Key Definitions of Terms
Regulated Health Professions Act:
The legislation that governs the practice of physiotherapists in Ontario. The second part of the legislation is called the Health Professions Procedural Code (Schedule 2).
Complainant:
The person who files the complaint with the College.
Parties:
The complainant and the physiotherapist who are involved in the complaints process.
Panel:
A group of individuals who are members of the ICRC who are reviewing a given case.
Professional Misconduct Regulation:
The College’s Professional Misconduct Regulation provides an overview of acts that are considered professional misconduct.
Sexual abuse of a patient:
Sexual abuse of a patient by a member (physiotherapist) means,
(a) sexual intercourse or other forms of physical sexual relations between the member and the patient,
(b) touching, of a sexual nature, of the patient by the member, or
(c) behaviour or remarks of a sexual nature by the member towards the patient.
Exception:
Sexual nature does not include touching, behaviour or remarks of a clinical nature appropriate to the service provided.
Incompetence:
Where a physiotherapist’s professional care of a patient displays a lack of knowledge, skill or judgment or disregard for the welfare of the patient of a nature or to an extent that demonstrates that the physiotherapist is unfit to continue to practice or that the physiotherapist’s practice should be restricted.
Incapacity:
Where a physiotherapist is suffering from a physical or mental condition or disorder that makes it desirable in the interest of the public that the physiotherapist’s practice be subject to terms, conditions or limitations, or that the physiotherapist no longer be permitted to practice.