Mandatory Reporting Obligations

Mandatory reporting obligations apply to regulated health care providers and employers of regulated health care providers

There are a number of situations in which physiotherapists and employers of physiotherapists and regulated health care providers have a legal obligation to make a mandatory report.

In cases where physiotherapists are employers of other regulated health care providers, additional reporting obligations apply. The requirement to file a mandatory report is required by legislation, regulation or law.

Reporting Obligations for Physiotherapists:

A mandatory report must be filed with the College if:

• A physiotherapist becomes aware that a patient is being sexually abused by a regulated health care provider
•  A partnership, health profession corporation or association has ended because a regulated health care provider has committed professional misconduct or is incompetent or incapacitated (health issues)
• A physiotherapist is aware that a person who is not a physiotherapist is providing services as a physiotherapist or holding out as a physiotherapist
• A physiotherapist has been found guilty of an offence 
• A physiotherapist has been found to have engaged in malpractice or negligence

 

Reporting Obligations for Employers / Facility Operators (may apply to a physiotherapist):

An employer or facility operator must file a mandatory report with the College if:

• They learn that a patient has been or is being sexually abused by a physiotherapist or regulated health care provider 
• A physiotherapist or other regulated health care provider has been terminated for reasons of professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity
• They receive notice of resignation from a regulated health care provider who was facing termination of employment or involved in a progressive discipline or remediation process 
• A partnership, health profession corporation or association involving a
• physiotherapist or other regulated health care provider has ended because of reasons of professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity 
• They have reason to believe that a regulated health care provider is incompetent or incapacitated

 

Reporting to Other Organizations:

Physiotherapists and employers of regulated health care providers may also have mandatory reporting obligations to other organizations as they pertain to suspected child abuse, elder abuse and the warning of authorities or appropriate parties when someone is in serious danger (Duty to Warn).

Additional Resources:

Briefing Note: Professional Reporting Obligations
Mandatory Reporting Obligations Where a Patient Has Been Sexually Abused
Mandatory Reporting Obligations: Termination / Resignation
Mandatory Report Case Management Flowchart
Regulation: Professional Misconduct Regulation 388/08
Legislation: Regulated Health Professions Act

To file a Mandatory Report:

Please send your report to the Registrar at:

College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
375 University Ave, Suite 901
Toronto  ON   M5G 2J5
 
Reports can be sent by fax to: 416-591-7758

File a Mandatory Report Online

For additional information contact:

Practice Advisor:
practiceadvice@collegept.org

416-591-3828 ext. 241
1-800-583-5885 ext. 241

Can’t find the answer you are looking for or need more information, contact the Director Professional Conduct by email or call 416-591-3828 ext. 233 or 1-800-583-5885 ext. 233.