Protect Your Practice, Reputation, and Career

If one of your patients has filed a complaint with the College of  College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (“CRTO”), you need the assistance of a knowledgeable and skilled professional discipline lawyer. Aouchiche Law Firm(“ALF”) defends respiratory therapists in CRTO proceedings. Facing patient complaints and allegations of professional misconduct can be anxiety-inducing, frustrating, and time-consuming. By entrusting ALF with your CRTO case, you will have an experienced and trusted advocate by your side throughout the complaints and discipline process. We understand how patient complaints and allegations can affect your reputation, career, and finances. We are committed to protecting your livelihood, ensuring that complaints are thoroughly examined and that any allegations of misconduct are dismissed. Our lawyers work tirelessly and creatively on your behalf, and we collaborate with expert witnesses to help navigate the CRTO process.

INVESTIGATIONS AND AUDITS BY THE COLLEGE

ALF respiratory therapist defense lawyers have extensive expertise in guiding respiratory therapists through the investigation and audit processes of CRTO complaints. The sooner a respiratory therapist retains quality defense counsel, the better the opportunity we have to protect your reputation, license, and livelihood. During an audit, we will ensure that you are well-prepared, and during an investigation, we will ensure that all the relevant evidence demonstrating your competence and integrity is presented to the investigator, giving the College the tools it needs to dismiss any complaints against you.

HEARINGS AT THE INQUIRIES, COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS COMMITTEE (“ICRC”)
ALF assists respiratory therapists in making submissions to the ICRC. The ICRC screens complaints and can refer a respiratory therapist to the Discipline Committee for a hearing regarding professional misconduct or incapacity. The ICRC may also choose to take alternative actions, such as issuing a caution, ordering a specialized continuing remediation and education program (“SCERP”), or any other action it deems appropriate.

It is crucial to consult with a lawyer for respiratory therapists at this stage. Even if the ICRC does not refer the complaint to the Discipline Committee, cautions and SCERPs result in mandatory publication of the ICRC’s decision on the CRTO’s online register, which can cause reputational and financial damage. ALF respiratory therapist defense lawyers are highly skilled in crafting persuasive written submissions to the ICRC, aiming to convince the panel to dismiss the complaint early in the process, thus saving your time, reputation, and finances.

HEARINGS BEFORE THE DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE
Hearings before the Discipline Committee involve witness testimony, cross-examination, and the presentation of evidence. Our team of respiratory therapist defense lawyers has extensive expertise in handling these hearings, developed over years of experience in Ontario tribunals and courtrooms.

Effective cross-examination of witnesses called by the prosecution is a key strategy for achieving a dismissal of professional misconduct charges. Our lawyers’ skills in targeted questioning, along with their ability to adapt in real-time, ensure that your defense is presented in the most effective manner possible.

HEARINGS BEFORE THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS APPEAL AND REVIEW BOARD (“HPARB”)
If the ICRC has made an unfair or unreasonable decision, you can appeal the decision to HPARB. These appeals involve a review of the record from the ICRC proceeding, the drafting of legal arguments, and potentially oral arguments before a panel.

Our respiratory therapist defense lawyers will meticulously scrutinize the record of your case to develop strong arguments that maximize the chance of success on appeal. Our extensive trial and appellate experience equips us to identify errors in the proceedings, allowing us to present powerful arguments for appeal. Written advocacy is critical in these proceedings, and ALF’s polished and persuasive written submissions reflect our years of experience in preparing legal arguments for tribunals, courts, and even the Supreme Court of Canada.

If HPARB does not set aside the ICRC’s decision, or if the Discipline Committee’s decision is unfavorable, a respiratory therapist may seek judicial review at the Ontario Divisional Court. Judicial reviews involve examining the record of the proceedings, drafting legal arguments, and presenting oral arguments before a panel of Ontario Superior Court judges. ALF respiratory therapist defense lawyers have substantial experience arguing cases before the Divisional Court, and we are committed to using every avenue available to protect your reputation, license, and 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 respiratory therapist facing a complaint, it is in your best interest to retain an experienced respiratory therapist defense lawyer as soon as possible. Aouchiche Law Firmcan help you avoid serious consequences, including reputational and financial damage.

Contact us for a confidential consultation at our office, by phone, or virtually to discuss your options today. Trust the Aouchiche Law Firmteam of experienced respiratory therapist defense lawyers with a proven track record of success.