TORONTO – Ontario will launch a new registry that will provide patients and families with easy-to-access information about their personal support workers (PSWs). The registry will include information such as education and training credentials, and adherence to a code of conduct. It will also provide a transparent complaints process for patients and families to report and resolve complaints involving PSWs.

PSWs are one of the largest groups of healthcare providers in Ontario, and provide frontline care services to some of the province’s most vulnerable citizens. The new mandatory PSW registry will provide patients and families with peace of mind that the people who are delivering their essential care, often in their homes, have the necessary training to care for them and their loved ones.

“The high quality and compassionate work of PSWs is foundational to helping more people live independently at home, where they want to be,” said Dr. Eric Hoskins (pictured), Ontario’s minister of health. “Working to establish a new Personal Support Worker Registry will give people confidence knowing that the people delivering essential care have the necessary training to care for them and their loved ones.”

The Michener Institute at the University Health Network, a leading educational facility in the training of health professionals, will lead the development and implementation of the new registry.

The new registry will be phased in beginning in January 2018, to incorporate PSWs working in different health sectors, including home and community care and long-term care. The establishment of the registry will bring PSWs in line with other healthcare professionals in Ontario, whose background information is publically accessible through online databases, recognizing the role of PSWs as trusted and skilled partners in our healthcare system.