Licensing and regulating certain health professions assures accountability by:
- Ensuring that the health professional is qualified to practise;
- Setting standards of practice and a code of ethics that the health professional must follow;
- Requiring the health professional to be registered and licensed to use the title of the profession and perform certain services; and
- Ensuring complaints about the professional are investigated and disciplinary action taken if necessary.
Public Representatives on Self-regulating Health Professional Associations
Each board or council of a self-regulating health profession in Saskatchewan includes a representative from the public to improve transparency and accountability.
These public representatives bring a public perspective on issues of concern presented to the council. As a member of the council, a public representative ensures that the profession:
- Acts fairly;
- Follows the appropriate legislation and bylaws;
- Fosters appropriate standards of practice and professional ethics; and
- Serves to protect the public interest.
Call for Public Representative Positions on Health Professional Councils in Saskatchewan
The Ministry of Health is responsible for appointing members of the public to the councils of the self-regulating health professional associations.
Orientation Manual for Public Representatives
The Orientation Manual for Public Representatives on Self-Regulating Health Profession Councils helps assist you transition into your new position as a public representative. It is intended to complement the profession-specific orientation and documentation you will receive from your association.
Health Professional Associations
- Chiropractors' Association of Saskatchewan
- College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan
- College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan
- College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Saskatchewan
- College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Professionals of Saskatchewan (formerly Saskatchewan Association of Medical Radiation Technologists)
- College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists of Saskatchewan
- Dental Technicians Association of Saskatchewan
- Denturist Society of Saskatchewan
- Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan
- Saskatchewan Association of Naturopathic Practitioners
- Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists
- Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (Note: the profession of social work is the responsibility of the Ministry of Social Services.)
- Saskatchewan College of Midwives
- Saskatchewan College of Paramedics
- Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals
- Saskatchewan College of Physical Therapists
- Saskatchewan College of Podiatrists
- Saskatchewan College of Psychologists
- Saskatchewan College of Respiratory Therapists
- Saskatchewan Dental Assistants Association
- Saskatchewan Dental Hygienists' Association
- Saskatchewan Dental Therapists Association
- Saskatchewan College of Dietitians
- Saskatchewan College of Opticians
- Saskatchewan Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists
- Saskatchewan College of Occupational Therapists
Resolving Health Care Concerns and Complaints
Most patients have a positive experience with Saskatchewan's health care system. However, if you have questions or concerns about access to care, services, treatment, or how decisions were made, help is available to you. If problems arise that can't be resolved with the person or organization you're dealing with, get help from a client representative or quality of care coordinator.
Health-Related Organizations
- Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations is a non-profit, non-government association that provides leadership, advocacy, support and programs for 140 health organizations throughout the province.
- 3sHealth - Shared Services Saskatchewan provides province-wide shared services to support Saskatchewan’s health system. The broad objectives of 3sHealth include creating enhanced value to the health system, improving service quality, and lowering the cost curve.