This work is our calling. We’re continuously striving to know, be, and succeed more.
We cut to the chase and get things done. Our advice is straightforward, realistic and pragmatic.
This work is not for the faint of heart. We’re confident, unapologetically tough and bold.
With so much at stake, our clients depend on us to know both our business and theirs inside and out—and, we do.
We’re experts in health and administrative law, and focus exclusively on serving health professionals, health organizations, and national and provincial health professional associations find solutions to their legal problems. In short, we not only understand the legal framework that regulates the health sector, but are also familiar with the day-to-day realities that you face.
Our health lawyers are highly skilled advocates who have successfully appeared before various administrative tribunals, such as College discipline committees, boards of public hospitals, the Consent and Capacity Board (CCB), and the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB). Our founder Valerie Wise has been defending health professionals for over 25 years.
Our clients know they are in good hands. As a small, boutique firm, we focus on building individualized relationships with our clients. We take immense pride in this client-focused approach and in the strong connections we build with each person and organization we assist.
We advocate to protect the reputations of healthcare organizations and professionals.
Earlier this year, Wise Health Law succeeded on a motion for summary judgment in a dental malpractice case on the basis that the limitation period had expired before the Statement of Claim was issued. The (unreported) decision was delivered orally on the day of the motion.
In part, the plaintiff argued that she did not discover her claim until the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (the “RCDSO” or “College”) rendered its decision, as she did not know if the defendant was negligent when she complained to the RCDSO, but merely had a “suspicion”.
In the midst of COVID-19, the proceedings of many health colleges, and consequently of the health professionals they regulate, have been in limbo while everyone finds a way forward.
On March 25, 2020, the Ontario government enacted the Hearings in Tribunal Proceedings (Temporary Measures) Act, 2020 (the “Act”) to help the process along.
The Act empowers statutory tribunals with more discretion over how proceedings before them are held.
Effective 11:59 p.m. on March 24, 2020, the Ontario government ordered the closure of “non-essential” workplaces. The list of “essential” workplaces included “health care professionals providing emergency care including dentists, optometrists and physiotherapists”.
The College of Chiropractors of Ontario (“CCO”) interprets this list as including chiropractors, and we agree.
So the question becomes – what is “emergency care”?
