12.3 Pathway to Becoming a HSCPOA PSW Registrant
Now that you have graduated from the PSW program, you are eligible to register with the Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority (HSCPOA). Registration with HSCPOA is an important step in establishing your professional identity as a Personal Support Worker in Ontario. It demonstrates your commitment to high standards of care, accountability, and ethical practice.
Being listed on the HSCPOA’s public registry helps employers and clients recognize you as a qualified and trustworthy care provider. While registration is currently voluntary, it enhances your credibility and may improve employment opportunities, as many organizations prefer or require PSW’s to be part of this registry. This is a meaningful way to affirm your role in Ontario’s healthcare system and contribute to the ongoing professionalization of the PSW role.
Who is the HSCPOA?
Through regulation, the public can be confident that Personal Support Workers (PSWs) who are added to the registry deliver safe, competent, ethical, quality, accountable care to recipients in hospitals, Long-Term Care facilities, Retirement Homes, Home Care, or other Ontario healthcare environments.
Who We Are
Under the Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority Act, 2021, a new regulatory approach is being implemented for the oversight of individuals providing health and supportive care services in Ontario, beginning with Personal Support Workers (PSW’s). This work is being carried out through the Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority (HSCPOA), which was established by the Government of Ontario in the interest of public protection.
The creation of HSCPOA recognizes the important role that PSW’s play in the Ontario healthcare system and strengthens health human resources oversight by ensuring quality care, consistency of education and training of PSW’s, and transparency for the public regarding the PSW workforce. – HSCPOA
To learn more about the HSCPOA, consult the following info sheets:
How to Register with the HSCPOA?
Steps to Register
- Visit the HSCPOA website and navigate to the Applicants section.
- Select the Path 1 Ontario PSW Education registration pathway.
- Complete the online application form and upload the required documents (e.g., certificate, transcript).
- Submit your application through the HSCPOA Registration portal.
- Await confirmation and, if approved, your name will be added to the public register.
Benefits of Registering with the HSCPOA?
Watch the following video on why registering benefits you as a PSW:
To learn more about HSCPOA and the importance of registering with HSCPOA in Ontario, review the following webinar.
