We are lawyers for massage therapists and have extensive experience defending registered massage therapists (“RMTs”) facing complaints and other regulatory challenges at the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (“CMTO”).
How We Assist Massage Therapists
Our team of defence lawyers assists massage therapists with various regulatory issues, including the following:
- Responding to various inquiries at the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, including drafting responses to patient complaints, which are reviewed by the CMTO’s Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee (“ICRC”);
- Navigating issues related to CMTO registration and entry to practise, annual registration renewal, and the CMTO quality assurance program;
- Defending massage therapists at CMTO discipline hearings, including cases involving sexual abuse allegations where a zero tolerance policy is in effect;
- Representing massage therapists in CMTO appeals before the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (“HPARB”) (e.g. where a decision of the ICRC has been made);
- Working with massage therapists to respond to allegations of professional misconduct at the CMTO;
- Assisting with CMTO fitness to practice matters;
- Representing massage therapists with insurance delisting issues;
- Reporting past history, including criminal charges and findings of guilt, to the CMTO; and
- Advising massage therapists on employment and other contract issues related to their staff or practice.
Articles
Responding to Complaints at the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario – What you need to Know
When allegations regarding an RMTs professional conduct are made to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO), the member in question must respond. Dealing with a complaint can be highly stressful, particularly for individuals who are unfamiliar with the process. Based on our extensive experience representing massage therapists, here is a brief guide on how to respond to complaints.
Reviewing CMTO Decisions at the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB)
The Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee (“ICRC”) of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (“CMTO”) is responsible for dealing with formal complaints against Registered Massage Therapists.
What Massage Therapists Need to Know About Discipline Hearings at the CMTO
Following the formal investigation of a complaint to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO), the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) will decide how to address a massage therapist’s conduct, and may make a referral to the Discipline Committee.
Treatment of Sensitive Areas for Registered Massage Therapists
As of September 11, 2017, the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (“CMTO”) amended its Standard of Practice “Maintaining Professional Boundaries and Preventing Sexual Abuse”.
Insurance Provider Delisting: What Massage Therapists Need to Know
In recent years, insurance companies have taken measures to delist massage therapists from benefits claims processing and reimbursement due to false or fraudulent billings for services not rendered.