Self Regulation of Sonography

The Ontario Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (OSDMS) has been pursuing the self regulation of sonography in Ontario since the 1980’s.  While most sonographers agree with regulation there are many questions as to how regulation would affect sonographers, the public and the profession on sonography.  This portion of the OSDMS website will provide information to help sonographers and the public to better understand self regulation, as well as what they can do to help this pursuit in Ontario.

What is self regulation?
Health professions are regulated to ensure the public is protected when they seek or receive health care. Self-regulation is based on the concept that members of a profession, based on their knowledge, skills and judgment, are best suited to govern their profession in the public interest.  The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MoHLTC) has requested the Health Professionals Regulatory Advisory Council (HPRAC) advise the Minister (MoHLTC) on the matter of self regulation for sonographers.  This is scheduled to occur in 2013.  This date is long after the initial date of 2008 when HPRAC was initially scheduled to comment on this matter.  The OSDMS has frequently lobbied to have this date moved forward, but due to limited resources HPRAC has been unable to accomodate our request.  To follow updates on the HPRAC website click here. 

What will self regulation provide for sonographers?
Health professions are regulated to ensure the public is protected and the profession itself does obtain professional standing.  In recent events, sonographers have not been identified as stakeholders in matters that directly affect them.  This is directly related to the profession being unregulated.  Sonographers, are simply not recognized as professionals among other health care organizations. As well, sonographers have not been able to gain access to government education funding that is provided to other allied health groups on the basis that we are not regulated.  The Allied Health Professional Development Fund was established by the Ontario government to help offset the cost of continuing education.  Sonographers are not elgible to access these funds.  While the OSDMS continues to make the voices of sonographers heard, we will continue to be left out as long as we are unregulated. 

What can you do?
The pursuit of regulation can be helped if sonographers contact their local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP)'s.  We encourage our members to write to their MPP's and we have provided a template  for this purpose.  Click here for the letter template.  If you wish to alter the content of the template and make it your own then select all, copy the content (right click and select copy) and paste in a word document.  Individuals can send the letter to both the Minister of Health and Long Term Care as well as to their own local MPP.  Unsure who your local MPP is and how to contact them click here.

Want more information?
While regulation is a provincial issue, the following articles provide detailed information on the topic of self regulation.  
To read these articles click on the following links:

Article from e-Interface on the topic of regulation

 SideBar e-Interface article with further details  on the topic of regulation

 Nova Scotia update on regulation
(Nova Scotia is currently the closest province to self regulation, this article is an update on this initiative.)
Thank you to CSDMS for the use of the above articles.

Any correspondence is to be directed to the Head Office of the society:
OSDMS
P.O. Box 188
Oakville Ontario
L6J 5A2

Bus 905 849-1771 - Fax 905 849-0653 - Toll-Free 1 866 835-9740
E-mail:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it