We are lawyers for psychologists who face complaints, investigations, and disciplinary proceedings at the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (“CPBAO”).
How We Assist Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts
Our team of defence lawyers will assist psychologists and behavioural analysts with various regulatory issues, including the following:
- Advising on compliance with the Regulated Health Professions Act, the Psychology Act, 1991,and the Standards of Professional Conduct;
- Assisting psychologists and behaviour analysts in CPBAO registration applications;
- Responding to various inquiries at the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario, including drafting responses to patient complaints at the CPBAO, which are reviewed by the Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee (“ICRC”);
- Navigating issues related to the CPBAO’s Quality Assurance Program, including those related to its Self Assessment Guide and Continuing Professional Development Plan, the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Program, and Peer Assisted Review;
- Defending psychologists and behaviour analysts at CPBAO discipline hearings;
- Representing psychologists and behaviour analysts in CPBAO appeals before the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (“HPARB”) (e.g. where a decision of the ICRC has been made);
- Assisting with CPBAO fitness to practice matters;
- Reporting past history, including criminal charges and findings of guilt, to the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario; and
- Advising psychologists on employment-related matters, such as those related to the supervision and training of staff, working on interdisciplinary teams, and group consultation agreements.
Articles
Responding to Complaints at the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario: What Psychologists Need to Know
Formal complaints against psychologists have the potential to be stressful. The College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (“CPBAO”) regulates psychologists, receives any complaints against them, and has the power to impose professional consequences. We have prepared this basic guide for responding to complaints at the CPO.
Reviewing Decisions of the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario at the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB)
The Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee (“ICRC”) of the College of Psychologists of Ontario is responsible for addressing formal complaints against psychologists. After the ICRC disposes of a matter, a psychologist or complainant 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 Psychologists Should Know About the Discipline Committee at the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario
The College of Psychologists of Ontario (“CPO”) conducts investigations into the conduct of registered psychologists. These investigations may result from a complaint, or may be a formal investigation into the practice of a psychologist under subsection 75(1) of the Health Professions Procedural Code.
Supervisory Relationships between Psychologists and Psychotherapists
It is not uncommon for psychologists to supervise psychotherapists, even though both parties are independently authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy and regulated by different regulatory bodies. These supervisory relationships are considered consistent with the overarching objects of the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) and have been found to enhance the protection of the public.