Bringing up concerns about an occupational therapist
Concerns can be brought forward to the College in a variety of ways. Complaints may come from members of the public — clients and their family members who believe they are not receiving appropriate care. In certain circumstances, occupational therapists' employers or colleagues may be required to report concerns to the College. The Registrar may also initiate the complaint process.
Complaint Process
Under the Regulated Health Professions Act, the College must investigate all submitted complaints. Complaints must be made in writing and signed by the complainant — formal complaints cannot be anonymous.
A complaint must include the following:
- The name and contact information of the person making the complaint,
- The name and contact information of the client if different from the above,
- Detailed description of your complaint, including relevant dates,
- Support documentation you wish to submit for consideration, and
- Details of any discussions with the occupational therapist about the concern.
After a complaint is submitted to the College, the Registrar will review the submission and may attempt to resolve it informally.
The Registrar may dismiss the complaint or, if it cannot be resolved, forward it to the Investigation Committee established by the College.
Within 30 days of receiving the complaint, the Investigation Committee may do one of the following:
- Dismiss the complaint,
- Refer the complaint to a mediator for mediation,
- Investigate the complaint,
- Refer the complaint to an investigator, or
- Make an order that it is authorized to make under subsection 58(2) of the Act.
To help with the complaint process, the College is providing a complaint form.
