We are lawyers for podiatrists and chiropodists who face regulatory issues at the College of Chiropodists of Ontario (“COCOO”).
How We Assist Podiatrists and Chiropodists
Our team of defence lawyers represents chiropodists and podiatrists on regulatory issues, including the following:
- Responding to various inquiries at the College of Chiropodists of Ontario, including drafting responses to patient complaints, which are reviewed by the Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee (“ICRC”);
- Defending podiatrists and chiropodists at COCOO discipline hearings;
- Assisting chiropodists in COCOO registration applications;
- Representing podiatrists and chiropodists in appeals before the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (“HPARB”) (e.g. where a decision of the ICRC has been made);
- Advising podiatrists and chiropodists on issues related to the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Chiropody Act, 1991;
- Assisting with COCOO fitness to practice matters;
- Representing podiatrists and chiropodists 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 Chiropodists of Ontario; and
- Advising podiatrists and chiropodists on other practice issues that may arise, including employment and contractual issues, registration issues, and consent and privacy issues.
Articles
Responding to Complaints at the College of Chiropodists of Ontario: What Chiropodists and Podiatrists Need to Know
Once chiropodists and podiatrists are subject to a formal complaint at the College of Chiropodists of Ontario, they should, to some degree, familiarize themselves with the regulatory process.
Reviewing Decisions of the College of Chiropodists of Ontario at the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB)
The Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee (“ICRC”) of the College of Chiropodists of Ontario (“COCOO”) is responsible for addressing formal complaints against chiropodists and podiatrists. After the ICRC disposes of a matter, chiropodists/podiatrists 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 Chiropodists and Podiatrists Need to Know About Prescribing and Dispensing Orthotics
While other healthcare professionals may prescribe orthotics, chiropodists and podiatrists are the only professions in Ontario for which "orthotics" are included in their legal scope of practice.
Insurance Provider Delisting: What Chiropodists and Podiatrists Need to Know
In recent years, insurance companies have taken measures to delist chiropodists and podiatrists from benefits claims processing and reimbursement due to false or fraudulent billings for orthotics.
What Chiropodists Need to Know About Discipline Hearings at the OCPDT
The Discipline Committee sits in panels comprised of both professional and public members and fulfills a role that is somewhat comparable to a judge in a trial. The Discipline Committee hears allegations of professional misconduct, or incompetence, and makes findings of fact as to whether the allegations against a chiropodist are proven.