IN CLASS WORKSHEET SELF-REGULATION (5%)

In pairs, complete the following worksheet regarding self-regulation. Make sure you
properly cite your sources using APA formatting.
Partner #1
Mckailynn Drimmie
Partner #2
Jocelyn Sommerville
PART 1: SELF-REGULATION AT A PROFESSION LEVEL
Describe what is meant by a self-regulating healthcare profession. What people,
organizations, or things are present in order to make massage therapy a self-regulating
profession in Ontario? Describe their role in self-regulation.
A self-regulating health care profession is one which the practitioner is given standards
by a regulatory body which he/she must follow. This system ensures that disciplinary
actions are carried out in the practice of the therapist. This also guarantees quality
practice during each treatment and monitored service to the patient. The College of
Massage Therapists of Ontario consists of seven different committees that are set in place
in order to provide compulsory guidance to the self-regulated health professional. These
committees are as follows:
The Council Responsible for the management of the programs to enhance overall
therapeutic relationships between the patient and Therapist (College of Massage
Therapists of Ontario [CMTO], 2014)
The Discipline Committee Receives allegations of registrants and determines the
relevance of complaint and if credible punishment is placed upon the registrants. (CMTO,
2014)
The Executive Committee Upholds the ruling of the council in regard to revoking bylaws or regulations. Responsible for communicating verdicts of situations that require
immediate attention. Must report council members between regular council meetings.
(CMTO, 2014)
Fitness to Practice Committee Ensures Therapist is equipped both mentally and
physically to treat. Hears capacity of therapists and determines his/her ability to treat.
(CMTO, 2014)
Inquires, Complaints and Reports Committee Investigates and oversees complaints
from the public by establishing a plan of action to solve the given issue. (CMTO, 2014)
Quality Assurance Committee Monitors the self-regulated professionals performance
to guarantee and report the competence of the therapist. (CMTO, 2014)
The Registration Committee - Deals with international applicants to give him/her an
opportunity to receive certification as a self-regulated professional. (CMTO, 2014)

The Regulated Health Professions Act (1991), state quality assurance program
prescribed under section 80 shall include, (a) continuing education or professional
development designed to, (i) promote continuing competence and continuing quality
improvement among the members (Regulated Health Professions Act [RHPA], 1991, s.
80.1.a.i).
Overall, the council and committees provide self regulated guidance to ensure that the
quality of care given by the therapist is proficient.

PART 2: SELF-REGULATION AT A PERSONAL LEVEL

Describe what is meant by self-regulation at a personal level. How does self-regulation
support massage therapists as individuals? Use examples to illustrate how this might
occur. How might self-regulation contribute to quality assurance? Again, use examples
to illustrate your points.
Self-regulation provides a Health Care Professional the freedom to practice
without constant supervision. It allows for self-improvement and learning on his/her own
time, as opposed to having criticism. The more a therapist can stay calmly focused and
alert the better they can integrate the diverse information being conveyed to create his/her
treatment plan. Essentially, it is a less stressful environment to be able to work for ones
self rather than to accommodate working for others. While working under ones own
autonomy, preferences are made based on what is easiest and most satisfying to therapist.
Therefore, he/she can solely focus on the safety and effectiveness of a treatment and not
the necessities of preference. Self-regulation gives therapists room to grow and expand
on concepts and research to benefit them as a new health care professional. By being set
apart from supervision, therapists must consult their previous knowledge or research
themselves about how to overcome many conflicts in the workplace. Self-regulation
supports massage therapists as individuals by building individualism and enhancing the
confidence of the therapist. Quality assurance is positively affected by a therapists ability
to think and treat on his/her own. Individualism eliminates dependence on others and
makes it possible for a stronger therapeutic relationship because the therapist is more
competent.

References
College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. (2014). Council and Committees. Retrieved
from: http://www.cmto.com/registrants/about-the-college/council-andcommittees/council-and-

committees/

Government of Ontario. (1991). Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. Ottawa, ON:
Queens Printer