Lonny Rosen Comments on Competitors' Use of College Complaints Processes

In a recent National Post article, physicians expressed outrage that the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario's complaints process is being used - regularly - by physicians specializing in weight loss treatment to challenge competitors' advertising practices. Lonny Rosen also commented that  college’s processes aren’t meant to be used as tools for competition. He noted, however, that Committees may not care if complaint is made for competition purposes, and that the Committee will be primarily concerned with whether the practitioner who is the subject of the complaint has engaged in professional misconduct. This article brings to light the importance of ensuring that all advertising by health care practitioners is in accordance with applicable rules and legislation - the fact that others may be offside the rules does not excuse a breach.