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QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAMS & COMMITTEES LAWYERS  

Quality Assurance Programs and Committees Lawyers

Under the Health Professions Procedural Code, regulated professions have Quality Assurance Programs and Committees that are designed to provide for the continuing education and professional development of its members. Quality Assurance Programs are meant to promote continuing competence and continuing quality improvements among its members, as well as address changes in practice environments, and incorporate standards of practice and advances in technology. Quality Assurance Programs are also meant to provide for self, peer and practice assessments, and a mechanism for each College to monitor its members’ participation in and compliance with the quality assurance program.

For example, the Quality Assurance Program of the Ontario College of Pharmacists was introduced to help ensure the continuing competency of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Pharmacists are required to maintain a learning portfolio, complete self-assessments, and can be randomly selected for practice assessments. The Ontario College of Pharmacists is also in the process of developing a knowledge assessment program.

How Can a Lawyer Help with Quality Assurance?

Some professionals who are audited by their regulatory body may require assistance responding to the College. A practice assessment may identify deficiencies or failures of a professional to comply with the standards of care expected by their profession. A practice assessment may also reveal other failures of a professional to ensure that safe and appropriate patient care is being provided. If a professional does not meet the standards during an assessment, they may be required to make submissions or demonstrate that they have taken steps to correct their deficient practices. If the College is still concerned about the appropriateness or professionalism of a member, it may refer him or her to the Quality Assurance Committee.

If you have been referred to the Quality Assurance Committee you should speak to a lawyer who understands regulated healthcare professionals and who has experience dealing with your College. The lawyers at Damien Frost & Associates LLP are here to guide you through the Quality Assurance Committee and ensure that you are protected. The Quality Assurance Committee can take a number of steps against you. It can require that you take continuing educational programs, refer the matter to the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (“the ICRC”) if it believes that you have committed an act of professional misconduct or are incompetent, or it can impose terms, conditions or limitations on your licence to practice. The powers of the Quality Assurance Committee can severely impact your ability to practice. Speak to a lawyer today about how they can help protect your licence and your professional reputation. Click here to schedule a free consultation.

I am being assessed, now what?

It is important to know that, as a regulated healthcare professional, you are required by the Health Professions Procedural Code to cooperate with the Quality Assurance Committee and with any assessor it appoints. The Quality Assurance Committee can appoint one of your peers to act as an assessor to ensure that your practice complies with the rules and regulations of your profession. Among other things, you are required to allow the assessor to enter and inspect your workplace, allow them to access your patient’s records, provide them with information, and participate in a program designed to evaluate your knowledge, skill and judgment if requested.

If you fail to complete your assessment properly, or you do not participate, the Quality Assurance Committee has various tools to address non-compliance. For example, if you are a Registered Nurse, the Executive Director can impose terms, conditions or limitations on your certificate of registration for a specific period of time and post this information on the public Register. You could also be referred to the ICRC if the Quality Assurance Committee believes that your lack of cooperation can be viewed as professional misconduct. You can also be required to complete continuing educational courses or additional assessments at your own expense, which could cost thousands of dollars.

Contact us Today for a Free Consultation

If you have been referred to the Quality Assurance Committee, or if there are concerns with your competency or ability to practice, contact the lawyers at Damien Frost & Associates LLP today to schedule a free consultation. We can provide you with strategic advice and guidance on how to ensure that your certificate of registration and your licence to practice is protected. Having terms, conditions or limitations imposed on your licence could have a significant impact on your ability to work in your profession and may cause serious harm to your professional reputation. We have significant experience dealing with healthcare professionals and regulated Colleges. We have assisted Pharmacists, Nurses, Registered Massage Therapists, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Registered Psychotherapists, Optometrists, and other healthcare professionals.  

Let us help you today and our firm will do everything we can to protect your professional reputation and standing. Click here to schedule a free consultation. There is no risk to you and everything remains confidential.  

Members of The Criminal Lawyers Association, Toronto Lawyers Association, Ontario Bar Association 
and Advocates' Society.

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Highly Recommend!

"I have been very pleased working with Rebecca. She worked very efficiently, professionally and cared for every step, as we went through the process with Ontario College of Pharmacists. Initially I thought I would be going through a nightmare when I received my paperwork from Ontario College of Pharmacists, but Rebecca made the process seamless and the outcome was positive. Thank-you Rebecca and I would highly recommend your excellent professional service to others."

NP

Very Professional and Helpful

"I hired Ms Rebecca Young regarding a legal matter in October 2015. I found her and the firm to be very professional and helpful. The whole process took about one year to resolve. I followed her advice and the outcome was in my favour. I would recommend her for her professionalism, knowledge and pleasant attitude."

I.S.

Excellent Advocacy. Pleased with the Outcome!

"Daniel, Thank you for your excellent work. I am pleased with the outcome. I didn’t feel ‘prosecuted’ and I believe that is due to your excellent advocacy skills and rapport with the Court."

AF

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BB

Nothing Short of Remarkable!

"I was very grateful to have the knowledge, experience and support of Rebecca Young when I was presented with a legal issue concerning my private practice. She ensured that my own professionalism and experience were demonstrated while representing me in communication with the CRPO. In addition, she offered recommendations to improve my due diligence measures, thereby further protecting my business and reputation going forward. Thank you Rebecca."

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"I was very happy with how Damien Frost handled my case and with what they accomplished for me. From my very first call with Rebecca, she gained my confidence and trust. She was very knowledgeable and she handled herself with true professionalism. She took the time to explain to me the process as well as her strategies so I always knew what was going on. She was always an email or a phone call away and she resolved my case to my full satisfaction."

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"I had an extremely positive experience working with Rebecca Young. She is so pleasant to deal with and not only provided sound counsel right from the first day but continued doing so in a manner that was clear and compassionate. Incredibly supportive and experienced team. I was kept up to date at every step and got an amazing outcome in a very short time. Highly recommend working with Rebecca!"

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Rebecca was very helpful in my particular situation. I spoke to a few lawyers before her and I can't tell you how good she was. She instantly put me at ease by telling me what I was dealing with - others had scared me a lot. She was almost my therapist whereby I would get in touch with her, send my thoughts, and get responses on what the process looked like - she was straightforward, compassionate and understanding of the situation. Great service and no fear-mongering at this company. Thank you for all your help, Rebecca!

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