CPSA Physician Complaints in Alberta: What Physicians Should Know

Understanding the CPSA complaints process

What's distinctive about the CPSA complaints process

• Alberta's Complaints Director model concentrates investigation and resolution authority in one statutory officer.
• Section 55 of the HPA provides an Expedited Alternate Resolution route that avoids a Hearing Tribunal in appropriate cases.
• Section 60 imposes a strong duty to cooperate with the investigation; non-cooperation is itself unprofessional conduct.
• Hearing Tribunal decisions are public and posted on the CPSA register.

What triggers complaints against physicians in Alberta

How a CPSA complaint typically moves

1. 1

   Complaint received and acknowledged

   The College receives the written complaint, assigns a file number, and sends a written acknowledgement to the complainant and the physician.

2. 2

   Notice to the physician

   You are sent the complaint and supporting materials, and invited to provide a written response. The College's investigations or professional conduct staff is typically your point of contact.

3. 3

   Investigation

   An investigator gathers records (chart, billing, hospital file, expert opinions), interviews witnesses, and asks you targeted questions. You have a duty to cooperate but you are entitled to counsel and to decline to admit fault.

4. 4

   Written response from the physician

   You submit a written response addressing each allegation, ideally with supporting documentation and, where appropriate, a peer-reviewed clinical rationale. This is usually the single most important document on the file.

5. 5

   Review by the Complaints Director

   The Complaints Director reviews the investigation file and your response on the record. It can take no action, issue advice or a caution, accept an undertaking, require remediation (SCERP), or refer the matter forward.

6. 6

   Possible referral to the Hearing Tribunal

   Serious matters or unresolved factual disputes may be referred to the Hearing Tribunal for a formal hearing on the merits.

Possible outcomes

Practical tips for physicians in Alberta

• Read the College's notice carefully. Your deadline, the scope of the allegations, and the specific information requested are spelled out in it.
• Notify CMPA (Canadian Medical Protective Association) the same day you receive the complaint; CMPA assistance typically includes legal representation.
• Preserve all relevant records immediately: chart entries, hospital records, billing data, on-call schedules, and any text or email communications with the patient or colleagues.
• Do not contact the complainant directly. Communicate only through the College or through counsel.
• Be calm, factual, and chronological in your written response. The committee reviews the file on the record; the quality of that document drives the outcome.