Which Tribunals Participate
Each participating tribunal is its college’s Discipline Committee under the Health Professions Procedural Code, but they share rules, practice directions and resources through the Health Professions Discipline Tribunals (hpdt.ca). The colleges’ own websites describe their participation:
- Ontario Physicians and Surgeons Discipline Tribunal (CPSO)
- Ontario Registered Psychotherapists Discipline Tribunal (CRPO), participating since April 3, 2023
- Ontario Massage Therapists Discipline Tribunal (CMTO), using the shared Rules of Procedure since April 14, 2025
- Ontario Occupational Therapists Discipline Tribunal (COTO)
- Ontario Physiotherapists Discipline Tribunal (College of Physiotherapists), participating on a trial basis since January 1, 2026
How Hearings Work
Hearings decide whether professional misconduct or incompetence is proven (Code, ss. 51–52) and, if so, the penalty, which can include revocation, suspension, conditions, a reprimand and a fine of up to $35,000 (s. 51(2)). Participating colleges such as the College of Physiotherapists describe hearings as held virtually and open to the public, with the option of publication bans in sensitive cases.
Appeals
A party may appeal a discipline decision to the Divisional Court on questions of law, fact or both (Code, s. 70). Orders based on incompetence, incapacity or certain sexual abuse findings take effect immediately despite an appeal (ss. 71, 71.1).
Checklist: Preparing for an HPDT Hearing
Documents to gather
- The notice of hearing and specified allegations
- Disclosure from the college
- Expert and character evidence
Details to check
- Which tribunal’s rules and practice directions apply
- Case management and hearing dates
- Whether a publication ban is needed
Rules and resources
- Health Professions Procedural Code, ss. 51–52, 70–71
- HPDT Rules of Procedure and Practice Directions (hpdt.ca)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HPDT independent of my college?
Each tribunal is the college’s Discipline Committee under the Code, so the prosecutor and the panel are separate roles. The colleges describe the tribunals as neutral and independent.
Where do I find the rules?
On the HPDT website (hpdt.ca), which several colleges link to for rules, practice directions and guides.
Sources
Statutory references are to the provisions listed below, as consolidated on e-Laws when this page was prepared.
- Health Professions Procedural Code, ss. 51–52, 70–71 — Checked on e-Laws November 10, 2026.
- CPSO, “CPSO Committees” — Checked November 10, 2026.
- CRPO, “Discipline” — Checked November 10, 2026.
- CMTO, “Discipline” — Checked November 10, 2026.
- COTO, “Discipline” — Checked November 10, 2026.
- College of Physiotherapists, “Discipline Hearings and Decisions” — Checked November 10, 2026.