Ontario Physicians and Surgeons Discipline Tribunal

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario brought disciplinary proceedings against the registrant for treating a person with whom he had a close personal relationship, failing to maintain medical records for those treatments, and disclosing other patients' confidential health information to that person.

The registrant admitted to the misconduct.

The Tribunal accepted a joint submission on penalty, finding that the proposed 10-month suspension, reprimand, and requirement to complete an ethics course did not bring the administration of the professional discipline system into disrepute.

Following a finding that the registrant sexually abused a patient, the Tribunal held a penalty hearing.

Under the Health Professions Procedural Code, the sexual abuse committed required mandatory revocation of the registrant's certificate of registration and a reprimand.

The Tribunal also ordered the registrant to reimburse the College $17,940 for patient therapy and counselling funding, rejecting the registrant's argument that she was the victim.

Finally, the Tribunal awarded the College costs of $124,440, representing 12 hearing days at the tariff rate, noting the registrant's pursuit of unsuccessful factual narratives.