Provinces have few controls on cryotherapy

Canada's provincial governments generally do not regulate the controversial practice of cryotherapy, although some warn of its possible dangers.

Here are some highlights.

Saskatchewan

Publicly funded health servicesdo not include such a service. The Ministry of Health says it does not regulate whole-body cryotherapy.

Manitoba

The Health Department says it's not aware of provincial legislation related to cryotherapy.

Nova Scotia

TheDepartment of Health and Wellness does not endorse cryotherapyand does not finance the procedure. The department doesn't track the number of machinesand advises anyone considering such a service to consult with a trusted health-care professional about the safety and effectiveness of such a procedure.

Newfoundland and Labrador

There are no laws or regulations prohibiting the service.The Health Department says it expects any service providers making health claims to abide byHealth Canada regulationsand other relevant federal legislation. The department also says it expects any health-care providers who are offering cryotherapy to comply with standards adopted by their licensing or regulatory body.

Quebec

Cryotherapy isn't considered a health service, so it's not covered under the health laws, according to the Ministry of Health. Using cryotherapy as a medical practice would be under the College of Doctors' responsibilities, it says, and it hasn't encountered problems with the devices. If a situation arose that put the population's health at risk, the department would look into it.

Ontario

Legislationprohibits anyoneother than a regulated health professional working in their fieldfrom treating or advising anyone abouthis or her health where serious bodily harm may result from the treatment, says the Ministry of Health. Violations of the rules areprovincial offences.

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