Hearings at the College
A Hearing occurs when a complaint investigation reveals a physician has demonstrated a lack of knowledge, skill or judgment in the provision of medical care, or has seriously breached a CPSA Standard of Practice and/or Code of Ethics.
A Hearing Tribunal, consisting of two physician members and one public member, considers evidence and determines whether or not the physician is guilty of unprofessional conduct. The Tribunal also determines penalty as specified in the HPA; this can include:
- Restrictions on the physician’s practice (such as the need for a chaperone or limiting the number of patients seen);
- Suspension or loss of the physician’s practice permit; and/or
- A monetary fine.
Appeals
Once the Hearing Tribunal makes its decision, the College's Complaints Director and the physician have 30 days to request an appeal. If there is no appeal during this period, the Hearing Tribunal's decision is posted on the College's website.
Attending a Hearing
Under the Health Professions Act, a Hearing is open to the public unless the Hearing Tribunal directs that it be closed. If you are interested in attending a hearing, you must pre-register by contacting Adele.Gendron@cpsa.ab.ca.
The College publishes all upcoming hearing dates on the homepage of its website.