The CRTO holds hearings in cases where the concerns about a Respiratory Therapist’s behaviour or practice are serious enough to warrant a court proceeding, and where enough evidence exists to support the allegations. On average the CRTO holds about one (1) discipline hearing per year.

A discipline hearing is one of the most formal processes that the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO) undertakes.  A discipline hearing is like a trial. The CRTO acts as a prosecutor; the Respiratory Therapist is usually represented by his/her own lawyer. The person who submitted the complaint 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 address concerns about the facility (e.g., hospital or clinic) or other healthcare professionals (e.g., physicians, nurses).

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. 

Notices of hearings will be posted at least one (1) month in advance and will include a link to the allegations posted on the Public Register.