The following FAQs clarify key aspects of professionalization, self-regulation, and the future of Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) as a recognized healthcare profession.

1.   What is the purpose of a regulatory college?
A regulatory college is not an educational institution. It is a statutory governing body that oversees the professional practice of its members. Responsibilities include defining the scope of practice, entry to practice requirement and levels, setting competency standards, enforcing quality measures, investigating complaints, and addressing disciplinary matters. Regulatory colleges protect public interest and ensure accountability within a profession.

2.   How are IPAC professionals in Ontario currently regulated?
IPAC professionals are not governed by a formal regulatory body. Qualifications required to work in IPAC vary by institution in Ontario, as does adherence to provincial guidelines such as those from the Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee or legislative standards like the Fixing the Long-Term Care Act. This fragmented approach lacks the consistency and accountability that a regulatory college could provide.

3.   Would establishing a regulatory college make IPAC a profession?
Yes. While IPAC has many characteristics of a profession, it lacks self-governance and title protection. A regulatory college would formalize IPAC as a profession, protecting the title “IPAC professional” and ensuring that only qualified, regulated individuals can use it.

4.   What is the difference between a regulatory college and a professional association?
A regulatory college is a statutory body that regulates a profession to protect public safety. It oversees member qualifications, competency, ethics, and discipline, and membership is mandatory for practitioners. In contrast, a professional association advocates for its members, promotes the profession, and engages in research and policy development. Membership in a professional association is voluntary and focuses on advancing the profession rather than regulating it.

5.   Are all IPAC training programs in Ontario required to follow a standardized curriculum or accreditation?
No. While some programs align with national and provincial standards, with or without IPAC Canada endorsement, there is no mandatory accreditation process for all training programs. This inconsistency creates a significant gap in ensuring the uniform quality of IPAC training and practice across the province. A regulatory college would ensure consistency across accredited training programs.

6.   Do IPAC professionals need to renew their certification or credentials over time?
While some IPAC professionals have obtained their CIC, A-IPC and/or LTC-CIC through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) and renew it every 5 years, this is not required by all institutions and is usually obtained after beginning work in IPAC. Currently, there is no standardized renewal process for IPAC professionals in Ontario. After initial training and employment, continuing education or competency assessments are required only if stipulated by employers. This lack of regulation poses risks to public safety and hinders the advancement of IPAC as a recognized healthcare profession.

7.   I have my CIC and recertify every 5 years. How is being CIC (or LTC-CIC) certified related to self-regulation?

The primary purpose of certification is to increase protection of the public by providing an objective measurement of standardized current knowledge recognized and respected within and outside the field of infection prevention and control. In that way, certification has similar objectives to self-regulation for the IPAC profession. Certification however, is often obtained after one is already employed in IPAC and is voluntary. If an IPAC regulatory college is formed, additional responsibilities would include defining the scope of practice, entry to practice requirement and levels, enforcing quality measures, investigating complaints, and addressing disciplinary matters. An IPAC regulatory college may choose to use the CIC exam as the way IPAC professionals demonstrate ongoing competency.

8.   Can IPAC professionals in Ontario work across jurisdictions?
While foundational IPAC skills are transferable, the absence of standardized certification or regulation in Ontario can limit recognition in other jurisdictions. Self-regulation would establish consistent standards, facilitating mobility and recognition across the province and beyond.

9.   Will a regulatory college add unnecessary bureaucracy?
No. A College of IPAC Professionals would consolidate responsibilities such as setting entry-to-practice standards, conducting quality assurance, and managing complaints. This centralized approach would streamline oversight, replacing the current patchwork of institutional guidelines and fostering efficiency across healthcare sectors.

10.   Could a regulatory college stop someone from practicing in IPAC?
Only in specific cases. Membership lapses or severe professional misconduct could result in suspension or revocation of registration once obtained, following due process. The current system lacks a formal mechanism to address such issues, leaving public safety at risk.

11.   How would someone be grandfathered into the IPAC profession if self-regulation is established? When a regulatory college is created, there is often a "grandfathering" process designed to include those already working in the field, even if they do not meet the new formal educational requirements set out by the college. This process acknowledges and values the contributions of current professionals while setting standards for the future.

• Recognition of Experience: If you are currently working in IPAC, your experience and expertise will likely be recognized. The college will review your work history, skills, and contributions to the field to determine your eligibility.

• Documentation: You may need to provide basic proof of your current role, such as job descriptions or employer verification, to show that you have been practicing in the field.

• Additional Support: For those who feel unsure about meeting requirements, transitional programs, resources, or competency assessments may be offered to help you align with the college’s standards. These programs are typically designed to be supportive, not exclusionary.

• Timeframe for Transition: The grandfathering period is usually generous, giving individuals ample time to complete any necessary steps without interrupting their work.

12.   Will self-regulation involve costs for IPAC professionals?
Yes. Self-regulation requires an annual membership fee to fund the regulatory college and support professional liability insurance. Similar fees in other professions range from $400 – $600 annually. Regulation may also require a one time initial registration fee. These funds support activities such as quality assurance programs and public outreach.

13.   Would self-regulation increase salaries for IPAC professionals?
Potentially. Self-regulation would enhance the recognition of IPAC expertise, potentially leading to expanded roles, scope of practice, and increased compensation. It would also promote career advancement opportunities.

14.   Is self-regulation a way to limit entry into the IPAC profession?
No. Self-regulation establishes fair, transparent standards for entry and practice. It ensures all practitioners meet required competencies and maintain them throughout their careers. The goal is to protect public safety and support professional development, not to create barriers.

Currently, IPAC does not have formal designations to indicate levels of practice, such as entry or advanced roles, or how long someone has been practicing. Self-regulation could help introduce these distinctions, creating clear pathways for career growth and recognizing expertise within the profession. This structure would benefit both practitioners and the healthcare system by ensuring the right person is in the right role, practicing to the appropriate scope.

15.   Are IPAC professionals in other provinces self-regulated?
Not yet. Ontario has the chance to lead in self-regulation and establish IPAC as a profession. Currently, many provinces rely on nurses for IPAC roles, but some are introducing positions like "IPAC Associates" to allow individuals from various educational backgrounds, such as microbiology, epidemiology, laboratory science, allied health, and public health to enter the profession. These roles have limited entry requirements and lack career progression opportunities. It is widely recognized that a diverse educational background within an IPAC team strengthens its effectiveness. Bringing together IPAC team members with backgrounds such as microbiology, nursing, epidemiology, laboratory science, allied health, and public health—enhances the team's ability to tackle complex infection control challenges with a broader perspective and deeper expertise.

16.   What changes would self-regulation bring to IPAC practice?
Self-regulation would protect the title “IPAC professional,” reserving it for individuals who meet regulatory standards. It would enhance the credibility of IPAC professionals and ensure consistent quality of care across healthcare settings.

17.   How would self-regulation affect my role in an interprofessional team?
Self-regulation would strengthen the role of IPAC professionals by providing clear standards, recognized credentials, establish scope of practice and the ability to review expansion of that practice. This would foster greater collaboration with other healthcare professionals and enhance integration into patient/resident/client care.

18.   What is the next step if IPAC self-regulation is approved?
If approved, the Minister of Health for Ontario would request a Council to oversee the creation of a College of IPAC Professionals. Tasks include drafting a governing act under the RHPA 1991, developing policies, and ensuring a smooth transition for members. Establishing a regulatory college requires collaboration among professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders. The time horizon on this would be years.

19.   What are the options for professionals already regulated in another profession?
Professionals who are already regulated, such as nurses or public health inspectors, can choose one of the following:

• Dual Registration: Maintain registration with both their current regulatory body and the IPAC college. This allows them to work in both capacities but will require paying fees for both.

• IPAC-Only Registration: Transition entirely to the IPAC profession if IPAC aligns more closely with their current practice or aspirations, relinquishing registration in their original regulatory body.

This FAQ highlights the importance of self-regulation in advancing the IPAC profession while safeguarding public safety and ensuring professional accountability.

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