If the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee of the CRTO believes that the allegations against a Respiratory Therapist outlined in a facility or employer report are serious enough to warrant a court proceeding, and where there enough evidence exists to support the allegations, they may refer the matter to the Discipline Committee.  The Discipline Committee is responsible for holding hearings.

A discipline hearing is one of the most formal processes that the CRTO undertakes.  A discipline hearing is like a trial. The CRTO acts as a prosecutor; the Respiratory Therapist would be encouraged to be represented by his/her own lawyer. The person who submitted the report could be called to testify, as could other people who were witnesses to the alleged incident. 

The CRTO is primarily concerned with a Respiratory Therapist’s ability to practice safely and conduct him/herself professionally.  A discipline hearing is not a criminal or civil proceeding and the CRTO has no ability to award costs or damages, or to address concerns about the facility (e.g., hospital or clinic) or other healthcare professionals (e.g., physicians, nurses) who may have been involved in the incident.

Unlike many other CRTO processes, a discipline hearing is open to the public and the results of the hearing will be posted on the Public Register.  To see a list of upcoming hearings please see Relevant Links or search the Public Register to find a Respiratory Therapist.