Self-Reporting: It’s the Law 

It is a legal requirement for physiotherapists in Ontario to file a report with the College in a timely manner.

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Why PTs Have to Self-Report

Some information from these reports will appear on the Public Register to help patients make informed decisions about their care. By law, regulatory colleges are required to post all charges and findings under the Criminal Code of Canada, the Controlled Drug and Substances Act and the Health Insurance Act on the Public Register. Other charges, such as bail restrictions, will be assessed based on their relevancy to the physiotherapist’s ability to practice safely and may or may not be posted.

Remember, it is a legal requirement to make self-reports. Not doing so could result in disciplinary action. 

Have Questions?

If you have questions about making a self-report, please contact the Practice Advisor for confidential advice at 1-800-583-5885 ext. 241 or email advice@collegept.org

When Physiotherapists are Required to Self-Report

Offences

You are required to file a report with the College within 30 days of being charged or being found guilty of an offence in any jurisdiction.

All major offences including impaired driving, dangerous driving (including excessive speeding), driving while suspended, refusing to give a breath or blood sample, or failing to stop at the scene of an accident need to be reported. Under the law you are required to report traffic violations and the College will determine if they are relevant to your practice as a physiotherapist.  

If you are unsure if an offence needs to be reported, please contact the Practice Advisor for guidance at 1-800-583-5885 ext. 241. When in doubt, it is better to make a self-report than not report. Not all offences will appear on the Public Register.

Charges

If you have been charged with an offence or found guilty of an offence under the Criminal Code, Controlled Drug and Substances Act or the Health Insurance Act, you are required to report this information to the College as soon as reasonably possible. These charges will appear on the Public Register.

If you are unsure if an offence needs to be reported, please contact the Practice Advisor for guidance at 1-800-583-5885 ext. 241. When in doubt, it is better to make a self-report than not report. 

Bail or Similar Restrictions

If you are subject to bail conditions or similar restrictions imposed by a court or lawful authority, you are required to file a report with the College within 30 days of being made aware of the restrictions.

If you are unsure if restrictions need to be reported, please contact the Practice Advisor for guidance at 1-800-583-5885 ext. 241. When in doubt, it is better to make a self-report than not report. Not all bail conditions or restrictions will appear on the Public Register.

Professional Misconduct, Incompetence and Incapacity

You must report findings of professional misconduct, incompetency or incapacity related to any profession in any jurisdiction to the College within 30 days. Make a self-report 

Negligence or Malpractice

If you are subject to a finding of professional negligence and/or malpractice by a court in any jurisdiction, you must make a self-report  with the College as soon as possible after receiving notice of the finding.

Professional negligence and malpractice are decided by civil courts. The filing of the lawsuit is not considered a finding. You do not have to file a self-report unless the court has decided that professional negligence or malpractice did occur.  

 

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs: Self-Reporting