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Understanding the Difference: Regulator, Association, Union, and Employer

Document Type: Info Sheet
Effective: February 2, 2026

Overview

The Health Professions Act requires a clear separation between the responsibility of the profession’s regulatory functions that protect the public and those related to advocacy, hiring practices, salary negotiations, and the economic and social wellbeing of registrants of the profession. This info sheet is intended to support an understanding of the distinct functions of a regulator, association, union, and employer.