Protect Your Practice, Reputation, and Career

If a patient has filed a complaint against you with the College of Dietitians of Ontario  (“CDO”), you need the guidance of an experienced and skilled professional discipline lawyer. ALF defends dietitians in proceedings before the CDO. Being the target of a patient complaint and facing allegations of professional misconduct can be stressful, frustrating, and time-consuming. Entrusting ALF with your case means that you will have an experienced advocate supporting you throughout the complaints and discipline process. We understand the potential impact patient complaints and professional misconduct allegations can have on your reputation and livelihood. Our lawyers work tirelessly and creatively to ensure that complaints are found to be without merit, and allegations are dismissed. We also have a network of expert witnesses who collaborate with us to help guide you through the CDO process.

Investigations and Audits by the College

ALF’s dietitian defence lawyers have extensive expertise in guiding dietitians through the investigatory stage of a CDO complaint and assisting with CDO audits. The earlier you retain quality defence counsel, the better your chances of protecting your reputation, license, and livelihood. During an audit, we will ensure you are well-prepared, and during an investigation, we will present all the relevant information that demonstrates your competence and integrity, helping the College dismiss any complaints against you.

Hearings at the Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee (“ICRC”)

The ICRC screens complaints and has the authority to refer a dietitian to the Discipline Committee for a hearing on professional misconduct or incapacity. The ICRC may also issue a caution, require a Specialized Continuing Remediation and Education Program (“SCERP”), or take other actions it deems appropriate.

At this stage, it is crucial to consult with a dietitian defence lawyer. Even if the ICRC does not refer the complaint to the Discipline Committee, the publication of a caution or SCERP on the CDO’s online register can harm your reputation and finances. Dietitians have the opportunity to make written submissions to the ICRC, and ALF’s lawyers excel in drafting persuasive, well-crafted submissions that can help convince the panel to dismiss the complaint. Acting early can protect your time, reputation, and finances.

Hearings Before the Discipline Committee

Hearings before the Discipline Committee involve witness testimony, cross-examination, presenting evidence, and making submissions before the panel. ALF’s dietitian defence lawyers bring decades of experience in tribunals and courtrooms across Ontario to these proceedings.

Effective cross-examination of prosecution witnesses can result in the dismissal of professional misconduct charges. Success depends on thorough preparation, skillful questioning, and the ability to adapt to witness responses. ALF’s lawyers bring these skills to your defence, ensuring you have the best chance of success.

Hearings Before the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (“HPARB”)

If the ICRC’s decision is unfair or unreasonable, dietitians have the right to appeal to HPARB. Appeals involve reviewing the record of the proceedings before the ICRC, preparing written legal arguments, and presenting oral arguments before a panel.

ALF’s dietitian defence lawyers apply their extensive experience to your case. We meticulously examine the record of your case to identify legal errors and develop arguments that maximize your chances of success on appeal. Our trial and appellate experience give us the insight needed to find errors that provide powerful arguments for your appeal.

Written advocacy is key to successful appeals, and ALF’s lawyers are known for their polished, persuasive written submissions. With our extensive experience preparing submissions for Ontario tribunals and courts, including the Divisional Court, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and the Supreme Court of Canada, we ensure your case is presented in the most compelling manner possible.

Judicial Review at the Divisional Court

If HPARB declines to set aside an ICRC decision, or if a decision of the Discipline Committee requires review, a dietitian can seek judicial review at the Divisional Court of Ontario. Judicial reviews involve scrutinizing the record of the proceedings, drafting legal arguments, and making oral arguments before Ontario Superior Court judges.

ALF’s dietitian defence lawyers have significant experience in judicial review cases and will explore every avenue to protect your reputation, license, and financial security. We are committed to defending your interests at every level.

We Can Help You

ALF is the right firm to handle complaints against you because:

• Proven Results: We have a strong track record of achieving favorable outcomes for regulated professionals.

• Respected Advocacy: Our written and oral advocacy is highly regarded across tribunals and courts.

• Competitive Fees: We provide top-tier representation at reasonable rates.

Contact Us Today

If you are a dietitian facing a complaint, it is crucial to retain an experienced defence lawyer immediately. ALF may be able to help you avoid serious consequences, such as reputational and financial damage.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation, whether in person, by phone, or virtually. Put your trust in ALF’s team of highly skilled dietitian defence lawyers with proven experience.