Alberta · College of Chiropractors of Alberta
Remediation and reflection for Alberta chiropractors
In Alberta, much of the remediation that resolves a complaint happens by agreement — a resolution with consent early on, or an agreement and undertaking that the College publishes — and in every route, whether you are offered it turns on one thing: whether you can show real insight into what went wrong.
What remediation looks like at CCOA
Remediation at the College can take the form of a resolution with consent, where you agree to change your practice; an agreement and undertaking; conditions on your practice permit; or a remedial course of study. It is frequently an alternative to a contested hearing, and it is meant to address a concern and reduce the chance of it recurring, not to punish.
Where remediation fits in the process
The Complaints Director can resolve a matter with consent early on, and the parties can reach an agreement and undertaking that closes a matter without a hearing. The Hearing Tribunal can also order remedial measures as part of a sanction. Either way, resolution agreements and undertakings are published on the CCOA record, so remediation is a documented, visible process — treat it as seriously as any other outcome.
What insight means to the College
Insight is the difference-maker, and it is easy to get wrong. The College is not looking for an apology alone. It is looking for you to name the specific failing, explain its impact on the patient, and show precisely how your practice has changed. Minimising the concern, or blaming the patient or the circumstances, reads as an absence of insight and makes matters worse.
Building a remediation plan
A strong plan is specific and evidenced. Choose targeted CPD that addresses the actual concern — ethics, boundaries, consent, record-keeping, or communication — rather than generic hours. Add supervision or mentorship where it helps, make concrete changes to the systems that failed, give the plan a timeline, and gather evidence as you go.
Reflective writing that stands up
Reflective writing is where insight becomes visible. Tie it directly to the concern raised, be honest about what you would do differently, and keep it forward-looking. A reflection that quietly re-argues your innocence undoes itself; one that shows a real change of practice does genuine work.
Evidencing change and preventing recurrence
Evidence beats assertion. Dated certificates, supervision logs, audits of your own charts, and revised consent or record-keeping processes all show that a change is real and sustained. The aim is to demonstrate, not merely state, that the concern will not happen again.
Undertakings, compliance, and what comes after
An agreement and undertaking is binding, and the College publishes it, so take advice before you sign — your protective association’s counsel can review it. The College monitors compliance, and breaching an undertaking is treated seriously. Done well, remediation is not just a way through a complaint; it is how you rebuild the trust of patients, the public, and the College.
Key takeaways
- Much Alberta remediation happens by agreement — a resolution with consent, or an agreement and undertaking the College publishes.
- Whether you are offered it turns on genuine insight: what went wrong, its effect on the patient, and what you have changed.
- A credible plan pairs targeted CPD with supervision and concrete systems changes.
- Evidence beats intentions — dated certificates, supervision logs, and chart audits.
- Resolution agreements and undertakings are published on the CCOA record, so treat remediation as a documented process.
- An undertaking is binding — take advice before you sign one; your protective association’s counsel can review it.
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Frequently asked questions
Does agreeing to remediation mean admitting unprofessional conduct?
Not necessarily. A resolution with consent or an agreement and undertaking can resolve a matter without a formal finding. Take advice on what it means for your record before agreeing.
Will a remediation agreement be public?
Yes. The CCOA publishes resolution agreements and undertakings, and most remain on the College’s website for ten years.
What evidence of insight does the College want?
A specific acknowledgement of the failing and its impact on the patient, paired with documented changes to how you practise. Vague regret is not enough.
What CPD helps in a remediation plan?
CPD targeted at the actual concern — such as ethics, boundaries, consent, record-keeping, or communication — rather than generic hours unrelated to what went wrong.
Should I sign an agreement and undertaking the College offers?
Only after taking advice. It is binding and it is published; your protective association’s counsel can review it before you commit.
Can remediation avoid a hearing?
Often, yes. A credible remediation response supports resolving a matter before it reaches the Hearing Tribunal.
This guide explains how the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA) handles remediation about chiropractors under the Health Professions Act. It is general information, not legal advice. For advice on your own situation, contact your professional liability protection provider — for most Alberta chiropractors, the Canadian Chiropractic Protective Association (CCPA) — or a lawyer experienced in health-profession regulation in Alberta. Last updated July 15, 2026.