How the Tribunal Process Begins

Notice of Hearing

The Notice of Hearing (NOH), which was sent to you by the College’s lawyers, starts the proceeding. It contains key information to ensure you are fully informed and prepared to participate in the hearing. The NOH:

• sets out the allegations of professional misconduct and/or incompetence that have been referred to the Tribunal;
• identifies the key laws that apply to the hearing;
• explains that if you do not attend a Case Management Conference (CMC) and/or the hearing, the Tribunal may go ahead without you, and you may not receive further notice (official updates about the proceeding and scheduled dates) as it moves forward; and
• outlines the potential outcomes of the proceeding, including the penalties the panel may order if a finding of professional misconduct and/or incompetence is made. (See the Penalty Hearing section later in this guide for more information on what penalties the Tribunal can order.)

It is important to remember that the allegations set out in the NOH are not evidence of professional misconduct. Their purpose is to let you know that these allegations have been made against you.

Initial Contact by the Tribunal

Once the Tribunal accepts the Notice of Hearing (NOH) filed by the College, it will send you an introductory email, or you may have already received it. This correspondence provides an overview of the Tribunal process, outlines the legal framework under which it operates, identifies key procedural timelines, and includes links to helpful resources on the HPDT website.

The introductory email also highlights important deadlines, including the date and time of the first Case Management Conference (CMC). Further details about the CMCs, including their timing and purpose, are provided in the Before the hearing section of this guide.