Protect Your Practice, Reputation, and Career

If a patient has filed a complaint with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario - https://www.cpso.on.ca/

(“CPSO”), You will need the support of a knowledgeable and skilled physician defence lawyer. ALF regularly defends physicians before the CPSO, understanding the frustration and difficulty that can accompany a complaint. Entrusting your case to our professional regulations lawyers ensures you have a dedicated and trusted ally throughout the process. The consequences of a CPSO complaint can significantly affect both your finances and your reputation. Your career could depend on a favorable outcome, and our lawyers are committed to achieving results. We work creatively and relentlessly to defend you.

Investigations and Audits by the CPSO

ALF’s physician defence lawyers are adept at guiding you through the investigatory phase of a CPSO complaint. Early intervention by an experienced lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome. We work to ensure that all evidence supporting your innocence or mitigating the seriousness of the complaint is presented to the College. In certain cases, we may prepare written submissions to assist in demonstrating why the complaint should be dismissed. Additionally, we assist with CPSO audits, collaborating with you and a team of experts to ensure your practice is in order and properly prepared for any scrutiny.

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

ALF’s lawyers expertly defend physicians before the ICRC, the CPSO’s screening body. The ICRC may refer a complaint to the Discipline Committee or choose to dismiss it entirely, saving you the time and cost of a full hearing. In some cases, the ICRC may not refer the complaint to the Discipline Committee but instead issue a caution or require you to complete a specialized continuing remediation and education program (“SCERP”).

It is critical to engage a lawyer at this stage of the process. While the ICRC may not always refer complaints to the Discipline Committee, cautions and SCERPs are still published in the CPSO's online register, which can harm your reputation and finances. ALF’s lawyers are skilled at crafting persuasive submissions to the ICRC, advocating for the dismissal of the complaint and protecting your career.

Hearings Before the Discipline Committee

When a complaint is referred to the Discipline Committee, it involves presenting evidence, examining and cross-examining witnesses, and making written and oral submissions before a panel. Our team at ALF has decades of experience in defending physicians at these hearings. Our expertise in cross-examination can result in the dismissal of the case in certain circumstances. Success depends on thorough preparation and the ability to adapt to witness responses. ALF’s skilled physicians’ defence lawyers bring these talents to ensure the best possible outcome in your case.

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

If the ICRC or Discipline Committee issues an unfavorable decision, physicians have the right to appeal to HPARB. ALF’s appellate lawyers will meticulously review the record of your proceedings and prepare compelling legal arguments. Our team will scrutinize the case for any errors that can be leveraged in your favor. Our experience in appellate advocacy gives us the insight to identify legal flaws and present a strong case on appeal.

The key to success in appeals is expert written advocacy, and ALF has built a reputation for delivering clear, persuasive written submissions. Our experience spans all levels of court, including the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada, ensuring we are fully prepared to argue your case before the panel.

Court of Appeal for Ontario

If you seek to appeal a decision from the Divisional Court, ALF can help you apply for leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal for Ontario. This process involves the preparation of written submissions, and if granted, an extensive appeal including oral submissions before a panel of judges. ALF has deep experience in appearing before the Court of Appeal, and we will represent your interests with the utmost diligence and skill.

Why Choose ALF?

ALF is the firm to choose when facing CPSO complaints, audits, hearings, and appeals because:

• Proven Success: We have a strong track record of winning cases and protecting physicians.

• Skilled Advocacy: Our advocacy, both written and oral, has been honed through years of experience in tribunals and courts.

• Competitive Fees: We offer top-tier legal representation at competitive rates.

If you are a physician facing a CPSO complaint or investigation, it is crucial to retain an experienced defence lawyer as soon as possible. ALF’s experienced lawyers are here to help you avoid severe consequences like damage to your reputation, loss of income, or even the suspension or revocation of your license.

How Can ALF Assist You?

ALF is dedicated to assisting physicians with complaints, disciplinary hearings, and other regulatory issues at the CPSO. Our lawyers have extensive experience working with health colleges governed by the Regulated Health Professions Act (“RHPA”), and we are well-versed in professional regulation and discipline. Let our experience guide you through investigations, hearings, and appeals, and help you navigate any issues you face with your regulator.

We can assist physicians on a wide range of matters, including:

• Responding to complaints and investigations at the CPSO’s Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (“ICRC”)

• Representing physicians in hearings before the CPSO Discipline or Fitness to Practice Committees

• Appealing ICRC decisions to the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (“HPARB”)

• Representing physicians in hearings and reviews of Registration Committee decisions before HPARB

• Appealing decisions from HPARB, the Discipline Committee, or the Fitness to Practice Committee to the Divisional Court

• Representing physicians in criminal or quasi-criminal proceedings under the Criminal Code or Provincial Offences Act

• Representing physicians in applications and civil litigation before the Superior Court of Justice

• Assisting physicians in applications for registration and making submissions to the Registration Committee

• Supporting physicians through audits and quality assurance programs

• Advising physicians on compliance with the RHPA, Medicine Act, 1991, and other relevant legislation

• Advising on professional practice issues such as record-keeping, privacy and confidentiality, billing, insurance, and reporting

Contact Us Today

If you're a physician facing a complaint or investigation, it’s crucial to act quickly. By working with an experienced defense lawyer from the outset, you can protect your practice, reputation, and livelihood.

Get in touch with us today to schedule a confidential consultation. Whether in-person, by phone, or virtually, the ALF team is here to guide you through this challenging process with expertise and dedication.