Hearings

Hearings occur in cases where a complaint against a chiropractor led to an investigation that reveals a violation of the chiropractic Standard of Practice and/or Code of Ethics. As set out in the Health Professions Act, a hearing tribunal will consider evidence and determine whether or not the chiropractor is found guilty of professional misconduct. Disciplinary measures and the penalties incurred by the chiropractor are also determined by the hearing tribunal.

How to attend a hearing

Hearings are open to the public unless the hearing tribunal accepts a motion or application to close a hearing. The decision to close a hearing can be made at the last minute. We will make every attempt to notify registered attendees in advance. Please also note that the date hearings are scheduled for may be subject to change. Members of the public should check the website for current hearing information.

Register for a hearing

Please note registering five business days in advance of the hearing is required. Seating for members of the public is limited and reserved on a “first come” basis.

For information about observing and registering for a hearing, please email our Hearings Director at [email protected].

Rules to observe an in-person hearing

1. Once a hearing has started, observers are not allowed entry until a recess is called. 

2. Observers must register at reception upon arrival and must wear the name tag provided that identifies their observer status. Observers are permitted access to public areas and limited access to the hearing room.

3.Observers must not use cameras or recording devices in the hearing room. This includes pen and paper.

4. ALL communication devices including cell phones and portable computers must be turned off and remain off while inside the hearing room.

5. No external food or drink is allowed in the hearing room.

6. Observers are not permitted to address the members of the hearing tribunal (in or out of session) and must remain quiet during the proceedings.

7. Observers must leave the hearing room for the duration of every recess, for any portion of a hearing held in private, and when the tribunal deliberates. During these times, observers are restricted to public areas of the building.

8. If an observer needs to leave the hearing room for any reason while the hearing is in session, he/she will not be permitted to return to the room until the end of the next recess.

9. Lunch is provided to the hearing tribunal and the parties involved. Observers must leave the CCOA office during the lunch break and during extended recesses.

10. During brief recesses, observers may sit quietly in a designated area, space permitting, but may not discuss the hearing or disrupt the daily work of CCOA staff.

11. When an observer leaves the hearing with no intention of returning, he/she must sign out at reception and return the observer name tag to the CCOA.

Rules to observe a virtual hearing

1. Once a virtual hearing has started, observers are not allowed entry into the virtual hearing room until a recess is called.

2. Observers must register prior to the virtual hearing and their display name must identify their observer status Ex: Observer - First Name, Last Name. Registration must include a valid government- issued photo ID.

3. On the day of the hearing, proof of government-issued photo ID will be required upon entry to the virtual hearing room. Observers will be required to show their photo ID to the camera for the CCOA Hearings Director to verify identification.

4. Observers are permitted in the virtual waiting room and will have limited access to the virtual hearing room.

5. Observers must not use cameras or recording devices, including cellphones, during the virtual hearing to capture any portion of the virtual hearing.

6. Observers are not permitted to address the members of the hearing tribunal (in or out of session) and must remain quiet during the proceedings.

7. Use of the chat feature on the video conference platform will be disabled for the entire hearing.

8. Observer microphones will be muted for the entire hearing.

9. Observers will be placed in the virtual waiting room for the duration of every recess, for any portion of a hearing held in private, and when the tribunal deliberates.

10. If an observer needs to leave the virtual hearing room for any reason while the hearing is in session, they will not be permitted to return to the room until the end of the next recess.

11. An observer must be present on camera at all times while in the virtual hearing room. If their camera is turned off for any reason, the observer will be disconnected from the virtual hearing room and will not be permitted to return to the room until their camera is turned back on and until the end of the next recess.

12. Only the registered observer will be allowed to use the provided video conference link. Any additional members of the public that would like to attend the virtual hearing must inform the CCOA Hearings Director in advance of the hearing to obtain their own video conference link.

13. If any individuals other than the registered observer are present on camera, the observer will be disconnected from the virtual hearing room and will not be permitted to return to the room until only the registered observer is on camera and until the end of the next recess.

14. If the CCOA Hearings Director and/or the hearing tribunal determine that the observer is disrupting the proceedings, the observer will be disconnected from the virtual hearing room and will not be permitted to return until the end of the next recess.

Appeals

When a decision has been reached by the hearing tribunal, the CCOA Complaints Director and the chiropractor have 30 days to request an appeal to Council.