Background information
This page provides answers to common questions about the modernization of the Health Professions Act. Learn why changes are being considered, how the government plans to proceed, and what these updates mean for health professionals and the public.
Why is the Government of Yukon considering changes to the Health Professions Act?
The Health Professions Act was written in 2003 as umbrella legislation. Only 4 professions are regulated under this legislation:
- Midwives;
- Pharmacists;
- Physiotherapists; and
- Registered psychiatric nurses.
The remaining regulated health professions have their own acts, creating inconsistencies in regulation. This legislation has not kept pace with evolving standards across Canada.
Recognizing this, the Government of Yukon is committed to reviewing the Health Professions Act (HPA). This includes assessing the state of health professional regulation in the Yukon, and producing an extensive report on the state of the current regulatory framework.
After an in-depth review, the Government of Yukon was directed to continue with the umbrella legislation model, modernize the Health Professions Act and bring all regulated health professionals under it. Umbrella legislation is consistent with legislation across Canada.
We're currently focusing on modernizing the Health Professions Act. Once the act is updated, the government can develop regulations under this legislation to support different professions, including those that are currently regulated and others that are not regulated. This work is expected to start with the 14 regulated professions but may also include other professions not currently regulated.
Will the Government of Yukon remain the regulator under the Health Professions Act?
The Government of Yukon will continue as the regulator under the Health Professions Act. The Government of Yukon is the regulator for 11 of the 14 regulated professions. Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners are the only 2 professions that are self-regulated under their current act. Physicians have a decision-making council but are fully funded and staffed by the Government of Yukon.
As this project continues, there will be opportunities to assess the correct regulatory model, including self-regulation.
We encourage everyone to participate in the engagement survey and the in-person sessions and provide their feedback at this early stage of the process.
Why do complaints processes differ between government and self regulated professions?
The process is not different because of who the regulator is, but because of how the legislation is written.
The Health Professions Act, Medical Professions Act and Registered Nurses Profession Act include similar processes. These processes allow for complaints to be reviewed, alternative resolutions to be found and if needed, hearings to be held.
Older legislation like the Denturist Act does not include a complaints process. The Dental Professions Act only has a complaint process for dentists and all complaints under this act must go to a hearing.
Modernizing the Health Professions Act aims to make the complaint process the same for all health professions. This approach is similar to how other jurisdictions manage complaints.
Learn more about this engagement.