Finding

After having considered all of the evidence, the panel found Joseph Clement to have committed the following acts of professional misconduct:

• paragraph 1 (failing to maintain the standards of practice of the profession);
• paragraph 15 (contravening a federal, provincial or territorial law relevant to the member’s suitability to practice); and
• paragraph 18 (engaging in conduct or performing an act relevant to the practice of the profession that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional).

Penalty

The panel ordered the following penalty, Joseph Clement will:

• receive a reprimand (delivered August 11, 2025)
  • serve a three month suspension
• This suspension could be extended if certain requirements are not met
• review Standards of practice for the profession and supportive resources
• successfully complete the extended version of the Professional Boundaries course provided by PBI (PBI24-Extended Course)
• participate in 1:1 counselling

While serving the suspension, Joseph Clement cannot:

• use the title Physiotherapist, PT or any abbreviation there of
• use their name, PT title and/or registration number cannot be used for billing purposes
• practice as a physiotherapist assistant (“PTA”)

The panel also ordered Joseph Clement to pay costs to the College in the amount of $7,000 to offset some of the costs associated with investigating and prosecuting this case.

As a part of the penalty, the Committee issued a reprimand which read as follows:

Mr. Clement, being a physiotherapist is not a right, but a privilege that comes with a large degree of responsibility. This includes adhering to all standards of practice established by the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario, and otherwise demonstrating sound judgment within and outside of professional pursuits. 

Your actions constitute serious and objectionable misconduct that would reasonably be regarded as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional. This panel wishes to advise you that this profession will not tolerate such behaviour. Protecting the profession’s integrity demands zero tolerance for crossing professional boundaries, particularly with a minor.

We acknowledge that this is your first time before the disciplinary committee, and we also acknowledge cooperation through the disciplinary investigation and process. However, as a profession, we must maintain the confidence of the public and all involved stakeholders. Your conduct demonstrated disregard for the College standards, and a contravention of federal, provincial or territorial law. 

As a physiotherapist and independent practitioner, you are trusted to provide care in a context that puts you in a position of power. The panel is disappointed that you chose the path you did, and hopes that you learn to appreciate the responsibility and privilege bestowed upon you as a physiotherapist.

You can read the full decision of the Discipline Committee of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario on CanLII (www.canlii.org)