Protect Your Practice, Reputation, and Career

At ALF, our team of professional regulations lawyers defends nurses before the College of Nurses of Ontario  https://www.cno.org/  (“CNO”). If a patient has filed a complaint against you, it is crucial to contact experienced counsel right away. We provide legal services to nurses, registered nurses, and nurse practitioners in Ontario. Facing allegations of professional misconduct can cause significant anxiety and lead to serious financial and reputational consequences. By entrusting ALF with your defence, you ensure that you have a capable advocate throughout the complaints process. We understand the critical importance of having a complaint dismissed, and we will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for you.

Investigations and Audits

A complaint from a patient can trigger an investigation by the College of Nurses of Ontario. In these circumstances, the College may appoint an investigator to examine your practice, and you may be asked to attend an interview with the Executive Director. Early engagement of experienced counsel is essential to protect your interests. ALF’s team of nurse defence lawyers will prepare you thoroughly for the investigatory process and any interviews. Proper preparation at this stage can help convince the College to conclude its investigation without further disciplinary action. We may also submit persuasive written submissions to prevent the College from pursuing the matter further. Engaging legal representation early allows us to identify key witnesses and gather relevant documentation to strengthen your defence.

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

ALF’s lawyers defend nurses before the ICRC of the College of Nurses of Ontario. The ICRC screens complaints and can either dismiss them or refer them to the Discipline Committee for a hearing. The ICRC also has the power to issue a caution, require a nurse to complete a specialized continuing remediation and education program (“SCERP”), or take any other action deemed appropriate.

Having the right defence at the ICRC is crucial. Even if the ICRC does not refer a complaint to the Discipline Committee, a caution or SCERP will result in a publication of the complaint’s details on the College’s online register, which can cause significant reputational and financial damage. ALF’s lawyers have the expertise to craft persuasive written submissions designed to convince the ICRC to dismiss the complaint against you. A dismissal at this stage can save you time, money, and undue stress.

Hearings Before the Discipline Committee

A hearing before the Discipline Committee involves witness testimony, cross-examination, and the presentation of evidence. ALF’s nurse defence lawyers have extensive litigation experience, developed over decades in courtrooms and tribunals across Ontario. The right approach to cross-examination can result in the dismissal of the complaint against you.

ALF’s lawyers are highly skilled in preparing for cross-examination and have the ability to adapt to witness responses in real time. Our experience in tribunals and courtrooms ensures that we are fully prepared to present your case and protect your interests.

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

If you lose at the ICRC or Discipline Committee, you can appeal to the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB). An appeal requires a detailed examination of the record from the previous proceedings, the preparation of written submissions, and possibly oral arguments before a panel.

ALF’s nurse defence lawyers are adept at advocating during appeals. We excel at identifying legal errors and transforming them into powerful arguments. With decades of experience in written and oral advocacy, we will represent you effectively at HPARB to challenge the decision and protect your professional standing.

Judicial Reviews at the Divisional Court

If HPARB’s decision is unfavorable, it can be judicially reviewed at the Divisional Court of Ontario. This process involves a close review of the record, the preparation of legal arguments, and oral submissions before a panel of Ontario Superior Court judges. ALF’s lawyers have a strong record of success in courtrooms and tribunals at all levels. We will pursue every available defence to safeguard your reputation, license, and livelihood.

Ontario Court of Appeal

If the Divisional Court does not rule in your favor, you can seek leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal for Ontario. ALF’s legal services include preparing the written application for leave to appeal, and if granted, representing you through both written and oral submissions before the Court of Appeal.

Our advocacy experience extends to the Court of Appeal, where we have successfully represented clients in complex cases. We will fight for your rights with determination and skill.

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 nurse, registered nurse, or nurse practitioner facing a complaint, it is crucial to retain competent defence counsel immediately. ALF can help you avoid reputational and financial damage and reduce stress during this challenging time.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation, either at our office or virtually. Let ALF’s team of highly skilled defence lawyers protect your career and future.