Referral to the Professional Practice Advocate
A complaint file will be referred the Professional Practice Advocate if the Member admits to the allegations, and a Conduct Sanction is deemed appropriate, or the member does not consent to a Practice Sanction, or the Member’s actions may be deserving of a Conduct Sanction.

Role of the Professional Practice Advocate
The Professional Practice Advocate is a volunteer. The Advocate is appointed to consider complaint investigation reports referred to him or her, and to take action on that report.

The Professional Practice Advocate may make three determinations regarding the evidence presented in the Investigator’s Report:

• conduct deserving of a Conduct Sanction
• conduct deserving of a Practice Sanction
• or the complaint should be dismissed.

If a Conduct Sanction is deemed to be appropriate, the Professional Practice Advocate will requisition a Hearing before the Adjudicating Committee.

If a Practice Sanction is deemed to be appropriate, the Professional Practice Advocate will impose a Practice Sanction on consent. If the member subject to the complaint declines to consent to the Practice Sanction, the Professional Practice Advocate will requisition a Hearing before the Adjudicating Committee.

At a Hearing, the Professional Practice Advocate will:

• lead evidence
• cross examine witnesses
• make oral and written submissions
• negotiate a settlement
• retain legal counsel where appropriate.

Last updated January 30, 2009