We are lawyers for naturopaths who face complaints and other regulatory challenges at the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (“CONO”).
How We Assist Naturopaths
Our team of defence lawyers for naturopaths will assist on the following regulatory issues:
- Advising naturopaths on issues related to the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Naturopathy Act, 2007, and its Regulations, including Professional Misconduct, Quality Assurance, and Registration, as well as the College’s By-Laws;
- Working with naturopaths to respond to allegations of professional misconduct at the College of Naturopaths of Ontario;
- Responding to various inquiries at the College of Naturopaths of Ontario, including drafting responses to patient complaints, which are reviewed by a panel of the Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee (“ICRC”);
- Defending naturopaths at discipline hearings;
- Representing naturopaths in appeals before the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (“HPARB”) (e.g. where a decision of the ICRC has been made);
- Assisting naturopaths with fitness to practice matters;
- Assisting naturopaths in registration applications;
- Reporting past history, including criminal charges and findings of guilt, to the College of Naturopaths of Ontario; and
- Advising naturopaths on issues related to their practice, such as employment and contract issues, informed consent, and social media.
Articles
Responding to Complaints at the College of Naturopaths of Ontario: What Naturopaths Need to Know
Any naturopathic doctor may become the subject of a formal complaint at the College of Naturopaths of Ontario. This process may end with professional consequences, and has the potential to be stressful. We have prepared this basic guide for responding to complaints at the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
Reviewing Decisions of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario at the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board
The Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee (“ICRC”) of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario is responsible for addressing formal complaints against naturopathic doctors (“NDs”). After the ICRC disposes of a matter, naturopaths 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.