This Panel will adjudicate complaints regarding licensed practitioners.
The composition of the Disciplinary Panel shall reflect the cultural, ethnic, and regional diversity of the province.
The Disciplinary Panel is comprised of:
• at least six practitioners, who are not members of the Board who are appointed by the Board
• one of those members appointed by the Board shall be appointed as chairperson
• the Minister shall appoint at least four persons, who are not practitioners, to represent the public interest
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. Examples may include:
• Knowledge of professional regulation
• Understanding of the role of the Disciplinary Panel
• Ability to hear, read, analyze, and critically evaluate evidence to render a decision as per the Legislation
• Ability to listen and work collaboratively as a team member
• Familiarity with the principals of good governance, including accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct
• Understanding the principles of fairness, maintain confidentiality, and avoid conflict of interest
• Flexibility and willingness to have a wider perspective on issues, and to consider others’ opinions
• Backgrounds: governance, human relations, human resources, health care, legal expertise
• Technological competency: ability to attend meetings and hearings that may be conducted virtually, and decision writing requires baseline computer skills
The following attributes are important considerations in selecting members:
• Demonstrated understanding of professional regulation
• Expressed interest in health care
• Previous board/disciplinary panel experience
• Experience with administrative decision-making, and decision writing
• 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, and to listen and work as a team member
• No direct or indirect conflict of interest
• Strong reasoning skills
The Disciplinary Panel is scheduled to meet four times per year and expected to attend educational sessions when offered. Adjudication Tribunals are appointed as required to hear a disciplinary matter. A hearing may require approximately one day to one week of dedicated time (hearing, deliberations and writing of the decision).
Of the members first appointed to the Disciplinary Panel, at least one half shall be appointed for a term of 2 years and the remainder for a term of 3 years and all subsequent appointments of members to the Disciplinary Panel shall be for a term of 3 years.
Notwithstanding the expiry of their term, a member of the Disciplinary Panel continues to be a member until they are re-appointed or a replacement is appointed. Persons appointed to the Disciplinary Panel may be reappointed.
The Disciplinary Panel of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers is seeking to fill two vacancies. Expressions of interest are being sought from individuals who possess the background, experience and skill set identified in the board profile above and who can bring unique perspectives to the table. Consideration will also be given to a variety of demographic factors to ensure the board is representative of the population they serve.
