Complaints about sexual abuse or misconduct
Regulated members must always maintain professional boundaries with their patients and are prohibited from engaging in a personal or sexual relationship with a patient. Such conduct could constitute sexual abuse or sexual misconduct as defined in the Health Professions Act. Review our standards of practice on Boundary Violations: Sexual and Boundary Violations: Personal for more information.
If you feel a regulated member has violated boundaries and put patient safety at risk, please submit a complaint so we can investigate.
The Patient Relations Program
CPSA’s Patient Relations Program provides support to patients who have been impacted by sexual abuse or sexual misconduct by a regulated member. Patients who qualify for the Patient Relations Program are offered access to funding for counselling services related to their complaint.
If you have submitted a complaint and qualify for funding, you will receive a letter outlining how to access the available services.
What to expect if you submit a complaint about sexual abuse or sexual misconduct
- CPSA’s Complaints Director will review your complaint. The physician will also be given a copy and provided an opportunity to respond, but they will be advised not to contact you.
- If you are eligible for the Patient Relations Program, you will receive an authorization form to sign so we can provide your details to our third-party provider, Homewood Health Inc. Once we have your signed form, you will receive a letter with details on available funding and how to access support.
- A CPSA investigator will request to meet with you as part of their investigation into your complaint. You will have the opportunity to tell the investigator your story, if you are comfortable doing so.
- The investigator will prepare a report with their findings for the Complaints Director, who will then determine next steps:
- If the evidence supports the allegation of abuse or unprofessional conduct, your complaint will be referred to CPSA’s Hearings Director for a formal hearing.
- If the evidence is unable to support a finding of unprofessional conduct, the complaint will be dismissed. You will receive a letter from the Complaints Director, detailing the decision to dismiss and how to appeal should you disagree with the decision.
- If your complaint goes to a hearing:
- You will have the opportunity to meet with CPSA legal counsel.
- Hearings are open to the public, however you may request to give testimony privately in a closed session. The decision to close a session is made by the hearing tribunal.
- You will be given the opportunity to provide a victim impact statement.
- You will be informed of the tribunal’s decision and the tribunal’s written decision will be published on CPSA’s website.
- If your complaint is dismissed or the physician is found not guilty, funding under the Patient Relations Program will end, either as of the date the complaint is dismissed or the date on the hearing tribunal’s written decision (whichever is applicable).
You may also be interested in
FAQs about funding for therapy and counselling
All FAQsAre there any restrictions on how I use the funding?
Yes. The funding can only be used to pay for therapy or counselling by a licensed therapist or counsellor, related to matters arising from sexual abuse or sexual misconduct by an Alberta physician.
Find out more about complaints related to sexual abuse or sexual misconduct.
Can I choose my own therapist or counsellor?
Yes. If you have a preferred therapist or counsellor, Homewood Health Inc. will provide you with a form to give to your therapist or counsellor. This form will make sure they get paid for their services.
How do I contact Homewood Health Inc.?
- Homewood Health Inc.
Toll-free at 1-866-826-4440
Hours: Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (MT) - When calling, you will need the written confirmation we sent you, including your file number.
How much funding is available?
You are eligible to receive a maximum amount of $23,900. CPSA will determine the exact amount awarded for your situation.
Find out more about complaints related to sexual abuse or sexual misconduct.
How will I know how much of my funding is remaining under the Patient Relations Program?
- On June 30 of each year, CPSA will update you on your remaining funds and time period remaining.
- You may also request this information from Homewood Health Inc. at any time.
Find out more about complaints related to sexual abuse or sexual misconduct.
Is there a time limit on using Patient Relations Program funding?
Yes. funding ends when one of the following occurs (whichever comes first):
-
- A maximum of $23,900 is reached.
- The complaint is withdrawn.
- Five years have passed since the date the funding was approved.
- The complaint is dismissed under section 66(3)(b) of the Health Professions Act.
- A hearing tribunal determines there was no unprofessional conduct.
Find out more about complaints related to sexual abuse or sexual misconduct.
What happens if my complaint is dismissed or the hearing tribunal finds my physician not guilty?
If your complaint is dismissed, or it progresses to a hearing but there is no finding of unprofessional conduct, funding under the Patient Relations Program will end either as of the date the complaint is dismissed, or the date on the Hearing Tribunal’s written decision (whichever is applicable).
Find out more about complaints related to sexual abuse or sexual misconduct.
What should I know about Patient Relations Program funding?
- If you submit a complaint to CPSA and qualify for funding under the Patient Relations Program, you will receive a letter outlining how to access the available services.
- You and your therapist or counsellor must keep all information obtained in setting up the funding confidential.
- Being eligible for funding does not automatically mean the physician is guilty of unprofessional misconduct.
Find out more about complaints related to sexual abuse or sexual misconduct.
While in the Patient Relations Program, can I use more than one therapist or counsellor?
Yes, you can use up to the maximum dollar amount awarded by CPSA within the five-year time frame. Homewood Health Inc. will process the invoices.
Find out more about complaints related to sexual abuse or sexual misconduct.
Who can I contact for more information about the Patient Relations Program and funding?
If you have submitted a complaint and been approved for funding, contact our third-party service provider, Homewood Health Inc.
Toll-free at 1-866-826-4440.
Hours: Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (MT)
Find out more about complaints related to sexual abuse or sexual misconduct.
Will I need to undergo a psychological assessment to support the need for therapy?
No.
Will my physician find out if I'm getting funding for counselling and therapy?
If your physician is found guilty of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct by a CPSA Hearing Tribunal, we may seek to recover the costs of your therapy from them. In this case, they will become aware that you have accessed the Patient Relations Program.
Contact us
Please reach out to us if you have questions or need support.
Phone: 780-423-4764
Toll-free in Canada: 1-800-561-3899