CPSO is undertaking a significant transformation of its policy framework to modernize how obligations for professional practice and conduct are set out. As part of this work, CPSO is replacing its suite of existing policies with four Professional Obligations documents.

Three of the new documents will set out physicians’ obligations across key areas of practice: medical professionalism, practice management, and clinical care. A fourth Professional Obligations document specifically for physician assistants (PAs) will highlight the obligations most relevant to PA practice.

In developing the Professional Obligations, CPSO has preserved and pulled together the core expectations from each existing policy and has grouped them according to theme. In many cases, these expectations have been distilled or consolidated, and are set out in a more principle-based way. This “principle‑based” approach is designed to support clarity and flexibility for registrants, while ensuring that professional obligations remain relevant across diverse practice settings and evolving clinical contexts. It is important to note that no new expectations of registrants have been created as part of this work.

To support the shift from policy to Professional Obligations, CPSO has also created accompanying Obligations in Practice documents that are intended to function as practical extensions of the Professional Obligations, setting out more detailed, topic-specific direction and expectations registrants will need to follow. 

Together with Essentials of Medical Professionalism, the Professional Obligations and Obligations in Practice will become CPSO’s primary tools for guiding professional conduct. While the new documents can be accessed through CPSO’s September Board Meeting Package, the changes will come into effect when CPSO’s redesigned website is launched, which will be in early November. The timing will help ensure that the new framework is accessed through a more intuitive and user-friendly online experience.  

As part of the transition to the redesigned site, some previously bookmarked pages may no longer work or may have moved. If you are unable to find the information you need, we encourage you to use CPSO’s enhanced Virtual Assistant, which can help you quickly locate relevant information and resources across the site.  

Registrants can expect further communication and supporting resources when the new framework goes live on the new website. In the meantime, please let us know if you have any questions at communications@cpso.on.ca.