Investigations
& Resolutions
The public trusts the College to address concerns about
a veterinarian’s practice or conduct. The College oversees
the professional conduct of Ontario’s veterinarians as it
receives, investigates, and acts upon matters brought
to its attention. The College responds to concerns and
investigates complaints from members of the public about
veterinarians licensed to practice veterinary medicine.
Conduct issues are screened by two Committees (Executive
and Complaints) depending on the concern and the
breadth of the investigation necessary. A panel of peers,
inclusive of a public representative, review and examine the
details of each case. The College also offers a voluntary and
confidential mediation program to resolve certain types of
complaints.
Cases that are referred to the Discipline Committee for a
hearing are open to the public. Findings from discipline
proceedings are available on the College’s website at
www.cvo.org and on the Public Register.
Matters dealt with by the Complaints Committee
2015
2014
2013
Complaints
180
159
152
Veterinarians involved
236
208
208
No Concerns
150
106
125
Concerns - written advice
55
55
50
Concerns - verbal advice
3
2
2
Concerns - undertaking
6
9
5
Referred to Discipline Committee
5
2
5
Frivolous and vexatious
3
1
13
Cases Withdrawn
2
4
10
Cases remaining under consideration
12
29
8
Referred to Registrar
0
1
-
2015
2014
2013
New appeals (ongoing)
25
12
16
Withdrawn prior to HPARB review
2
4
6
Appealed cases confirmed (won)
7
4
8
Appealed cases returned (lost)
0
0
1
Appealed cases dismissed by HPARB
(frivolous and vexatious)
1
1
1
Complaints Decisions
Appeals
Mediated Resolutions Program
The College offers a voluntary and confidential program to resolve certain complaints. The Mediated
Resolutions Program (MRP) provides an alternative means of resolving disputes through negotiation.
The goal of the MRP is to resolve complaints in a manner that protects public interest while giving all
parties the opportunity to participate in seeking a positive and constructive resolution. This approach
focuses on quality improvement and education, not punishment. An independent facilitator works
with both parties involved to reach a mutually agreeable settlement.
In 2015, 11 cases went through the MRP program, with three cases ending in a mediated resolution.
College of Veterinarians of Ontario
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