have been working in the Ontario health care system since 2007. Since then, successive provincial governments in Ontario have been exploring different forms of oversight with CPSO, in response to requests from the PA profession. In 2019, the government expressed interest in pursuing a more robust form of regulation. CPSO proposed a model of oversight, which ultimately led to the establishment of a new physician assistant registrant class under CPSO.
Regulation by CPSO helps ensure safe and quality health care for patients. PAs are required to meet clearly defined registration requirements and standards, which include having the necessary “knowledge, skill and judgment” to practise and to use the protected title “Physician Assistant" or the abbreviation “PA."
When did CPSO begin regulating PAs?
CPSO began regulating PAs on April 1, 2025, and is accepting registration applications. Only individuals registered with CPSO may use the title "Physician Assistant" or "PA" in Ontario. Unauthorized use of the title is an offence under the Medicine Act, 1991.
Will regulation change the way that PAs currently practise?
No. Regulation is preserving the status quo because the existing relationship between physicians and PAs, anchored in the delegation framework, is well established and has been working effectively for many years. A delegation model also enables flexibility by allowing PAs to work with multiple physicians and practise in multiple settings.
Are PAs authorized to perform any controlled acts independently?
No. PAs can only perform controlled acts through delegation and with appropriate supervision by a physician, as set out in CPSO’s Delegation of Controlled Acts policy.
More Information
If you have additional questions, please contact [email protected].
