Ramesh Bhandari

The Discipline Committee held a penalty hearing following a finding that the member engaged in professional misconduct, including practicing in a conflict of interest, failing to keep proper records, issuing false or misleading documents, and charging excessive fees.

The parties presented a joint submission on penalty and costs.

The Committee accepted the joint submission, ordering an oral reprimand, a 9-month suspension (with 2 months remitted upon completion of ethics and record-keeping courses), practice restrictions regarding orthotics and footwear modifications, practice supervision, and $85,000 in costs.

The Member, a registered chiropodist, faced allegations of professional misconduct related to the prescribing and dispensing of custom orthotics and orthopaedic footwear, primarily involving claims submitted to Green Shield Canada.

The Member admitted to failing to meet standards of practice, practicing in a conflict of interest, failing to keep proper records, and signing misleading documents.

The Discipline Committee accepted an Agreed Statement of Facts and a Joint Submission on Penalty, finding the Member guilty of professional misconduct.

The Committee ordered an oral reprimand, a seven-month suspension (with two months remitted upon completion of ethics and record-keeping courses), practice restrictions, supervision, and costs of $25,000.