A DISCIPLINE HEARING
A Discipline Hearing under the Health Professions Act is conducted in a way very similar to a trial. A citation sets out the matter to be heard and where and when it will be heard. The citation must be served on the Respondent Physical Therapist.
Evidence is usually called and witnesses provide testimony and may be cross-examined under oath. The Respondent Physical Therapist is entitled to be represented by legal counsel at the hearing. The Inquiry Committee also has legal counsel who will present the case and call evidence in order to prove the matters in the citation.
A Panel of the Discipline Committee conducts the Hearing. The Panel consists of two Registered Physical Therapists and a member of the public.
A Discipline Hearing may be open to the public.
Upon completion of the Hearing, the Panel of the Discipline Committee may
- dismiss the matter;
- reprimand the respondent;
- impose limits or conditions on the practice of the designated health profession by the respondent;
- suspend the registration of the respondent;
- cancel the registration of the respondent;
- fine the respondent in an amount not exceeding the maximum fine, established under section 19 (1) (w) of the Health Professions Act;
- assess costs or part of the costs of the hearing against the respondent.
The decision of the Panel of the Discipline Committee must be in writing and must be delivered to the respondent and to the complainant.
