The Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee investigates complaints and reports regarding a dietitian’s professional conduct, competence and capacity to practice. In keeping with the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, it maintains fair and objective processes to investigate and make decisions about complaints within the timeframes allowed by the Act.
Concerns about a dietitian may come from members of the public, from employers, other dietitians or other healthcare professionals in the form of complaints, reports or other information that prompts the College to investigate.
Committee Decisions
Once the investigation is completed, the dietitian receives a copy of the investigation report and has an opportunity to provide a final written response. The ICRC reviews the report and the dietitian’s response, and makes a decision. The ICRC can decide to:
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Take no further action if the dietitian’s conduct or actions meet reasonable and acceptable standards of practice, or if there is not enough information for the ICRC to take further action.
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Issue a written reminder or advice.
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Require the dietitian to appear in person to receive an oral caution.
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Direct the dietitian to complete a specified continuing education and remediation program (SCERP).
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Refer the matter to the Discipline Committee for allegations of professional misconduct or incompetence.
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Refer the matter to the Fitness to Practise Committee or to another ICRC Panel to make inquiries into possible mental or physical health concerns that might interfere with the dietitian’s ability to practise safely.
Public Information
If the ICRC issues an oral caution, directs the dietitian to complete a SCERP, or refers the dietitian to the Discipline Committee, this information will be made available to the public on the
Register of Dietitians, on the College website.
Requests for an Independent Review
- If either the complainant or the dietitian is not satisfied with the investigation or the final decision by the ICRC, they can request a review by the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board, which is an independent agency.
Appealing a Decision
If either the complainant or the dietitian is dissatisfied with the adequacy of the Committee’s investigation of the complaint or believes the decision reached is unreasonable, they can request a review by the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB), an adjudicative tribunal under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. Through reviews, HPARB monitors the activities of the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee to ensure it fulfills its duties in the public interest and as mandated by legislation.