Ontario Homeopathic Practitioner Survey: Are homeopaths prepared to be regulated?

Ontario homeopaths are to be granted self-regulatory status under the Regulated Health Professions Act. The objectives of this study were to describe homeopaths currently practicing in Ontario and determine the proportion of practitioners that are eligible to become regulated. Questionnaires were distributed to Ontario homeopaths (n=831). The response rate was 56% (n=442/789, 43 ineligible participants). The majority of active practitioners were female (62.0%) with a mean age of 48 years. Almost two-thirds (66.3%) reported working part-time. The majority (77.5%) had at least a College/University/ diploma/certificate/degree. The majority was in favour of the regulation of homeopathy. Almost two-thirds (64.1%) appeared to be eligible for registration. Practitioners that appeared to be ineligible for registration were older, and had been in practice longer. In conclusion, only two-third of active practitioners that responded appeared eligible for registration when regulations are enacted.MAS