If you are concerned about the conduct and practice of an occupational therapist, you should contact the Registrar of the Nova Scotia Occupational Therapy Regulator at 902-455-0556 or toll-free in Nova Scotia 1-877-455-0556.
You do not need to share your name or contact information when discussing a concern. If and when you would like to make a formal complaint, your contact information will be required.
The steps of the complaint process are outlined below.
Complaints can be brought forward to the Regulator in a variety of ways. Complaints may come from members of the public, or their families, with concerns regarding the conduct and competence of an occupational therapist and may include inappropriate and/or unprofessional care. Complaints may also come from employers or colleagues of occupational therapists who may be required, in certain specific circumstances, to report concerns to the Regulator. The Registrar of the Regulator may also initiate the complaint process.
The Regulator is required under the Regulated Health Professions Act to investigate all complaints about a registrant's practice submitted to the Regulator. Complaints need to be made in writing and formal complaints cannot be anonymous. The complaint should include the following information:
Ways to submit a formal complaint:
Once the Regulator receives a formal complaint we will contact you (the complainant) for more information and clarification as needed. This may include personal health information on the client as required to complete the investigation process. The occupational therapist will be notified and will be provided a copy of the complaint.
The Regulator will refer the matter to the Complaints Committee in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act. The Complaints Committee will form a panel that consists of at least two registrants of the Regulator and one public representative who does not have a degree in occupational therapy. The panel will review the complaint and determine the steps required to complete an investigation into the matter. They may require the occupational therapist to:
All documents received in the course of an investigation are strictly confidential and cannot be shared outside of legal counsel.
The Complaints Committee will file its decision and rationale at the Regulator's office and provide a copy to the complainant and the occupational therapist.
If the matter is referred to the Professional Conduct Committee, that committee will form a panel that consists of at least three members of committee, one of which must be a public representative. The Professional Conduct Committee's panel will conduct a hearing in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act. A notice of the hearing will be provided to the complainant and the occupational therapist, and will be posted publicly. In a hearing, the occupational therapist is entitled to all the rights of natural justice, including:
Upon hearing the evidence, the Professional Conduct Committee panel will determine if the occupational therapist is guilty of professional misconduct, conduct unbecoming of an occupational therapist, or professional incompetence or incapacity. If the panel determines that the occupational therapist is guilty, they may decide to:
Should the Professional Conduct Committee find the registrant not guilty, the charges may be dismissed.
The Professional Conduct Committee will file its decision and rationale with the Regulator's office and provide the complainant, the occupational therapist, and other persons considered appropriate, with a copy.
The occupational therapist may appeal on any point of law from the findings of the Professional Conduct Committee to the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal. The Court may, in its discretion, grant a stay of any order made, pending the Court's decision.
202-1597 Bedford Hwy
Bedford, NS B4A 1E7
Phone: (902) 455-0556
Email: admin@cotns.ca
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