The RHRA administers the Retirement Homes Act, 2010 (RHA or Act) and is responsible for licensing and regulating retirement homes on behalf of government. It also provides education about the Act, information to the public about retirement homes and gives policy advice to government about retirement homes. The RHRA’s duties under the Act include licensing homes, handling complaints about homes and enforcing the standards in the Act.
UPDATE: On March 16, 2022, changes to the Retirement Homes Act and regulation came into force. Please refer to this special advisory for an overview of key changes for licensees and operators, as well as these FAQs and this Operational Summary of Changes.
Legislation & Regulations
The Retirement Homes Act, 2010 (Act) contains care and safety standards and other requirements applying to licensed retirement homes in Ontario. Regulations under the Act provide additional standards and requirements for licensed homes, and requirements relating to the RHRA’s administration of the Act.
Retirement Homes Act, 2010: Legislation and associated regulations:
Memorandum of Understanding
The RHRA is accountable to government through the Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) signed by the Minister of Seniors Affairs and RHRA Board Chair. The MOU:
- Clarifies the roles, duties and responsibilities of the RHRA and government in the administration of the Act
- Sets out the accountability frameworks and clarifies the administrative, financial, auditing, legislative and regulatory development, and working and reporting relationships between the RHRA and government
- Does not affect, modify, or limit the powers of the RHRA as set out in the Act. In the case of conflict between the MOU and any act or regulation, the act or regulation prevail.
Content of the MOU includes:
- Definitions, purpose, mandate, objects
- Duties and responsibilities associated with board composition and appointment
- Statutory appointments (Registrar, Risk Officer, and Complaints Review Officer)
- Corporate reporting, financial arrangements, insurance, and indemnity
- Information and sharing protocols, etc.