Council Highlights

Please click on a meeting date to view a summary of key decisions taken by Council at the meeting.
2008:
  • April 11, 2008


    • 2007:
  • December 3, 2007
  • October 1, 2007
  • July 13, 2007
  • April 27, 2007
  • February 23, 2007



    • April 11, 2008

    Council Highlights will be available shortly

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    December 3 and 4, 2007
    Council Highlights - A summary of key decisions taken by Council at its meeting on December 3 and 4, 2007 and an outline of the significant information circulated at the meeting. 
    (Note . . . by-laws which have not been approved are not summarized in these highlights until they have been approved by Council):
    The Strategic Map 2008-2010
    The strategic map for 2008 was approved by Council. The strategic map for 2009-2010 was approved in principle.
    Budget Approved
    Council approved the 2008 budget for the College and approved in principle the 2009 and 2010 budgets.
    Microsoft Customer Relationship Management Project (MS CRM)
    A report on the MS CRM project was presented to Council. The new system will go live internally in January 2008 after extensive development and testing. It is expected that on-line renewal of registration and the option of credit card payment of College fees for members will be available in early summer 2008.
    Quality Assurance Committee Report to Council
    Council approved a new policy in connection with the College’s QA program to replace two existing policies.
    Health Human Resource Planning
    Council approved, for circulation to members, a proposed by-law to permit the College to collect additional information from members about themselves and their practice.
    In addition, the College Council approved the following additional object of the College, under paragraph 8 of subsection 3(1) of the Health Professions Procedural Code, as being desirable for the delivery of human health care:
    “to engage in and facilitate, with other stakeholders, activities, such as the collection and analysis of data, for the purpose of human resources planning and demographic, research and other studies”.
    These steps are being taken in conjunction with the College’s participation in the Health Human Resources Database project of the Canadian Institute for Health Information to establish a health human resource database for medical radiation technologists in Canada.
    Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council (HPRAC) Patient Relations Program Review
    HPRAC is currently reviewing the patient relations programs of health regulatory colleges. The College staff met with HPRAC in October and submitted a report for 2007 on the performance of the College’s patient relations program.
    Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act
    The Office of the Fairness Commissioner (OFC) is an independent agency set up to ensure that regulatory bodies have registration practices that are transparent, objective, impartial and fair. The College had an introductory meeting with the OFC in October and a study meeting in November to report on the College’s registration practices.
    HPRAC Interprofessional Collaboration
    On June 28, 2007, the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care asked HPRAC to recommend mechanisms to facilitate and support interprofessional collaboration among health colleges. The CMRTO is participating in the discussion and consultative process. Two Council members and the Registrar attended a HPRAC working session on interprofessional collaboration on October 18, 2007.
    Pandemic Planning
    The College has developed a business continuity plan for emergency preparedness in the event of a pandemic or other emergency. Updates will be shared with Council as the business continuity plan is implemented. 
    Allied Health Professional Development Fund (AHPDF)
    The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has confirmed that the AHPDF will be available for medical radiation technologists for a second year. The College sent notification to all its members on behalf of the MOHLTC in November 2007.
    Physician Assistant Initiative
    Information was provided to Council on the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care physician assistant initiative. There are currently four pilot demonstrations under the project. Physician assistants will work under the supervision of a physician.
    Next Council Meeting
    The next Council meeting will take place on April 11, 2008.

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    October 1, 2007
    The agenda involved a discussion of personnel matters and related financial matters.  The Council decided that the meeting would be closed to the public in accordance with the Health Professions Procedural Code.
    Next Council Meeting
    The next Council meeting will take place on December 3 and 4, 2007

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    July 13, 2007
    Council Highlights - A summary of key decisions taken by Council at its meeting on July 13, 2007 and an outline of the significant information circulated at the meeting. 
    (Note . . . by-laws which have not been approved are not summarized in these highlights until they have been approved by Council):
    Council Elections and Appointments
    Council received the results of the recent elections in Districts 1, 4, 7 and 8 for 2007. Mary Ann Ginty (District #1) and Bronwen Baylis (District #4) join Council while Janet K. Scherer (District #7) and Caron Murray (District #8) were re-elected. 
    The Council Nominating Committee presented a report on its recommendations for statutory committee membership. After a review of the procedures for electing a president and vice president, David Price was re-elected Council president and Tammy Urso re-elected as vice president. Council appointed the members to the statutory committees and non-statutory committees for a one-year term.
    (Information about the composition of the statutory committees can be found elsewhere on the College’s website.)
    2008 Council Election Date
    The date for the next elections for Council was set as May 2, 2008, for electoral districts 3 and 6.
    Reports from Statutory Committees Received by Council
    Council received reports from the Executive Committee, the Complaints Committee, the Discipline Committee, the Quality Assurance Committee (which included an update on implementation of the multi-source feedback assessment system), and the Registration Committee.
    Annual Fee
    Council approved maintaining annual fees at their current level at this time.
    MOHLTC Information on Bill 171 Circulated
    A letter and fact sheet about the Health System Improvements Act, 2007, which received Royal Assent on June 4, 2007, was circulated to Council. Schedule M of the Act amends the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) and the Health Professions Procedural Code (Code) to create a more efficient complaints and mandatory reporting process. Most of the provisions of Schedule M are expected to come into effect in June 2009.
    HPRAC on Patient Relations Program
    The College Registrar received a letter from Barbara Sullivan thanking the College for its participation in the Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council’s (HPRAC’s) workshop on patient relations programs. Council reviewed a copy of the letter. Council also received two draft documents from HPRAC entitled ‘Patient Relations Overview Statement’ and ‘The Common Elements of a Patient Relations Program’ which will be the basis for consultation between HPRAC and the health regulatory colleges.
    CMRTO Approved Educational Programs
    Council passed amendments to its policies which approve the programs offered at “The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences/University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine Joint Degree/Diploma Program in Medical Radiation Sciences - Radiological Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology and Radiation Therapy Technology”, in order to reflect a change in the name of these programs.
    Minister’s Referral to Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council (HPRAC)
    Council reviewed a letter from G. Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, dated June 28, 2007 to B. Sullivan, Chair, HPRAC asking HPRAC for advice and recommendations on a number of issues related to the regulation of health professions. Council noted that there are two referrals in particular that are of particular interest to the College:
    1.       regarding mechanisms to facilitate and support interprofessional collaboration between health colleges beginning with the development of standards of practice and professional practice guidelines where regulated health professions share the same or similar controlled acts, and
    2.       regarding a previous HPRAC report and requesting recommendations on the currency of, and any additions to, advice provided by HPRAC in relation to the regulation of diagnostic sonographers.
    Next Council Meeting
    The next Council meeting will take place on December 3 and 4, 2007

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    April 27, 2007
    Council Highlights - A summary of key decisions taken by Council at its meeting on April 27, 2007 (note . . . by-laws which have not been approved are not summarized in these highlights until they have been approved by Council):
    Approval of Financial Statements
    Council approved the financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2006 and the auditor’s report.
    Appointment of Auditors
    The chartered accountants firm of KPMG LLP was appointed auditors of the College until the next annual meeting of the Council.
    Update on Bill 171 – Health System Improvements Act, 2006
    Council was advised that the College’s request to appear before the Ontario government’s Standing Committee on Social Policy with respect to Bill 171 was not granted. The Clerk of the committee was provided with the College’s written submission on April 18, 2007. The College supported the government’s initiative to create a more efficient complaints and reports process, to improve public access to information, to improve public protection and to support the government’s HealthForceOntario human resources strategy. The legislation will have significant impact on the College’s operations. Council and members will be kept informed about the progress of the legislation and its impact.
    Joint Michener/Laurentian Radiation Therapy Technology Program
    Council passed a policy which approves the Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences/Laurentian University - Radiation Therapy Technology Program as an approved educational program in radiation therapy for the purposes of registration with the College.
    Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act, 2006
    Council reviewed a letter from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care about the Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act, 2006 which was proclaimed into force on March 1, 2007. The letter reminded that “these amendments place additional statutory responsibilities on colleges such as the duty to provide registration practices that are transparent, objective, impartial and fair, an obligation to provide information on the college's registration process to applicants, and the requirement to undertake audits of registration practices and provide reports for the Fairness Commissioner."
    Quality Assurance MSF Program
    Council reviewed the Quality Assurance Practice Assessment Workbook Part II for Medical Radiation Technology which will be sent to all CMRTO members in May 2007.
    Next Council Meeting
    The next Council meeting will take place on Friday, July 13, 2007.
    Postscript: Third reading of Bill 171 was carried by the legislature on May 31, 2007 and received Royal Assent on June 4, 2007.

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    February 23, 2007
    Council Highlights - A summary of key decisions taken by Council at its meeting on February 23, 2007 (note . . . by-laws which have not been approved are not summarized in these highlights until they have been approved by Council):
    IT Upgrade/Replacement Project
    The timetable and budget for the information technology upgrade project was approved by Council. Scheduled to begin in March 2007, the project involves upgrading the College’s current CRM (customer relationship management) database for its register. The upgrade will be undertaken in conjunction with a supplier of the College’s current system called Burntsand Inc.. When completed, the upgrade will provide the College with a new customized register on a Microsoft platform, including full integration with office software and online member services.
    Submission to Standing Committee re Bill 171 – Health System Improvements Act, 2006
    College staff and legal counsel were instructed by Council to prepare a submission for the provincial government Standing Committee reviewing Bill 171: Health System Improvements Act, 2006. There are a number of areas of the bill on which the College intends to comment. Bill 171, Health System Improvements Act, 2006, can be accessed on the provincial government website at http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&BillID=519.
    Monitoring Bill 142 -Transparency in Public Matters Act, 2006
    The College has expressed concerns in the past about this private member’s bill because its provisions conflict with the confidentiality provision of the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. Although the College has received reassurances that the regulatory colleges will not be included in the Act, Council has asked College staff and legal counsel to continue to monitor the bill’s progress.
    New Kilometrage Rate for Members of Council and Committees
    Council approved an increase of $0.06 per kilometre for Council and Committee members using their personal vehicles for College business. This increase brings the kilometrage rate in line with that recommended by the Health Boards Secretariat for public members.
    Approval of CAMRT Competency Profiles
    One of the responsibilities of the College is to approve medical radiation technology education programs that meet the entry to practice requirements of the profession. The College achieves this objective through an agreement with the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) under which the CMA provides accreditation services to accredit medical radiation technology programs. Because the accreditation process is national, the profession needs a national competency profile against which the education programs can be assessed. This competency profile is set by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT). The CAMRT recently redrafted the competency profiles for the four medical radiation technology specialties. After thorough consultation and review, and a detailed comparison of the CAMRT competency profiles with the College’s own essential competencies, Council approved acceptance of the CAMRT’s competency profiles for the four medical radiation technology specialties as the national entry-level competencies for the purposes of the accreditation process.
    Special Council Meeting to Review Governance Model
    Council will hold an additional meeting in 2007 to review the implementation of changes to Council policies and its governance model as identified in the 2007 strategic map.

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    December 4 and 5, 2006
    Council Highlights - A summary of key decisions taken by Council at its meeting on December 4 and 5, 2006 (note . . . by-laws which have not been approved are not summarized in these highlights until they have been approved by Council):
    Three-year Strategic Map
    After presentations by Sharon Saberton and Linda Gough, Council approved the College’s strategic map for 2007 and approved in principle the strategic map for the College for the years 2008-2009. The vision behind this strategic map is of the College as a “high quality and professionally managed college”.
    Approval of Budget
    Council approved the 2007 budget for the College and approved in principle the 2008 and 2009 budget.
    Members Online Survey
    Council heard a presentation of the complete results of the survey of CMRTO members on their opinions about current and future online services. Topline results of this survey are provided in the winter 2007 edition of Insights which can be viewed at www.cmrto.org.
    Information Technology Audit
    The College is continuing to explore options to upgrade its current member management software to ensure it is well positioned for new online fee payment options.
    College Investment Portfolio
    A representative from CIBC Wood Gundy attended the Council meeting to report on performance and options with respect to the College’s investment portfolio. The College’s investment policies are reviewed annually by the Finance and Property Committee as part of its responsibilities set out in its terms of reference.
    Amendment to Quality Assurance Regulation Approved by Council
    The College had circulated to members and stakeholders a proposed regulation, which amends the Quality Assurance regulation made under the Medical Radiation Technology Act, 1991. Council considered the comments received by the College and approved the proposed regulation. The proposed regulation deals with practice assessments, including assessments by a multi-source feedback system. It will be provided to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for review.  As part of the discussion about the multi-source feedback system, it was decided that the College’s QA Committee would further consider ways to strengthen the confidentiality and privacy protections of the MSF system.
    Multi-Source Feedback System for Quality Assurance (MSF System)
    Council received a report from the Registrar and Deputy Registrar regarding the consultation in the fall of 2006 with CMRTO members on the recommendations of the College’s QA Committee for the implementation of the MSF system for quality assurance.
    Bill 124 – Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act, 2006
    Discussion took place about the presentation made by the College’s Registrar and legal counsel in the fall to the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills outlining the College’s concerns respecting Bill 124, 2006 – Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act, 2006.
    Project on Controlled Acts and Authorizing Mechanisms
    Council received a report on a project of the Federation of Health Regulatory Colleges of Ontario regarding Controlled Acts and Authorizing Mechanisms. The Registrar is one of the project managers for the project. It has produced a document entitled “An Interprofessional Guide on the Use of Orders, Directives and Delegation for Regulated Health Professionals in Ontario”.

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    July 14, 2006
    Council Highlights - A summary of key decisions taken by Council at its meeting on July 14 (note . . . by-laws which have not been approved are not summarized in these highlights until they have been approved by Council):
    Election of President and Vice President
    David Price was elected by acclamation as president of the College. Tammy Urso was elected vice president by acclamation. Their terms of office continue until the first meeting of Council after the next election in 2007.
    Appointments to the College’s Executive and Other Statutory Committees
    Council approved a variety of appointments to the College’s Executive Committee and other statutory committees. The complete list of statutory committee members is available at http://www.cmrto.org/about/members.asp.
    Election Date for 2007
    The next election for Council members for Electoral Districts 1, 4, 7 and 8 will take place on Friday, May 4, 2007.
    Financial Reports
    Council received and reviewed a variety of financial statements, including the CIBC Wood Gundy Statement of Investment Accounts for the two preceding months, and the Statement of Revenues and Expenses, Balance Sheet and Variance Report for the month ending May 31, 2006.
    HealthForceOntario Strategy
    Updates on the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s HealthForceOntario Strategy and New Health Care Professional Roles were provided for information purposes.
    Pandemic Planning
    Council received copies of two Ontario government publications, one called Planning Activity Considerations for Ontario’s Health Regulatory Colleges – Health Human Resources Planning for an Influenza Pandemic: Ontario Health Pandemic Influenza Plan, and one called What You Should Know About a Flu Pandemic.
    Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council (HPRAC)
    A variety of materials and presentations were provided to Council concerning HPRAC’s report to the Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care called Regulation of Health Professions in Ontario: New Directions. The College’s Registrar and legal counsel summarized this information as well as the substance of the College’s submission to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in response to HPRAC’s report. (Changes to the Regulated Health Professions Act are expected to be introduced in the fall of 2006.)
    Amendment to Regulation
    The College will be circulating a proposed amendment to Ontario Regulation 545/94about quality assurance to College members and stakeholders for comment. The proposed amendment relates to practice assessments, including assessment by a multi-source feedback system. This system provides a means to assess how people in the profession actually perform in practice.
    (Note . . . Information about all College regulations is available at http://www.cmrto.org/resource/regulations.asp)
    Controlled Acts and Authorizing Mechanisms Project
    Information about this project is available in recent issues of Insights (http://www.cmrto.org/resource/publications.asp#insights ). Council asked the Registrar to arrange a stakeholder “summit” to discuss the project which is under the auspices of the Federation of Health Regulatory Colleges of Ontario.
    Bill 124, Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act, 2006
    Discussion took place at Council about the provincial government’s new legislation intended to “break down barriers so that more internationally trained professionals can work in their field”. The legislation was introduced just prior to the July Council meeting and received first reading.

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    April 28, 2006
    Council Highlights - A summary of key decisions taken by Council at its meeting on April 28, 2006.
    2005 Financial Audit
    Council received and approved the College’s financial statements and auditor’s report (KPMG LLP) for the year ending December 31, 2005. KPMG LLP was also re-appointed as the College’s auditor for the current fiscal year.
    Annual Fee
    Council approved maintaining annual fees at their current level at this time.
    College Strategic Map
    The College’s activities for the three years ending December 31, 2008 are being guided by a strategic map developed by Council with the assistance of College Registrar Sharon Saberton and Deputy Registrar Linda Gough. During this Council meeting, Saberton and Gough reviewed specific initiatives planned for the year as outlined in the map.
    By-Law No.33 Enacted
    After circulation to College members, and consideration of all comments received, Council approved the enactment of By-law No. 33. This by-law amends another College by-law (By-law No. 28) and provides the information with respect to health profession corporations that will be contained in the College’s register and which information with respect to health profession corporations will be available to the public. It was noted, however, that By-law No. 33 does not change the provisions relating to members’ home addresses and home telephone numbers which are not public information.

    Controlled Acts & Authorizing Mechanisms Project
    A further update was provided on this project which is looking at ways of reconciling how authorizing mechanisms are used. As regulated health professionals under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), MRTs must work with different types of what can be called ‘authorizing mechanisms’.  Authorizing mechanisms are tools developed to authorize and enable performance of procedures, treatments or interventions where authorizations are required by law, regulation or practice convention. Authorizing mechanisms include orders (direct orders and/or directives) and delegation.
    Federation Public Awareness Initiative
    Council approved the continuation of its support to the Federation of Health Regulatory Colleges of Ontario’s education initiative to increase public awareness of health regulatory colleges and the role they play in maintaining practice standards and protecting the public.

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    February 24, 2006

    Council Highlights - A summary of key decisions taken by Council at its meeting on February 24, 2006

    New Communications Strategy
    Council approved a new communications strategy to guide the College over the next two years. Highlights of the strategy include a renewed focus on web-based communications, shorter and more active articles in Insights, enhanced dialogue opportunities between the College and members, increased communications with the public, and a greater profile for Council and the new Registrar-designate.

    CIHI Health Resources Database Development Project
    A representative from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) attended the meeting to update Council on CIHI’s Health Human Resources Database Development Project. Over five years, CIHI aims to develop national supply-based databases and reporting systems for five regulated health professions, including medical radiation technologists. The databases will eventually help in monitoring, planning and policy research at all government levels.

    Ontario Health Pandemic Influenza Plan
    Council was provided with a short memo summarizing some of the challenges being addressed by health regulatory colleges and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care with respect to pandemic planning. One of the key challenges being addressed is the process for communication between the Ministry’s executive emergency management committee, the colleges and their members. The Federation of Health Regulatory Colleges of Ontario and the Ministry continue to work together to find effective strategies for ensuring timely and smooth communication flows between the Ministry, the colleges and health care professionals throughout Ontario in the event of a pandemic.

    Controlled Acts and Authorizing Mechanisms Project
    A project team set up by the Federation of Health Regulatory Colleges of Ontario is looking at ways of reconciling different interpretations and different ways of applying various statutes that govern how authorizing mechanisms are used. The team, which includes Registrar Sharon Saberton, is trying to address ways to deal with the confusion and to help health care professionals better understand how to implement medical directives and delegation. So far the team has established shared meanings and guiding principles which will serve as the foundation for the project.

    CAMRT Degree Initiative
    While the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) continues to advocate for a degree as the entry-level requirement for medical radiation technologists in , it has informed the College that it has removed the deadline of 2010. This means that the CAMRT will continue to allow on-going access to the national certification exam to all graduates of CMA accredited MRT programs (degree and diploma).

    New Member of the Discipline Committee
    Valerie Kelly has been appointed to the College’s Discipline Committee to replace Margaret Douthart who has resigned as a member of the Discipline Committee.

    Reorganization at MOHLTC
    The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is embarking on a two-year re-organization. The changes will see the Ministry divided into four new divisions: Health System Information Management, Health System Strategy, Health System Investment and Funding, and Health System Accountability and Performance. According to a memo circulated at the Council meeting, the Ministry’s new self-defined role will be to focus on “stewardship, on planning, and on guiding resources to bring value to the health system.” The implications of this reorganization for health care professionals delivering service to patients around Ontario remain to be seen.

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