Sedat Ozdemir: Alleged Sex Offender Not a Registered Physiotherapist Confirms
the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario

TORONTO , Jan. 11 /CNW/ - The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario, the organization entrusted by government and the public to regulate the over 7,000 physiotherapists in the province, was distressed to hear of the alleged abuse of a 15 year old female by an individual claiming to provide physiotherapy services. The College clarifies for the public that Sedat Ozdemir is not a registered physiotherapist in Ontario. Registered physiotherapists must meet standards of competence prior to registration in the province. Further they are expected to meet high levels of quality, safety and ethics in their care delivery. In accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act, all regulated health professions must comply with a zero tolerance standard against sexual abuse of any nature. Registered physiotherapists can be searched on the College website at http://publicregister.collegept.org/PublicServices/Start.aspx.

The term physiotherapy is not protected in the province of Ontario and is often used by unregulated individuals to mislead the public that care is provided by a qualified person. The College is able to take action against any individual who portrays themselves as a physiotherapist when they are not.

The care and well being of patients is foremost in the delivery of health care in Ontario. As a regulator, the College upholds public safety as its principal concern. Should opportunity to partner in further action in this case exist, the College will be an eager participant.

The College urges all recipients of health care in Ontario to ensure they are receiving care from qualified personnel. Checking the College website and asking practitioners about their qualifications will help to ensure good outcomes.

About the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario

First and foremost, the College exists to protect the public interest. Unlike a professional association that acts to promote the interests of its members, the College acts to protect the public interest by regulating and continually improving the practice of physiotherapists. A wide range of initiatives support this objective including:

    
    -   The development of ethical guidelines and standards of practice;
    -   Formal and informal partnerships with physiotherapy educators;
        professional associations, government, the insurance industry, other
        regulatory bodies and consumers;
    -   Ongoing monitoring of research activities and policy issues;
    -   Member education programs to prevent sexual abuse and avoid practices
        that could lead to complaints; and
    -   Activities to improve the quality of physiotherapy care and help
        registrants maintain competence throughout their professional lives.
    

The College receives its regulatory authority from provincial legislation called the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). While the RHPA sets out the common requirements for all health regulatory colleges, each college has a profession-specific act - in the case of the physiotherapy profession, it is the Physiotherapy Act, 1991.

Under the provisions of the Physiotherapy Act, 1991, only those who are registered with the College are permitted to use the title "physiotherapist" or "physical therapist".

The College is governed by a Council composed of 10 elected or appointed members of the profession and seven members of the public who are appointed by the government. The College is accountable to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care to act in the best interests of the public.

For further information: Karin Micheelsen, Director of Communications, Tel: [phone] or 1-800-583-5885, Ext. 234, Email: [email protected], www.collegept.org