Annual Report 2016 | Page 2

ABOUT THE COLLEGE The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario The Council is the governing body of the Col- (CPSO) regulates the province’s medical profession lege. The RHPA stipulates that it consist of at least to protect and serve the public interest. 32 and no more than 34 members: We issue certificates of registration to allow doc- 16 physicians elected by their peers on a tors to practise medicine; monitor and maintain geographical basis every three years; standards of practice through assessment; investi- gate complaints against doctors on behalf of the three physicians appointed from among public; and discipline doctors who have commit- the six faculties of medicine (at Western ted an act of professional misconduct or who are University, McMaster University, University incompetent. of Toronto, Queen’s University, University of Medical regulation is based on the premise that Ottawa, and the Northern Ontario School of the College must act first and foremost in the Medicine); interest of the public. The role of the College, as well as our authority and powers, are set out in the 15 public members appointed by the provin- Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), the Health cial government. Professions Procedural Code under the RHPA and the Medicine Act. 2 COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS OF ONTARIO Medical Regulation in Ontario