We are lawyers for chiropractors who face complaints and other regulatory challenges at the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (“CCO”).
How We Assist Chiropractors
Our team of defence lawyers assists chiropractors with various regulatory issues, including the following:
- Advising chiropractors on issues related to the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Chiropractic Act, 1991, and its Regulations (e.g. Registration, Professional Misconduct, Controlled Acts);
- Working with chiropractors to respond to allegations of professional misconduct at the CCO;
- Assisting chiropractors in CCO registration applications;
- Responding to various inquiries at the College of Chiropractors of Ontario, including drafting responses to patient complaints at the CCO, which are reviewed by a panel of the Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee (“ICRC”);
- Defending chiropractors at CCO discipline hearings;
- Representing chiropractors in appeals before the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (“HPARB”) (e.g. where a decision of the ICRC has been made);
- Assisting with fitness to practice matters at the CCO;
- Representing chiropractors with matters involving orthotics fraud and insurance delisting issues with insurers;
- Reporting past history, including criminal charges and findings of guilt, to the College of Chiropractors of Ontario; and
- Advising chiropractors on employment and other contract issues related to their staff or practice (e.g. privacy complaints, third party independent chiropractic evaluations, and quality assurance).
Articles
Responding to Complaints at the College of Chiropractors of Ontario: What Chiropractors Need to Know
Chiropractors may become subject to formal complaints and regulatory proceedings at the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (“CCO”). This process has the potential to result in professional consequences, and can happen to any chiropractor. To assist, we have prepared this introductory guide for responding to complaints at the CCO.
Reviewing Decisions of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario at the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board
The Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee (“ICRC”) of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (“CCO”) is responsible for addressing formal complaints against chiropractors. After the ICRC disposes of a matter, chiropractors and complainants will have the opportunity to request a review before the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (“HPARB”). Based on our experience at HPARB proceedings, here is a brief overview of the review process.
What Chiropractors Need to Know About Prescribing and Dispensing Orthotics
Custom-made orthotics may be prescribed and dispensed by chiropractors, physicians, podiatrists, chiropodists, pedorthists and orthotists. A prescription involves a diagnosis as to whether or not orthotics would benefit an individual patient.
What Chiropractors Need to Know About Discipline Hearings at the CCO
Following the formal investigation of a complaint to the College of Chiropractors (CCO) the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) will decide how to address a chiropractor’s conduct, and may make a referral to the Discipline Committee. This is the most serious disposition the ICRC can make and can intensify what is likely an already stressful situation for a chiropractor. The following provides a brief guide to discipline hearings.