Protect Your Practice, Reputation, and Career

If one of your patients has filed a complaint with the  College of Naturopaths of Ontario (“CONO”), it is critical to have the support of an experienced professional discipline lawyer. ALF defends naturopaths in proceedings before the CONO. Being the subject of a patient complaint and facing allegations of professional misconduct can be overwhelming, frustrating, and time-consuming. By entrusting ALF with your CONO case, you ensure that you have an experienced and trusted advocate by your side throughout the complaints and discipline process. We understand the severe impact that patient complaints and allegations of professional misconduct can have on your reputation and financial situation. Your career may depend on the dismissal of the complaint and the resolution of allegations. Our lawyers work tirelessly and strategically to protect your interests, and we also collaborate with a network of expert witnesses to navigate you through the CONO process.

Investigations and Audits by the College

ALF’s naturopath defence lawyers have extensive experience assisting naturopaths through the investigatory stages of a CONO complaint and during CONO audits. The sooner you engage competent defence counsel, the better the chance we have to protect your reputation, license, and livelihood. In an audit, we will help ensure you are fully prepared. During an investigation, we will ensure that all relevant evidence demonstrating your competence and professionalism is presented to the investigator, giving the College the necessary tools to dismiss any complaints against you.

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

The ICRC screens complaints and can refer a naturopath to the Discipline Committee for a hearing on professional misconduct or incapacity. Alternatively, the ICRC can choose not to refer the complaint to the Discipline Committee but may issue a caution, require the naturopath to attend a specialized continuing remediation and education program (“SCERP”), or take other actions as deemed appropriate.

At this stage of the process, it is vital to consult with a lawyer for naturopaths. Even if the ICRC does not refer the complaint to the Discipline Committee, cautions and SCERPs are publicly posted on the CONO’s online register, which could damage your professional reputation and financial standing. Naturopaths can make written submissions to the ICRC, and ALF’s defence lawyers are skilled in crafting persuasive arguments to help convince the ICRC to dismiss the complaint. By acting early, we can save your time, reputation, and finances by seeking a dismissal of the complaint.

Hearings Before the Discipline Committee

Hearings before the Discipline Committee involve witness testimony, cross-examination, the presentation of evidence, and making submissions before the panel. ALF’s team of naturopath defence lawyers has vast experience in these areas, developed over decades of work in tribunals and courtrooms across Ontario.

Effective cross-examination of witnesses called by the prosecution can lead to the dismissal of professional misconduct charges. Success hinges on thorough preparation, skilled questioning, and the ability to adapt to the witness’s responses. ALF’s lawyers bring these vital skills to your defence, ensuring that your case is presented in the strongest light.

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

If the ICRC has reached an unfair or unreasonable decision, you have the option to appeal the decision to the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB). Appeals to HPARB involve a careful review of the record from the ICRC proceedings, the drafting of legal arguments, and may include oral arguments before a panel.

ALF’s experienced naturopath defence lawyers bring their expertise to your case. We will conduct a detailed review of your case record to uncover any errors and develop strong arguments for your appeal. Our experience in trial and appellate law equips us with the perspective needed to scrutinize the record and find the key points to strengthen your appeal.

Written advocacy plays a critical role in appeals, and ALF is known for delivering polished, persuasive legal arguments. Our written work has been honed through years of preparing submissions in Ontario tribunals and courts, including the Divisional Court, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and the Supreme Court of Canada. When it’s time to argue your appeal, we will be thoroughly prepared to present your case with force and persuasion.

Judicial Review at the Divisional Court

If HPARB declines to set aside a decision of the ICRC, a naturopath can seek judicial review of the HPARB decision at the Divisional Court of Ontario. Decisions by the Discipline Committee are also subject to judicial review. Judicial reviews involve examining the record of previous proceedings, drafting legal arguments, and presenting oral arguments before a panel of Ontario Superior Court judges.

ALF’s naturopath defence lawyers are highly skilled in handling cases before the Divisional Court. We will explore all available avenues to protect your reputation, your license, and your financial well-being.

Why Choose ALF?

• 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 naturopath facing a complaint, it is essential to retain an experienced naturopath defence lawyer immediately. ALF may be able to help you avoid significant consequences, such as reputational damage and financial hardship.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation. We are available to meet with you in person, by phone, or virtually. Put your trust in the ALF team of highly skilled naturopath defence lawyers with proven experience to navigate you through the process and protect your career.