The Case
In fall 2018, the College received an application for a Provisional Practice Certificate of Registration from an individual who received a degree in Kinesiology from a Canadian university before moving to Australia and obtaining a degree in physiotherapy.
The applicant successfully completed the written component of the Physiotherapy Competency Exam (PCE) and was registered for the next available clinical component when they applied with the College.
Nothing in the application seemed unusual and the individual indicated that they did not have a history of professional conduct in any other jurisdiction, a medical condition that could impact their ability to practice physiotherapy, or that they had been found guilty of any offences or criminal charges.
However, shortly after receiving the application, the College received an unsolicited letter from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHRPA) – the organization that regulates physiotherapy and other health professions in Australia.
The letter stated that the applicant had previously been charged, and pled guilty, to four drug-related offences in Australia. The applicant also failed to comply with a mandatory health assessment to determine if a disorder (such as drug dependency) would impact their ability to practice physiotherapy safely, choosing instead to leave the country and return to Canada. As a result, AHRPA placed limitations on the applicant’s ability to practice.
The Rules
The College protects the public by ensuring all physiotherapists in Ontario provide safe, competent and ethical care. When registering new physiotherapists, the College considers their education and their history of professional conduct to make sure there is enough evidence to support that they will be able to practice physiotherapy ethically and lawfully.
All applicants are required to detail their history of professional conduct in other jurisdictions and disclose any criminal charges or other offences.
The Outcome
After being contacted by the College, the applicant sent an updated application for a Provisional Practice Certificate of Registration, specifically providing details about their history of professional conduct with AHRPA and the four drug-related offences.
However, the College was concerned with the applicant’s history of dishonesty and unwillingness to work with regulators, and their application for provisional practice was denied.
Remember that it is always best to be honest with the regulator. There is a zero-tolerance approach to lying and it is considered professional misconduct. If you are transparent with the College, there is a better chance we can work with you to find a supportive, educational plan to keep you practicing.
When in doubt, call the Practice Advisor for confidential advice at 1-800-583-5885 ext. 241.