The 90s Brought Many Changes to the Profession and Healthcare

1990s

This is the decade that brought the widespread use of the World Wide Web, not to mention the invention that would forever change how we live and communicate: the cell phone. Popular bands included Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Boys II Men.  New records were set in movie theatres across North America with some of the top earning movies of all time: Titanic, Lion King, Twister and Jurassic Park. For the TV fans, there was no shortage of popular, long-running series in the 90s. Cable saw George Clooney in ER and Jennifer Anniston in Friends, not to mention 90210 and Melrose Place.

On the Respiratory Therapy side, the 1990s brought many changes to the profession and healthcare in general, including the birth of the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO) in 1994.

A lot went into the development of RT self-regulation and the creation of the CRTO before 1994 – starting with an idea within the provincial government. In Ontario, ideas become laws through the process below:

1993

• The Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) received Royal Assent on November 25, 1991 and became law on December 31, 1993.
• Respiratory Therapy and five other health professions became self-regulated at that time; each had profession-specific Acts (e.g., the Respiratory Therapy Act or RTA). The RTA was also proclaimed on December 31, 1993.
• The Transitional Council of the CRTO was appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council to form and organize the College; within one year of proclamation the CRTO was required to hold elections for Council and non-Council representatives.

1994

• The Transitional Council developed in consultation with the membership the first regulations under the RTA, including: Registration, Professional Misconduct, Prescribed Procedures, Annual Fees, Statutory Committees and Election of Council Members.
• Six electoral districts were mapped out based on the Ontario District Health Councils that were in place at the time.
• The Transitional Council held a logo contest; 19 submissions from students of Conestoga College were received, with the ‘clouds’ logo chosen as the winner.
• The College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO) is officially born with the sitting of its first elected Council.