Finding

The panel of the Discipline Committee issued a decision on the finding, penalty and costs on September 5, 2025. 
 
After having considered all the evidence, the panel found Richard Kung to have committed the following acts of professional misconduct:

• paragraph 1 (failing to maintain the standards of practice of the profession);
• paragraph 13 (Failing to reply appropriately or within a reasonable time to a written inquiry from the College);
• paragraph 14 (Contravening, by act or omission, the Act, the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 or the regulations under either of those Acts); 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, Richard Kung must:

• receive a verbal reprimand (delivered September 5, 2025)
• successfully complete the Ethics and Professionalism course offered through PBI Education
• serve a suspension until they successfully complete the Ethics and Professionalism course
• complete all outstanding Quality Assurance requirements at the direction of the Quality Assurance Committee

While serving the suspension, Richard Kung cannot:

• use the title Physiotherapist, PT or any abbreviation thereof nor can their name, PT title and/or registration number be used for billing purposes. 
• provide services as a physiotherapist assistant (PTA)

The panel also ordered Richard Kung to pay costs to the College in the amount of $5,000 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. Kung, being a physiotherapist is not a right but rather a privilege, and one that comes with responsibilities, both to the profession and to the public. This includes ensuring all established practice standards are maintained, replying to an inquiry from the College within a reasonable timeframe, complying with College committees, and ensuring behaviour is enacted in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act and related Acts. 

Although you indicate remorse, your actions related to failing to maintain all of the above translates to dishonourable and unprofessional behaviour, and such behaviour will not be tolerated. We acknowledge your cooperation related to this disciplinary investigation and process.

As a profession, we must maintain the confidence of the public and all involved stakeholders. Physiotherapists in Ontario need to demonstrate that they are able to be governed appropriately by the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario to provide safe, competent and ethical care. The panel is disappointed 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)