Chiropractic is a self-regulating profession. The Chiropractors’ Association of Saskatchewan (CAS) has statutory authority to establish standards of practice relating to, among other subjects, public safety. There are several committees responsible to the seven-member Board, including legislatively mandated committees for investigation of complaints, and discipline of members for professional misconduct or incompetence.
Two members of the Board are government appointed representatives of the public. One of these members must serve on the Discipline Committee. Although not required by law, the CAS appoints the other public board member to serve on its Investigation Committee. Public protection is further enhanced by the mandatory quality assurance program of the CAS, the Chiropractic Practice Enhancement Program, administered by the Quality Assurance Committee. The Quality Assurance Committee annually reviews a specific number of chiropractic practices to identify and rectify potential areas of concern before they become problems. As a mandatory condition of licensure, the CAS also requires its members to complete a specified number of approved continuing education courses.
Despite the precautions noted above, you may sometimes be dissatisfied with the service, attitude, or conduct of your chiropractor. If this is the case, you should feel that you can discuss the matter with your chiropractor in an open and forthright manner. Advising your chiropractor of your concerns may help to resolve the issue and increase your satisfaction with subsequent care.
However, if the issue cannot be resolved through discussion, or if you feel discussion is not appropriate, you have the right to file a formal complaint. A Complaint Reporting Form is provided for your use.
We know the complaints process can be stressful for both the complainant and the chiropractor. Our process is designed to protect the public, while providing a fair hearing for the chiropractor.
Once the written complaint is received by the Registrar, it is immediately forwarded to the Chair of the Investigation Committee for action. If it is determined that the complaint is well founded, it is then referred to the Discipline Committee to determine if professional misconduct or incompetence has, in fact, occurred. If the chiropractor is found guilty by the Discipline Committee, then the case is referred to the Board to determine an appropriate penalty. Depending on factors such as the severity of the offence, the penalty can range from a reprimand to a revocation of the chiropractor’s license to practice.
The investigation and discipline process of the CAS is not a court of law. In filing a complaint, you are asking the CAS to investigate the care and/or professional behavior provided by a chiropractor. The CAS cannot order a chiropractor to provide a patient with financial compensation. Patients seeking financial compensation should seek legal advice.
A bona fide complaint to the CAS is not actionable. This means that you cannot be sued for what you state in a complaint, as long as it has been directed only to the CAS, and provided that the complaint is not made in bad faith or for an ulterior purpose.
The time to complete an investigation will vary, depending on the complexity of the complaint and the timeliness in which responses are received. Please note that information may be requested from other individuals who have been identified to the Investigation Committee. In some cases, an expert opinion may be sought.
If you need additional information about making a complaint or the complaint process, please contact the CAS Registrar.
phone: 306-585-1411 email: Registrar@saskchiro.ca