Chiropodist suspended for 8 months and restricted from orthotics practice for participating in shoe incentive scheme.
The Member, a registered chiropodist, faced allegations of professional misconduct relating to her practice at an orthotic clinic.
Undercover investigators from an insurance company revealed that the Member prescribed orthotics without discussing alternative treatments, participated in a scheme offering free or discounted shoes as an incentive for purchasing orthotics, and submitted insurance claims that failed to disclose the inclusion of shoes.
The Member admitted to the allegations, including failing to meet professional standards, conflict of interest, and submitting misleading accounts.
The Discipline Committee accepted a joint submission on penalty, ordering a reprimand, an 8-month suspension (reducible to 5 months upon completing an ethics course), a 15-month restriction on orthotics-related practice, practice supervision, and $15,000 in costs.
