Discipline Hearings

When the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) reviews an investigation where the concerns are very serious, for example, sexual abuse or fraud, and there is enough evidence to prove the allegations, they will refer the matter to a discipline process. 

The discipline process is more formal. A hearing is held, similar to a court case, where documents are entered into evidence and witnesses may testify.

A discipline hearing is the most serious proceeding that an occupational therapist can face as it does carry the risk the occupational therapist can lose their license temporarily or permanently.

Hearings are generally public. However, some portions may not be public, for example, in the interest of protecting a witness. 

The Ontario Occupational Therapists Discipline Tribunal (OOTDT) is COTO’s Discipline Committee established under the Health Professions Procedural Code.

A panel of at least 3 people, made up of occupational therapists and members of the public will decide whether an occupational therapist committed professional misconduct. For more complex cases, the panel may also include an experienced adjudicator.  

For detailed information about the discipline process, including guides, rules, and practice directions, please visit the website of the Health Professions Discipline Tribunal (HPDT).

The discipline process is governed by the Rules of Procedure of the Health Professions Discipline Tribunal.

Decisions by the discipline panel can include suspensions and revocations of an occupational therapist’s license, along with other potential penalties.  

Any disciplinary decisions are made in the best interest of the public. A summary of every discipline decision is posted on the occupational therapist’s public register profile. A full copy of the decision may be published on  CanLII (The Canadian Legal Information Institute) or can be requested from College staff 

Our public register (Find an Occupational Therapist) is a public directory of occupational therapists who practice in Ontario.