March 17, 2026
As an optometrist, pharmacist, dentist, physiotherapist, or one of any of the other regulated health professions under Alberta’s Health Professions Act (HPA), you work under the oversight of a self-regulated College.
These Colleges exist to protect the public by ensuring healthcare is safe, competent, and ethical. Under the HPA, each profession’s regulatory College has the authority to:
- Set and enforce standards of practice and codes of ethics.
- Issue practice permits and determine qualifications for entry into the profession.
- Investigate complaints about unprofessional conduct or incompetence.
- Conduct hearings and impose sanctions where necessary.
As a healthcare professional, if you find yourself the subject of a complaint, investigation, or disciplinary hearing, you may quickly discover that “self-regulation” does not mean “self-explanatory.” There are many rules and deadlines, the formal procedures can feel overwhelming, and it can be a very costly process.
It is likely that at some point in your career as a healthcare professional, you will interface with your College. Carbert Waite’s health lawyers are here to provide support and act as a resource for you as you navigate the complex regulatory processes.
Navigating College Complaints in Alberta
When a complaint is made against you, the College will review it and determine the next steps. Depending on the findings, the College has various options in determining how your complaint will be handled, including resolving it informally, conducting an investigation, or sending it for alternative complaint resolution. From there, the next steps may include sending the matter to a formal disciplinary hearing before a tribunal.
Our health lawyers receive calls from healthcare professionals who have already taken steps in the course of responding to a complaint that limit their options. These include submitting detailed statements without legal advice, missing critical deadlines, or facing a formal hearing that might have been avoided. Early legal intervention can help you navigate the process strategically, preserve your options, and often achieve a better outcome.
Getting legal advice as soon as you know there has been a College complaint against you can help you:
- Understand your rights, obligations, and options.
- Avoid making statements or admissions that could harm your credibility and defence.
- Meet all deadlines and procedural requirements.
- Explore informal resolution before a matter escalates.
We can review the allegations, communicate directly with the College on your behalf, and if necessary, represent you in an investigation or formal tribunal hearing. The key is to be proactive and start developing a strategy aimed at the best possible outcome. Seeking early advice can help avoid problems before they arise or become more complicated.
Reach Out for Timely Legal Advice
If you are a regulated health professional in Alberta, navigating the rules set by your governing College is an ongoing part of practice. Getting advice early can help you meet these obligations confidently and avoid problems before they arise.
Carbert Waite LLP’s Health Law group is one of the largest in Western Canada. Reach out to receive clear, practical advice on navigating your College’s requirements or managing a College complaint.
Author
Melissa Rico
Partner and Co-Chair – Health Law Group
T: 403.705.3308
E: [email protected]