This Panel will hear complaints regarding licensed practitioners.
The composition of the Disciplinary Panel shall reflect the cultural, ethnic, and regional diversity of the province.
The Panel shall consist of:
• at least four health professionals from each health profession who are not members of the council, all of whom shall be appointed by the council, and one of whom shall be appointed by the council to serve as chairperson
• at least three persons who are not health professionals registered under the Act to represent the public interest, as appointed by the Minister
Diversity in the backgrounds, skills, knowledge, and experience of appointed Disciplinary Panel members can enhance the effectiveness of a Panel by bringing a wider range of perspectives and knowledge. Members should possess the following:
• Knowledge of professional regulation
• Knowledge of the Health Professions Act
• Ability to read, analyze, and critically evaluate evidence to render a decision as per the Legislation
• Familiarity with the principals of good governance, including accountability, transparency and ethical conduct
• Willingness to maintain confidentiality and avoid conflict of interest
• Flexibility and willingness to have a wider perspective on issues and to consider others’ opinions
• Backgrounds in one or more of the following: governance, health care, legal expertise, information technology, human relations, human resources
The following attributes are important considerations in selecting members:
• Demonstrated understanding of professional regulation
• Expressed interest in health care
• Previous board/disciplinary panel experience
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Appreciation of the responsibilities to the public
• Flexible, responsive, and willing to consider others’ opinions
• Capable of a broad perspective on issues
• Ability to summarize in a concise format
• No direct or indirect conflict of interest
• Strong reasoning skills
Panel members are only required if there is a disciplinary matter or upon the call of the chairperson. A disciplinary matter will require approximately one week of dedicated time (hearing, deliberations and writing of the decision). Preparation for a Disciplinary Panel will require meeting with legal counsel and participating in just-in-time education about the role and responsibilities, as a member of a panel. It is anticipated that hearings would be one day to in excess of five days, with deliberations and writing of the decision to follow.
Of the members first appointed to the Disciplinary Panel, at least one half shall be appointed for a term of two years and the remainder for a term of three years and all subsequent appointments of members to the Disciplinary Panel shall be for a term of three years.
Notwithstanding the expiry of their term, a member of the Disciplinary Panel continues to be a member until they are reappointed, or their replacement is appointed. Persons appointed to the Disciplinary Panel may be reappointed.
