Complaints about sexual abuse or misconduct
Physicians have the medical knowledge you rely on for your care and well-being. They also have access to your personal health information.
Because of this power imbalance, physicians must always maintain professional boundaries with their patients and are prohibited from engaging in any form of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct as defined by law in the Health Professions Act.
Please read our Standard of Practice on Boundary Violations: Sexual to see how sexual abuse & misconduct are defined. If you have questions or feel you experienced sexual abuse or misconduct by your physician, please contact us using the contact information below.
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.
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.
Can I use more than one therapist or counsellor?
Yes, up to the maximum dollar amount awarded by CPSA, or within the five-year time frame. Homewood Health Inc. will process the invoices.
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 $22,500. CPSA will determine the exact amount awarded for your situation.
How will I know how much of my funding is remaining?
- 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.
Is there a time limit on using the funding?
Yes. Funding ends when one of the following occurs (whichever comes first):
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- A maximum of $22,500 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- The complaint is withdrawn.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.
What else should I know about Patient Relations Program funding?
- 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 professional 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).
Who can I contact for more information about the Patient Relations Program and funding?
Contact Homewood Health Inc.
Toll-free at 1-866-826-4440.
Hours: Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (MT)
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
If you have questions or feel you experienced sexual abuse or misconduct by your physician, please contact us.
Phone: 780-423-4764
Toll-free in Canada: 1-800-561-3899