Existing Provisions
Under the existing investigations and resolutions provisions in the Act,
there are two potential “streams” for complaints or issues to be managed.
The first is the complaints system which investigates a written complaint.
This is a paper review process by the Complaints Committee, which does
not have the power to appoint an investigator. Following its review of a
written complaint, in addition to written statements from relevant witnesses
and/or experts, the Committee issues its decision and reasons, which can
be appealed to the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board.
The second is a Registrar’s Investigation process, in which information
can be brought to the College’s attention through any number of means
(such as the police, newspapers, anonymous sources, etc.). Such cases are
handled by the Executive Committee, which has the power to appoint
an investigator. Upon receipt of the investigator’s report, the Executive
Committee reviews the case, and issues a formal written decision.
The options for disposition are the same for both Committees – no further
action, advice, a caution, a voluntary undertaking, or a referral to the
Discipline Committee.
Modernizing
the Practice
of Veterinary
Medicine
INVESTIGATIONS
& RESOLUTIONS
•Screening Model•
What Change is Proposed?
Under the proposed model, there is to be one triage or intake process
which is streamlined and transparent. In effect, the current Complaints
and Executive Committees’ roles relating to investigations and resolutions
are collapsed into a single committee known as the Investigations and
Resolutions Committee. The proposed model allows for an investigator to
be appointed in any case as necessary.
Under the proposed model, cases