Why colleges care about referral rewards
Regulated health professionals must put the patient's interest first. A reward for sending friends can look like paying for patients, which colleges treat as a conflict of interest. That is why many college standards on advertising and conflicts of interest limit benefits tied to referrals.
Who is usually restricted
- Physiotherapists (College of Physiotherapists of Ontario)
- Dentists (Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario)
- Physicians (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario)
- Nurses and nurse practitioners (College of Nurses of Ontario)
Other colleges, such as those for chiropractors, naturopaths, massage therapists and optometrists, have their own standards. Read the current standard from your college before offering any reward.
What about med spas and IV clinics?
Many med spas and IV clinics give both the patient and the friend a credit. But if a treatment is given or ordered by a physician, nurse or nurse practitioner, that professional's college rules can still apply. If a regulated professional is part of the care, check with them before you launch a reward.
Three program types, from safest to most generous
| Program | Friend gets | Referrer gets | Usually fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thank-you only | Your booking link and a warm intro | A personal thank-you | Physio, dental, medical, nursing |
| Friend offer only | A first-visit offer | A thank-you | Massage, IV and wellness |
| Both sides | A first-visit offer | A credit after the friend visits | Med spa, laser, cosmetic (unregulated services) |
How Clinvite handles it
Regulated clinic types start in thank-you-only mode. Turning on a reward is your decision, and the settings remind you to check your college first. Clinvite never tells a regulated clinic to pay for referrals.
This page is general information, not legal or regulatory advice. College standards change. Always read your own college's current standard.
Pick the program your college allows
Thank-you only, friend offer only, or both sides. Change it any time.
Common questions
Can a physiotherapist give a referral reward in Ontario?
The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario restricts benefits tied to referrals. Most physio clinics run a thank-you-only program. Check the college's current standard before offering anything.
Can a dentist give a referral reward in Ontario?
The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario restricts giving benefits for referrals. A thank-you-only program, where the friend gets your new-patient booking link, is the safe default.
Can a med spa give a referral reward?
Many med spas give both sides a credit. If a physician, nurse or nurse practitioner gives or orders the treatment, their college's rules can still apply, so check with them first.
What is a thank-you-only referral program?
The patient sends a friend your booking link with a personal note. Nobody gets money, gifts or discounts. It still gets you referrals because the ask happens at the right moment and takes 20 seconds.