Key Takeaways
- A caution requires you to appear before an ICRC panel. A SCERP requires education or remediation.
- Neither is a finding of professional misconduct.
- Cautions, SCERPs, acknowledgements and undertakings are noted on the public register (Code, s. 23(2)).
- If the outcome came from a complaint, you may be able to seek an HPARB review within 30 days.
What Each Outcome Is
- Caution: the ICRC requires you to appear before a panel to be cautioned (Code, s. 26(1), para. 3).
- SCERP: a specified continuing education or remediation program. The panel cannot refer you to the Quality Assurance Committee but may require a SCERP (s. 26(3)).
- Undertaking: a voluntary agreement, often to restrict, monitor or improve your practice, used to resolve a matter. RCDSO, for example, lists undertakings and voluntary remedial agreements among its committee outcomes.
- Advice or recommendations: the panel may take other action not inconsistent with the legislation (s. 26(1), para. 4).
What Goes on Your Record
The Code requires the public register to include a notation of every caution received from an ICRC panel and every SCERP required, as well as a notation and synopsis of acknowledgements and undertakings before the ICRC or Discipline Committee (Code, s. 23(2), paras. 7 and 11). College by-laws can add further items. When an undertaking is proposed, ask exactly what will be posted and for how long before you agree.
Challenging the Outcome
If the decision came from a complaint, either you or the complainant may ask the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board for a review within 30 days after receiving the notice of the right to request a review (Code, s. 29(2)–(3)). Weigh the review carefully, since the complainant can also seek one and the Board can send the matter back.
Outside the Health Professions
Other regulators use similar tools. The OCT and ECE Investigation and Complaints Committees can caution or admonish, or require remedial training or a SCERP (OCT Act, s. 26(5); ECE Act, s. 31(5)). Licensing registrars can issue written warnings and require courses (e.g. TRESA, s. 20). RECO says written warnings remain on file permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a caution a disciplinary finding?
No. Only a discipline panel can find professional misconduct after a hearing. A caution is an investigation-stage outcome.
Do I have to agree to an undertaking?
No. It is voluntary, but declining may lead the committee to choose a different outcome, including a referral. Get advice on the terms.
Sources
Statutory references are to the provisions listed below, as consolidated on e-Laws when this page was prepared.
- Health Professions Procedural Code, ss. 23, 26, 29 — Checked November 10, 2026.
- Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996, s. 26 — Checked November 10, 2026.
- Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007, s. 31 — Checked November 10, 2026.
- Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002, s. 20 — Checked November 10, 2026.