Simone Fischbach

The College alleged that the registrant audiologist engaged in professional misconduct and sexual abuse by inappropriately touching a student volunteer during a clinic visit.

The Discipline Committee found the complainant's evidence credible and concluded that the non-consensual touching occurred.

However, applying the Redhead criteria, the Committee determined the complainant was not a 'patient' under the Code, as the interaction was an educational demonstration rather than a clinical relationship.

Consequently, the sexual abuse allegation was dismissed, but the registrant was found to have committed professional misconduct for disgraceful, dishonourable, and unprofessional conduct, and for failing to maintain the standard of practice.