Complaints

When you make a complaint about a naturopathic doctor, the Registrar will acknowledge receipt of your complaint, and review it to determine if:

• the complaint concerns a registrant of the College (that is, a naturopathic doctor licensed to practice in British Columbia)
• the College has jurisdiction to resolve the complaint,
• the complaint poses immediate public safety concerns,
• the allegations in the complaint, if proven, would constitute violations of the Health Professions Act, Naturopathic Physicians Regulation, and/or the College’s Bylaws or Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.

If the College has jurisdiction to deal with the complaint, the complaint discloses allegations that, if proven, would constitute professional misconduct, and the complaint is not trivial or vexatious, the Registrar will refer the matter to the Inquiry Committee for review and investigation.

The Inquiry Committee may dispose of a complaint by a variety of means, including:

1. taking no further action, if there is insufficient evidence of violation of the Health Professions Act, Naturopathic Physicians Regulation, and/or the College’s Bylaws or Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics upon concluding its investigation of the matter;
2. resolution by consent order, if the naturopathic doctor is willing to admit to their misconduct and undertake the corrective action proposed by the Inquiry Committee; and
3. directing the Registrar to issue a citation requiring the naturopathic doctor to participate in a disciplinary hearing.

The Inquiry Committee does not have the jurisdiction to order a monetary award – that is, it cannot order a naturopathic doctor to issue a refund of fees or monies to compensate you for an injury.

Please be aware that by making a complaint, you give the College permission to disclose your complaint and related documents to the naturopathic doctor named in the complaint.

Complaints must be made to the College in writing. They may be sent by email to Complaints@cnpbc.bc.ca or by mail to the attention of the Registrar at the following address:

College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC

Suite 840, 605 Robson Street

Vancouver, BC V6B 5J3

Please provide the following details in your complaint:

1. Your name and contact information;
2. The name of the naturopathic doctor about whom you wish to complain;
3. Details of the incident(s) that your complaint is about;
4. When the incident(s) occurred;
5. Where the incident(s) occurred;
6. Names and contact information of any witnesses you are aware of; and
7. Any other information or documents you would like to provide to the College.

While the College and Inquiry Committee strive to complete investigations in a timely manner, it can take some time before a decision is made. College staff will correspond with you to provide updates and answer questions that may arise. Your patience is appreciated.