Complaint about sexual misconduct

If you believe that a BC physician or surgeon may have crossed a line, said something that made you feel awkward or uncomfortable, or otherwise engaged in sexual misconduct, please contact us to speak with a trained navigator.

What happens after I file a complaint?

  1. You will be contacted by a CPSBC investigator.
    • The investigator will ask you to describe what happened in as much detail as possible.
    • The complaint navigator will be available to provide support.
    • This information will be recorded.
  2. We will notify the physician or surgeon involved in your complaint.
    • The physician or surgeon will be required to respond.
    • The physician or surgeon will often be required to attend an interview with the deputy registrar and CPSBC legal counsel.
  3. We will gather information related to your complaint.
    • This includes obtaining a copy of your medical record kept by the physician or surgeon, clinic or hospital.
    • If appropriate, we may also contact other people to learn more about what happened.
  4. You will be given a copy of the physician or surgeon’s response.
    • You can respond to the physician or surgeon's response if you want.  
    • The licensee will be provided with an opportunity to respond to any new information that arises.
  5. Once the investigation is complete, the file is then reviewed by the Investigation Committee to determine an outcome.
  6. You will receive a written explanation of the Investigation Committee’s review and opinion in response to your complaint. The complaint navigator will be available to explain the committee’s decision.

What about privacy and confidentiality?

We understand you have concerns about privacy. While you can contact us anonymously and make general inquiries, we need to act on information quickly once you reveal a physician or surgeon’s identity.

You should be aware that if we proceed with an investigation, we must disclose your name to the physician or surgeon who is being investigated so that they have an opportunity to respond.

Get support during the complaint process

We understand the complaint process can be stressful. CPSBC support programs connect you with support during the complaint process if you have experienced sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, or discrimination by a CPSBC licensee.

Learn more about the support programs

Complaint form

Authorization for representation form

Complaint about care and conduct by a licenseearrow_right_alt
Learn more about the general complaint process
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What patients can expect when reporting sexual misconduct by a CPSBC licensee