College of Health and Care Professionals of BC

General Counsel

• Advise and respond to requests for legal advice and opinions relating to intake and triage regarding jurisdiction, sufficiency of complaints/reports, acceptance of anonymous complaints/reports, concurrent proceedings, combining and separating matters, adjournments and delays
• Represent and advise the College in extraordinary action hearings under s. 35 of the HPA before a Panel
• Advise and respond to requests for legal advice and opinions relating to issues that arise in processing and investigating complaints and statutory reports
• Assist College staff with legal interpretation of Bylaws, Standards and Code of Ethics related to IDM matters and provide feedback on any proposed amendments to same
• Attend, as needed, Inquiry Committee Panel meetings to serve as “Staff Lead” or provide legal advice and support regarding legislative, bylaw, standards and codes of ethics identification and interpretation, legal precedents and procedural fairness
• Act as, assist or provide instructions to College counsel on matters forwarded to the Director of Discipline (HPOA)
• Assist in reviewing and drafting undertakings, reprimands, citations, orders, consent agreements, and public notices
• Represent and advise the College in matters before the Health Professions Review Board and the Supreme Court related to panel decisions
• Assist in creating new policies, processes and procedures under HPOA
• Advise on matters concerning the unauthorized use of protected titles and the unauthorized practice of restricted activities and identify those requiring legal action
• Promote teamwork and sharing appropriate information with staff in a timely manner
• Perform such other duties, functions, and responsibilities as assigned by the Director, IDM, Chief Regulatory Officer or Registrar (or the Registrar’s delegate)
• Identify and implement systemic changes needed to fulfil the College’s commitment to cultural safety and humility as well as social justice initiatives

Legal Counsel, Investigations, Discipline, Monitoring