SWSSWA Amendment: Use of the title “Doctor”

The College wishes to inform you of a recent amendment to the Social Work and Social Service Work Act (SWSSWA), concerning the use of the title “doctor”.

Effective October 1, 2010, the amendment to the SWSSWA will permit a member of the College who holds an earned doctorate in social work, to use the title “doctor”, a variation, abbreviation or an equivalent in another language in the course of providing or offering to provide, in Ontario, health care to individuals, if he or she complies with certain conditions.

A member is not required to contact the College to determine whether they are able to use the title “doctor”. However a member must use the title “doctor” in accordance with the SWSSWA, and the By-laws and Policies approved by the College.

For further information, please refer to the Communication to Members of OCSWSSW Regarding Use of the Title “Doctor”.