The member was previously found to have committed professional misconduct by performing unauthorized hirudotherapy (leech therapy), using unauthorized titles, and posting prohibited testimonials.
At the penalty hearing, the College sought a 12-month suspension and $7,500 in costs, while the self-represented member sought a reprimand only, citing financial hardship and her immediate cessation of the prohibited acts.
The Discipline Committee ordered a 9-month suspension (with 3 months remittable upon completion of an ethics program and a reflection report), a public reprimand, and a practice reassessment.
The Committee also ordered the member to pay $5,000 in costs, payable in installments to accommodate her financial circumstances.