College of Physiotherapists of Ontario — Complaints Process

This can be done by submitting the complaint in writing (email or letter), as a recording, or you can download and print a complaint form to send by email, fax or mail. 

Download and Fill Out a Complaint Form

The College contacts you to confirm that we have received your complaint and ask for more information, if needed. Note that complaints cannot be anonymous.

The College may work with you and the physiotherapist to arrange a voluntary and mutually agreeable informal resolution. In this case, there would be no further investigation.

If you choose to move forward with the process, an unbiased investigator will gather information related to your complaint. The investigator will send a copy of the complaint to the physiotherapist. The physiotherapist has 30 days to respond. 

The committee carefully considers all information related to the complaint. The committee may decide on one or more of the following outcomes: 

• No further action

• Provide advice and recommendations

• Restrict the physiotherapist’s practice*

• Place limitations on the physiotherapist’s practice*

• Require an educational upgrading*

• Give a verbal caution*

• Refer the complaint to another committee for a public hearing*

Outcomes with an asterisk * are publicly available on the College’s Public Register.  

Public Register

The College will contact you to share the committee’s decision. If you do not agree with the decision, you can ask to appeal to the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board..

Questions? We’re here to help. 
Email: investigations@collegept.org
Learn more: collegept.org/Patients/HowToMakeComplaint