The protection of the public is of paramount importance to the College. The College emphasizes that the vast majority of its members treat their patients with respect and professionalism; however, the College will work with the public to recognize and address concerns around the power imbalance between health professionals and patients.

The College has created a learning module to address these concerns, accessible to all members through the My CCP portal and to everyone on the College website. This learning module assists members in understanding the definitions of sexual abuse and sexual misconduct within the Health Professions Act (HPA) and the relevant Standards of Practice, as well as the mandatory reporting requirements for regulated members and employers. This module also describes the decision-making guide for compulsory reporting of sexual abuse and sexual misconduct, the College’s complaint and hearing process, the guidelines for maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and available resources. Members can count up to four hours towards a CCP cycle for completing this module.

The module highlights some case studies and the appropriate response. For example, did you know that a sexual relationship between you and your patient constitutes sexual abuse, and that the decision of unprofessional conduct based on sexual abuse means that the Hearing Tribunal must order the permanent cancellation of your practice permit and registration?

For more information, please see the Patient Relations Program page.