Regulation and the paramedical professions: an interest group study

This article examines the relationship between government regulation and interest group activity of two paramedical groups in Ontario: chiropractors and physioptherapists. These disciplines occupy positions vis-à-vis the provincial medical insurance plan opposite to those which their relationships with the medical profession would suggest. It will be argued that the employment of sophisticated pressure group tactics can be highly effective as a surrogate for medical recognition. This, in conjunction with the difficulties inherent in the exercise of lay judgment in the development of public policy toward the professions, can lead to controversial policy outputs. It will also become apparent that a close and legitimate association with the medical profession is not necessarily of benefit in the pursuit of professional recognition.