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Changes to HPDT Rules of Procedure and new Fitness to Practise Rules effective September 1, 2026

Changes to Rules of Procedure take effect on September 1, 2026.

The updated Rules are intended to improve clarity, fairness, and efficiency in proceedings. Key changes include:

  • terminology that is regularly used in place of terms in the Code e.g. “registrant” for “member”, “client” for “patient” (Rule 1.3.1 and 1.3.2);
  • a document or communication sent to the registrant’s last email address and postal address is deemed to be effectively delivered (Rule 1.5.6);
  • changes to when agreed statements of facts and statements of uncontested facts become part of the public record (Rules 2.1.2 and 2.1.5);
  • requirement that parties notify the Tribunal of any existing publication restrictions (Rule 2.2.11);
  • updated requirements for exchanging witness statements and documents to be used at the hearing (Rule 12.4);
  • amendments to the hearing format rule (Rule 14.1); and
  • clarification of the rule on no contest pleas (Rule 14.3.4).

The HPDT is also adopting a dedicated set of Fitness to Practise Committee Rules of Procedure for the Fitness to Practise Committees it administers on behalf of participating Colleges, effective September 1, 2026. These rules are based on the existing Discipline Rules but have been adapted to reflect the unique nature of Fitness to Practise proceedings.

The updated Discipline Rules and new Fitness to Practise Committee Rules are available for review here.