Regulation and Quality Assurance for the Mental Health and Substance Use Health Workforce: A Scoping Review

Abstract

This scoping review aimed to identify which regulatory approaches have the greatest potential for improving equitable access to high-quality mental health and substance use health (MHSUH) services. Guided by Arksey & O’Malley’s methodology, we conducted a scoping review of academic and grey literature involving a search of three academic databases, Google, and websites of provider organizations. A total of 49 academic papers and 184 grey literature sources were included. We identified four key findings: 1) a fragmented regulatory landscape and trends towards harmonization of regulation; 2) need to modernize training to improve equity in service provision 3) the value of reducing regulatory barriers and enhancing interjurisdictional mobility; and 4) the need to improve visibility and integration/support for unregulated providers. More research is needed to identify which regulatory approaches hold the greatest potential for expanding equitable access to high-quality providers and services. Future research could explore how to implement lighter-touch regulatory frameworks.