Complaints against Doctors (5:XI)

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on June 30, 2021.

LSLAP Manual
This page is from the Law Students' Legal Advice Program Manual. See the full contents.
LSLAP Manual
Introduction
Chapters
1. Criminal Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Etiquette · IV. Criminal Charges · V. Substantive Law · VI. Resolving Prior to Trial · VII. Pleading Not Guilty/Trial · VIII. Other Issues · IX. Charter of Rights and Freedoms · X. LSLAP Policies · XI. Information for LSLAP Students · XII. Etiquette for Law Students · XIII. Practice Recommendations · Appendix A: Initial Sentencing Position · Appendix B: Sample Information · Appendix C: Diversion Application · Appendix D: Sentencing Hearing · Appendix E: Trial Books · Appendix F: Glossary
2. Youth Justice · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Youth Criminal Justice Act · IV. Youth Justice (British Columbia) Act · Appendix A: Glossary
3. Family Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Marriage · IV. Divorce · V. Uncontested Divorce · VI. Simple Divorce Procedure · VII. Alternatives to Divorce · VIII. Family Violence · IX. Assets · X. Spousal and Child Support · XI. Parenting Orders/Guardianship/Contact · XII. Children and the Law · XIII. Adoption · XIV. Name Changes · XV. Court Procedures · Appendix A: Glossary
4. Victims · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Crime Victim Assistance Program · IV. Avenues to Address Crime · V. Victims of Sexual Assault · VI. Victims of Relationship Violence · VII. Seniors or Those with Disabilities · VIII. Victims of Human Trafficking · IX. Missing Persons and Abductions · X. TIP and Restorative Justice · XI. Resources for Indigenous Victims · XII. Referrals and Follow-up
5. Public Complaints · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Review of Administrative Decisions · IV. Privacy or Access to Information · V. Complaints against the Police · VI. Complaints against Security Guards · VII. The Right to Vote · VIII. Complaints regarding UBC · IX. Complaints regarding SFU · X. Complaints Re: Other Universities · XI. Complaints against Doctors · XII. Complaints against Lawyers · Appendix A: Glossary · Appendix B: Sample Notice Letter
6. Human Rights · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. BC Human Rights Code · IV. Canadian Human Rights Act · V. BC Civil Rights Protection Act · VI. Rights of the Child · VII. LSLAP's Role · VIII. Indigenous Complainants · IX. Online Mediations & Hearings
7. Workers' Compensation · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Policy · III. Introduction to Compensation Claims · IV. LSLAP's Role · V. Limitation Periods & Timing of Decisions · VI. Making a Claim · VII. The Claim Acceptance Process · VIII. Worker Status · IX. Disability and Causation · X. Time Limits & Procedures · XI. Claim Benefits · XII. Appeals · XIII. Health & Safety Regulations · XIV. Assessments of Employers · XV. The WCB Fair Practices Officer · Appendix A: Abbreviations · Appendix B: List of Cases · Appendix C: Referrals · Appendix :D Resources · Appendix E: Claims Process · Appendix F: Checklist for Interviews · Appendix G: Checklist for Appeals · Appendix H: Sample Authorization Form
8. Employment Insurance · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Qualifying for EI · IV. Types of Benefits · V. Benefit Period · VI. Quantifying Benefits · VII. Benefit Entitlement · VIII. Penalties, Violations, and Offences · IX. Keeping Out of Trouble · X. Timing for Reporting · XI. Overpayment and Collections · XII. Reconsideration · XIII. Social Security Tribunal · XIV. Appeals · XV. Judicial Review · XVI. LSLAP's Use of This Chapter · Appendix A: Initial Application Checklist
9. Employment Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Checklist · IV. Preliminary Matters · V. Employment Issues · VI. Remedies · VII. Strategies and Tips · Appendix A: Glossary
10. Creditors and Debtors · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Creditors' Remedies · IV. Debtors' Options · V. Dealing with Debt · Appendix A: Relevant Forms · Appendix B: Examination Checklist
11. Consumer Protection · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Contracts for Sale of Goods · IV. Consumer Protection · V. Direct Sales · VI. Conditional Sales Contracts · VII. Motor Dealer Act · VIII. Miscellaneous · IX. Forum of Redress · X. Consumer Transactions
12. Auto Insurance (ICBC) · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Basic Coverage · IV. Optional Insurance · V. Seeking Legal Counsel · VI. Disputes with ICBC · VII. When You Can Still Sue · VIII. On or Before April 30 2021 · IX. Limitation on Experts · X. Compulsory Coverage · XI. Optional Insurance · XII. Personal Injury Claims · XIII. Out-of-Province
13. Motor Vehicle Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. At the Roadside · IV. Duties after a Collision · V. Violation Tickets · VI. Provincial Offences · VII. Vehicle Impoundment · VIII. Superintendent · IX. Alcohol and Drugs · X. Federal Offences · XI. Driving While Prohibited · XII. ICBC Breaches · XIII. Bicycles · XIV. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Penalty Points and Fines
14. Mental Health Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Theory and Approach · IV. Legal Rights · V. Patient Admission · VI. Consent to Medical Treatment · VII. Involuntarily Admitted · VIII. Youth · IX. Criminal Code · X. Complaints · XI. References · XII. LSLAP File Administration Policy
15. Adult Guardianship · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Mental Capacity · IV. Substitute Decision Making · V. Adult Guardianship · VI. Adult Abuse and Neglect · VII. Sources and Resources · Appendix A: EPOA · Appendix B: Decision Tree
16. Wills and Estate Administration · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Making and Executing · IV. Mistakes and Alterations · V. Court's Power · VI. Revocation · VII. Wills Variation Claims · VIII. Intestacy · IX. Property · X. First Nations and Wills · XI. Estate Administration · XII. Duties of a Personal Representative · XIII. Taxation: RRSP & RRIF & TFSA · XIV. LSLAP File Administration Policy · Appendix A: Questionnaire · Appendix B: Checklist · Appendix C: Glossary
17. Citizenship · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Who is a Canadian Citizen? · IV. Advantages & Responsibilities · V. Citizenship Grants · VI. Applying for Citizenship Grant · VII. Loss and Renunciation · VIII. Proof · IX. Search of Citizenship Record · X. Referrals
18. Immigration Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Players · IV. Categories of Persons · V. PR Application · VI. Identifications · VII. IRB · VIII. Loss of PR · IX. Temporary Residence Matters · X. Removal Orders · XI. Appeals · XII. Offences · XIII. Issues at Sentencing · XIV. Contacts
19. Landlord and Tenant Law · I. Residential Tenancy Act · II. Tenancy Agreements · III. Moving In and Moving Out · IV. Security Deposits · V. Repair and Service · VI. Rent Increase · VII. Tenant's Rights · VIII. Subletting and Assignment · IX. Termination/Eviction · X. Dispute Resolution · XI. Common Law · XII. Strata Law · XIII. Assisted Living · XIV. Commercial Tenancies · XV. Manufactured Homes · XVI. Income Assistance · XVII. Illegal Suites · XVIII. Forms · XIX. Governing Legislation and Resources
20. Small Claims and the CRT · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Do You Have a Claim? · IV. Choosing the Proper Forum · V. Starting a Claim · VI. Responding to a Claim · VII. Default Order · VIII. How a Claim Proceeds · IX. Pre-Trial · X. Mediation · XI. Settlement Conferences · XII. Trial/Pre-Trial Conferences · XIII. Trial Preparation · XIV. Trials · XV. Costs and Penalties · XVI. Appeals · XVII. Enforcement of a Judgement · Appendix A: Registries · Appendix B: Demand Letter · Appendix C: Notice of Claim · Appendix D: Reply to Claim · Appendix E: Glossary · Appendix F: Limitation Periods · Appendix G: Causes of Action · Appendix H: Court Fees · Appendix I: Tribunal Fees · Appendix J: Settlement Conference · Appendix K: Payment Hearing · Appendix L: Appeal · Appendix M: LSLAP Policy
21. Welfare Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Eligibility · IV. Special Situations · V. Eligibility Factors · VI. Hardship Assistance · VII. Overpayments and Fraud · VIII. Rates and Payment Issues · IX. Additional Benefits · X. Health Supplements · XI. Appeals
22. Strata Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Strata Concept · IV. Strata Plan · V. Common Property and Assets · VI. Governance · VII. Management · VIII. Finances · IX. Collections · X. Bylaws and Rules · XI. Rentals and Accommodations · XII. Privacy · XIII. Insurance · XIV. Repair and Maintain · XV. Dispute Resolution · XVI. Recourse to the Courts
23. Referrals · I. General · II. Family Law & Women · III. Residential Tenancy · IV. Human Rights · V. Wills & Estates · VI. Immigration & Refugee · VII. Disability · VIII. Employment · IX. Debt · X. Indigenous · XI. Police Complaints · XII. Chinese Language · XIII. Others
v • d • e

All licensed physicians and surgeons who can practice in British Columbia must register with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As of August 31, 2020, the CPSBC amalgamated with the College of Podiatric Surgeons. Both are now considered under CPSBC. The CPSBC also amended their Bylaws to reflect these changes. You may see more information about the amalgamation here: https://www.cpsbc.ca/news/amalgamation-college-podiatric-surgeons-british-columbia.

If you wish to file a complaint against your doctor, there are four options:

Talk to your doctor
File a complaint with the CPSBC
Speak to a lawyer or the police for advice if you believe your doctor has violated a criminal law
Speak to a lawyer for advice about suing the doctor (i.e., medical malpractice)

NOTE: Even if you file a complaint with the College, you are still able to take steps 3, 4, or both.

There is no specific time frame in which to file a complaint; however, the sooner it is filed, the easier it will be to investigate.

To file a complaint, there are three steps:

Complete and submit a Complaint Form (found on the College’s website).
Make the complaint in writing; include your name, address, telephone number, the name and address of the doctor, the facts of the incident, and permission to send a copy of the complaint to your doctor.
Send the written complaint to:

Complaints Department - College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC

Online
Address	300– 669 Howe Street Vancouver BC V6C 0B4
Phone	604-733-3503 (fax)

You may send the complaint via mail, fax, or email.

Once the College reviews the written complaint, it will begin an investigation. This includes obtaining further relevant information and, potentially, relevant medical records. The physician will respond to the complaint. The College’s Inquiry Committee (made up of senior doctors and members of the public) will conduct a review of your complaint. If the College finds the complaint is valid, the physician may be expected to change aspects of his or her practice, or undertake further education. The College may also issue remedial advice or reprimand the physician if there is a significant departure from the CMA Code of Ethics. In extreme cases, the College may prohibit a physician from practicing medicine.

Please note that there is a special procedure for sexual misconduct complaints. You can either phone the College immediately at 604-733-7758 or submit a letter outlining the incident.

For further information:

Canadian Bar Association https://www.cbabc.org/For-the-Public/Dial-A-Law/Scripts/Health-Law/423

College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia https://www.cpsbc.ca/for-public/file-complaint

NOTE: There are a number of professional colleges that regulate healthcare professionals in BC. Each college may have its own policies and procedures for complaints against their respective healthcare professionals. For a full list of the current professional colleges, visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/colleges-boards-and-commissions.

LSLAP Manual

Introduction

Acknowledgements

Chapters 1-7
Criminal Law · Youth Justice · Family Law · Victims · Public Complaints · Human Rights · Workers Compensation

Chapter One: Criminal Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Etiquette · IV. Criminal Charges · V. Substantive Law · VI. Resolving Prior to Trial · VII. Pleading Not Guilty/Trial · VIII. Other Issues · IX. Charter of Rights and Freedoms · X. LSLAP Policies · XI. Information for LSLAP Students · XII. Etiquette for Law Students · XIII. Practice Recommendations · Appendix A: Initial Sentencing Position · Appendix B: Sample Information · Appendix C: Diversion Application · Appendix D: Sentencing Hearing · Appendix E: Trial Books · Appendix F: Glossary

Chapter Two: Youth Justice	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Youth Criminal Justice Act · IV. Youth Justice (British Columbia) Act · Appendix A: Glossary

Chapter Three: Family Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Marriage · IV. Divorce · V. Uncontested Divorce · VI. Simple Divorce Procedure · VII. Alternatives to Divorce · VIII. Family Violence · IX. Assets · X. Spousal and Child Support · XI. Parenting Orders/Guardianship/Contact · XII. Children and the Law · XIII. Adoption · XIV. Name Changes · XV. Court Procedures · Appendix A: Glossary

Chapter Four: Victims	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Crime Victim Assistance Program · IV. Avenues to Address Crime · V. Victims of Sexual Assault · VI. Victims of Relationship Violence · VII. Seniors or Those with Disabilities · VIII. Victims of Human Trafficking · IX. Missing Persons and Abductions · X. TIP and Restorative Justice · XI. Resources for Indigenous Victims · XII. Referrals and Follow-up

Chapter Five: Public Complaints	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Review of Administrative Decisions · IV. Privacy or Access to Information · V. Complaints against the Police · VI. Complaints against Security Guards · VII. The Right to Vote · VIII. Complaints regarding UBC · IX. Complaints regarding SFU · X. Complaints Regarding Other Colleges and Universities · XI. Complaints against Doctors · XII. Complaints against Lawyers · Appendix A: Glossary · Appendix B: Sample Notice Letter

Chapter Six: Human Rights	· I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. BC Human Rights Code · IV. Canadian Human Rights Act · V. BC Civil Rights Protection Act · VI. Rights of the Child · VII. LSLAP's Role · VIII. Indigenous Complainants · IX. Online Mediations & Hearings

Chapter Seven: Workers' Compensation	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation, Policy & Guidelines · III. Introduction to Compensation Claims for Injured Workers · IV. LSLAP's Role at the Initial Decision Level · V. Limitation Periods and Timing of Decisions · VI. Making a Claim · VII. The Claim Acceptance Process · VIII. Worker Status · IX. Disability and Causation · X. Time Limits and Procedures · XI. Claim Benefits · XII. Appeals · XIII. Health and Safety Regulations in the Workplace · XIV. Assessments of Employers · XV. The WCB Fair Practices Officer · Appendix A: Abbreviations · Appendix B: List of Cases · Appendix C: Referrals · Appendix D: Resources · Appendix E: Claims Process · Appendix F: Checklist for Interviews · Appendix G: Checklist for Appeals · Appendix H: Sample Authorization Form

Chapters 8-14
Employment Insurance · Employment Law · Creditors and Debtors · Consumer Protection · Auto Insurance (ICBC) · Motor Vehicle Law · Mental Health Law

Chapter Eight: Employment Insurance	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Qualifying for EI · IV. Types of Benefits · V. Benefit Period · VI. Quantifying Benefits · VII. Benefit Entitlement · VIII. Penalties, Violations, and Offences · IX. Keeping Out of Trouble · X. Timing for Reporting · XI. Overpayment and Collections · XII. Reconsideration · XIII. Social Security Tribunal · XIV. Appeals · XV. Judicial Review · XVI. LSLAP's Use of This Chapter · Appendix A: Initial Application Checklist

Chapter Nine: Employment Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Checklist · IV. Preliminary Matters · V. Employment Issues · VI. Remedies · VII. Strategies and Tips · Appendix A: Glossary

Chapter Ten: Creditors' Remedies and Debtors' Assistance	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Creditors' Remedies · IV. Debtors' Options · V. Dealing with Debt · Appendix A: Relevant Forms · Appendix B: Examination Checklist

Chapter Eleven: Consumer Protection	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Contracts for Sale of Goods · IV. Consumer Protection · V. Direct Sales · VI. Conditional Sales Contracts · VII. Motor Dealer Act · VIII. Miscellaneous · IX. Forum of Redress · X. Consumer Transactions

Chapter Twelve: Auto Insurance (ICBC)	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Basic Coverage · IV. Optional Insurance · V. Seeking Legal Counsel · VI. Disputes with ICBC · VII. When You Can Still Sue · VIII. On or Before April 30 2021 · IX. Limitation on Experts · X. Compulsory Coverage · XI. Optional Insurance · XII. Personal Injury Claims · XIII. Out-of-Province

Chapter Thirteen: Motor Vehicle Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. At the Roadside · IV. Duties after a Collision · V. Violation Tickets · VI. Provincial Offences · VII. Vehicle Impoundment · VIII. Superintendent · IX. Alcohol and Drugs · X. Federal Offences · XI. Driving While Prohibited · XII. ICBC Breaches · XIII. Bicycles · XIV. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Penalty Points and Fines

Chapter Fourteen: Mental Health Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Theory and Approach · IV. Legal Rights · V. Patient Admission · VI. Consent to Medical Treatment · VII. Involuntarily Admitted · VIII. Youth · IX. Criminal Code · X. Complaints · XI. References · XII. LSLAP File Administration Policy

Chapters 15-23
Adult Guardianship and Substitute Decision-Making · Wills and Estates · Citizenship · Immigration · Landlord and Tenant Rights · Small Claims · Welfare Law · Strata Law · Referrals

Chapter Fifteen: Adult Guardianship and Substitute Decision-Making	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Mental Capacity · IV. Substitute Decision Making · V. Adult Guardianship · VI. Adult Abuse · VII. Sources and Resources · Appendix A: EPOA · Appendix B: Decision Tree on Adult Abuse and Neglect

Chapter Sixteen: Wills and Estate Administration	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Making and Executing · IV. Mistakes and Alterations · V. Court's Power · VI. Revocation · VII. Wills Variation Claims · VIII. Intestacy · IX. Property · X. First Nations and Wills · XI. Estate Administration · XII. Duties of a Personal Representative · XIII. Taxation: RRSP & RRIF & TFSA · XIV. LSLAP File Administration Policy · Appendix A: Will Instructions Questionnaire · Appendix B: Will Drafting and Execution Checklist · Appendix C: Glossary

Chapter Seventeen: Citizenship	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Who is a Canadian Citizen? · IV. Advantages & Responsibilities · V. Citizenship Grants · VI. Applying for Citizenship Grant · VII. Loss and Renunciation · VIII. Proof · IX. Search of Citizenship Record · X. Referrals

Chapter Eighteen: Immigration Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Players · IV. Categories of Persons · V. PR Application · VI. Identifications · VII. IRB · VIII. Loss of PR · IX. In-Canada Temporary Residence Matters · X. Removal Orders · XI. Appeals · XII. Offences · XIII. Issues at Sentencing · XIV. Contacts

Chapter Nineteen: Landlord and Tenant Law	I. Residential Tenancy Act · II. Tenancy Agreements · III. Moving In and Moving Out · IV. Security Deposits · V. Repair and Service · VI. Rent Increase · VII. Tenant's Rights · VIII. Subletting and Assignment · IX. Termination/Eviction · X. Dispute Resolution · XI. Common Law · XII. Strata Law · XIII. Assisted Living · XIV. Commercial Tenancies · XV. Manufactured Homes · XVI. Income Assistance · XVII. Illegal Suites · XVIII. Forms · XIX. Governing Legislation and Resources

Chapter Twenty: Small Claims and the CRT	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Do You Have a Claim? · IV. Choosing the Proper Forum · V. Starting a Claim · VI. Responding to a Claim · VII. Default Order · VIII. How a Claim Proceeds · IX. Pre-Trial · X. Mediation · XI. Settlement Conferences · XII. Trial/Pre-Trial Conferences · XIII. Trial Preparation · XIV. Trials · XV. Costs and Penalties · XVI. Appeals · XVII. Enforcement of a Judgement · Appendix A: Registries · Appendix B: Demand Letter · Appendix C: Notice of Claim · Appendix D: Reply to Claim · Appendix E: Glossary · Appendix F: Limitation Periods · Appendix G: Causes of Action · Appendix H: Court Fees · Appendix I: Tribunal Fees · Appendix J: Settlement Conference · Appendix K: Payment Hearing · Appendix L: Appeal · Appendix M: LSLAP File Administration Policy

Chapter Twenty One: Welfare Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Eligibility · IV. Special Situations · V. Eligibility Factors · VI. Hardship Assistance · VII. Overpayments and Fraud · VIII. Rates and Payment Issues · IX. Additional Benefits · X. Health Supplements · XI. Appeals

Chapter Twenty Two: Strata Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Strata Concept · IV. Strata Plan · V. Common Property and Assets · VI. Governance · VII. Management · VIII. Finances · IX. Collections · X. Bylaws and Rules · XI. Rentals and Accommodations · XII. Privacy · XIII. Insurance · XIV. Repair and Maintain · XV. Dispute Resolution · XVI. Recourse to the Courts

Chapter Twenty Three: Referrals	I. General · II. Family Law & Women · III. Residential Tenancy · IV. Human Rights · V. Wills & Estates · VI. Immigration & Refugee · VII. Disability · VIII. Employment · IX. Debt · X. Indigenous · XI. Police Complaints · XII. Chinese Language · XIII. Others

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