Key Takeaways
- Health professions: reprimand plus revocation for listed conduct; suspension for other sexual abuse (Code, s. 51(5)).
- Teachers: reprimand, interim suspension and revocation for sexual abuse of a student, child pornography or prescribed sexual acts (OCT Act, s. 30.2).
- ECEs: the same for sexual abuse of a child and related acts (ECE Act, s. 33.2).
- ADR and complaint resolution are excluded for these allegations.
Health Professions
If a panel finds sexual abuse of a patient, it must reprimand the member, and must revoke the certificate if the abuse included conduct listed in s. 51(5), such as sexual intercourse or touching of a sexual nature of specified body parts; otherwise it must suspend (Code, s. 51(5)). Orders based on certain sexual abuse findings take effect immediately despite appeal (s. 71.1).
Teachers and ECEs
For sexual abuse of a student, a prohibited act involving child pornography, or a prescribed sexual act, the OCT Discipline Committee must reprimand, make an interim suspension and revoke (OCT Act, s. 30.2). The ECE Act mirrors this for sexual abuse of a child (s. 33.2).
Process Consequences
These allegations are excluded from ADR in the health professions (Code, s. 25.1) and from complaint resolution for ECEs (ECE Act, ss. 31.1, 33.1), and often lead to interim orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any discretion?
Not over revocation where the listed conduct is proven. The defence focuses on whether the conduct is proven.
Can a member apply for reinstatement later?
Reinstatement rules vary and are restricted for these findings. Get specific advice.
Sources
Statutory references are to the provisions listed below, as consolidated on e-Laws when this page was prepared.
- Health Professions Procedural Code (RHPA, Sched. 2), ss. 25.1, 51, 71.1 — Checked November 10, 2026.
- Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996, s. 30.2 — Checked November 10, 2026.
- Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007, ss. 31.1, 33.1, 33.2 — Checked November 10, 2026.