OEQ Occupational Therapist Complaints in Quebec: What Occupational Therapists Should Know
The Ordre des ergothérapeutes du Québec (OEQ) is the regulator for occupational therapists in Quebec under Code des professions, RLRQ c C-26; Code de déontologie des ergothérapeutes, RLRQ c C-26, r 7. Most concerns are reviewed by the Bureau du syndic (Syndic's Office). Serious matters may be referred to the Conseil de discipline for a formal hearing.
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Governing statute
Code des professions, RLRQ c C-26; Code de déontologie des ergothérapeutes, RLRQ c C-26, r 7
First-stage decision-maker
Bureau du syndic (Syndic's Office)
Registrant response window
Under the Code des professions, the Syndic must inform the complainant of the outcome within 90 days (extendable on notice)
Mailing address
2021, avenue Union, bureau 920 Montréal, QC H3A 2S9
514-844-5778
Understanding the OEQ complaints process
Occupational Therapists in Quebec are accountable to the Ordre des ergothérapeutes du Québec (OEQ). When a concern is raised about a occupational therapist, intake staff log it, send the occupational therapist a copy of the materials, and invite a written response. The complaints stream is built around the file the Bureau du syndic (Syndic's Office) reviews — the quality and clarity of your written response is the most important factor at this level.
Most matters resolve at the Bureau du syndic (Syndic's Office) stage through dismissal, advice, a remedial undertaking, or a consent-style resolution. Serious matters that are not resolvable at intake may be referred to the Conseil de discipline for a formal hearing on the record. Hearing decisions are typically posted on the regulator's public register.
Engage your professional liability insurer the day you receive the notice. Do not contact the complainant directly. Preserve all relevant records (clinical notes, billing, schedules, communications). Read the regulator's notice carefully — your deadline, the scope of the allegations, and what is being asked of you are spelled out in it.
What's distinctive about the OEQ complaints process
- Quebec's Code des professions framework is unique in Canada — syndic model rather than complaints committee model
- Any person may file a private plainte directly to the Conseil de discipline
- Syndic must inform the complainant within 90 days
- Conseil de discipline decisions appealable to the Tribunal des professions
- OEQ publishes disciplinary decisions
What triggers complaints against occupational therapists in Quebec
Administrative concerns
- •Practicing without valid OEQ membership
- •Usurpation of the protected title 'ergothérapeute'
- •Failure to meet continuing professional development obligations
- •Non-compliance with OEQ regulations or Code de déontologie
Conduct or practice concerns
- •Incompetent or unsafe occupational therapy intervention
- •Breach of professional secrecy
- •Conflict of interest or sexual misconduct with a client
- •Dishonest conduct, falsification of documents, or fraudulent billing
- •Failure to respect client dignity and rights
How a OEQ complaint typically moves
- 1
Complaint received and acknowledged
The regulator receives the written complaint, assigns a file number, and sends a written acknowledgement to the complainant and the occupational therapist.
- 2
Notice to the occupational therapist
You are sent the complaint and supporting materials, and invited to provide a written response. The regulator's complaints staff is typically your point of contact.
- 3
Investigation
An investigator gathers records, may interview witnesses, and asks targeted questions. You have a duty to cooperate but you are entitled to counsel.
- 4
Written response from the occupational therapist
You submit a written response addressing each allegation with supporting documentation. This is usually the single most important document on the file.
- 5
Review by the Bureau du syndic (Syndic's Office)
The Bureau du syndic (Syndic's Office) reviews the file on the record. It can take no action, issue advice or a caution, accept an undertaking, require remediation, or refer the matter forward.
- 6
Possible referral to the Conseil de discipline
Serious matters or unresolved factual disputes may be referred to the Conseil de discipline for a formal hearing on the merits.
Possible outcomes
No further action or dismissal
The committee determines the complaint is unfounded, outside its jurisdiction, or does not warrant further action. The file is closed and (in most jurisdictions) does not appear on the public register.
Advice, caution, or reminder
A non-disciplinary measure intended to support reflection on practice. Usually recorded on your regulator file; often not posted publicly.
Remedial undertaking or consent agreement
A structured remedial plan, typically including coursework, mentorship, or a period of practice monitoring. Some appear on the public register.
Referral to discipline or formal hearing
A formal hearing-style proceeding before a panel that can issue findings of professional misconduct or incompetence and impose conditions, suspension, or licence revocation.
Suspension or revocation of registration
Reserved for the most serious findings, including sexual abuse, criminal-grade conduct, or repeated practice failures. Always published on the regulator's public register.
Practical tips for occupational therapists in Quebec
- Read the regulator's notice carefully. Your deadline, the scope of the allegations, and the specific information requested are spelled out in it.
- Notify your professional liability insurer the same day you receive the complaint — coverage typically includes legal representation.
- Preserve all relevant records immediately: clinical notes, billing data, schedules, and any text or email communications with the patient or colleagues.
- Do not contact the complainant directly. Communicate only through the regulator 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.
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support@boardwise.onlineOther occupational therapists guides
Alberta
Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT)
British Columbia
College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC)
Manitoba
College of Occupational Therapists of Manitoba (COTM)
New Brunswick
New Brunswick Association of Occupational Therapists (NBAOT)
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador Occupational Therapy Board (NLOTB)
Northwest Territories
Government of Northwest Territories — Department of Health and Social Services (GNWT-HSS)