Regulation of Homeopathy in Ontario
On April 1, 2015, the Government of Ontario formally proclaimed the Homeopathy Act (2007) and the College of Homeopaths of Ontario was established as a regulatory body under the Regulated Health Professions Act. All Ontario Homeopaths must be regulated in order to practice. College members must be trained in accordance with the education requirements as mandated, and are governed by strict standards of practice and by-laws as formed and enforced by the College. For more information visit www.collegeofhomeopaths.on.ca.
The Ontario Homeopathic Association has been pivotal and supportive of this process from the onset, and are very pleased that Homeopathy has finally been re-established in Ontario as its own distinct and specialized system of medicine. It is already established in the health care systems of many countries.
Demand for alternative and complementary health services is growing exponentially, and recognised by consumers as an essential component of our health care. According to Health Canada, 71% of Canadians regularly take natural health products such as vitamins and minerals, herbal products, and homeopathic medicine because they prefer these natural medicines to conventional, allopathic drugs, for personal health concerns, or to promote personal health (Health Canada, 2005). Ontario Homeopaths are on the Canadian Revenue Agency list of authorized medical practitioners.
Many insurance companies already provide coverage for Homeopathy, but often only when administered by a Naturopath. If this is the policy at your company, we request that it be changed so that the regulated Homeopath is recognised as the expert in our field of medicine. When administered by a trained and regulated professional, homeopathy has proven effective in the treatment of many acute and chronic diseases, can eliminate the need for costly medications, shorten recovery times, works effectively in integrative medical protocols, and encourages a healthy lifestyle. This translates to better job performance and fewer sick days. Supporting Homeopathy is cost effective to employers, insurance companies and the Canadian health care system.
The Ontario Homeopathic Association (OHA) was founded in 1992 in order to re-establish Homeopathy as a recognized health care system in Ontario. Its Executive is actively involved in establishing Homeopathy as a primary and/or integrative care option for consumers. On behalf of our membership and Ontario consumers, the OHA requests that Homeopathy be included as a matter of course in your plans and programs, and that coverage for patient care be extended to professional members of the OHA, who are regulated by the College.
For more information about our association, visit us at www.ontariohomeopath.com, or call our administrator at 416-516-6109 to arrange a lunch and learn presentation.
Board of Directors
Ontario Homeopathic Association