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The Public Register provides information about all registered physiotherapists in Ontario.
We are happy to confirm the person you are looking for is a registered physiotherapist or help you find what you need.
Contact the Registration Team:
registration@collegept.org
1-800-583-5885 ext. 222.
paragraph 1 (failing to maintain the standards of practice of the profession);
paragraph 10 (sexual abuse of a patient);
paragraph 17 (failing to cooperate with an investigator from the College and to provide the investigator with access to, or copies of a record, document or thing that may be reasonably required for the purpose of the investigation); and
paragraph 18 (engaging in conduct or performing an act relevant to the practice of the profession that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional)
I acknowledge that allegations about my conduct as they relate to sexual misconduct directed towards Patient A have been raised before the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario ( the "College"). The ICRC referred these allegations to the Discipline Committee on January 19, 2021, in College Case Number 2020-0134. The hearing is pending.
I acknowledge that on March 4, 2021, I was advised that Patient B filed a complaint about my conduct as it relates to consent, communication and sexual abuse of a patient. This matter is before the ICRC.
This acknowledgement and undertaking does not constitute an admission of any professional misconduct, including sexual abuse.
I acknowledge and agree that, in exchange for my providing to the College an original copy of this Undertaking executed by me, the College agrees not to proceed with the current investigation into my conduct.
I acknowledge and agree that, in exchange for my providing to the College an original copy of this Undertaking, the College will ask a panel of the Discipline Committee to adjourn the hearing in College file number 2020-0134 sine die. I undertake to resign my membership and certificate of registration with the College effective May 4, 2021.
I hereby undertake never to apply or re-apply for membership, registration, licensure or similar status with the College as a physiotherapist or for a license to practice physiotherapy in Ontario.
I acknowledge that if l ever apply or re-apply, or attempt to apply or re-apply for membership, registration, licensure or similar status with the College in the future, the College will be entitled to rely upon this undertaking in any registration or other similar proceeding as reason to deny my application.
I acknowledge that if l ever apply or re-apply for membership, registration, licensure or similar status as a physiotherapist for a license to practice physiotherapy in Ontario after May 4, 2021, the College shall, in its sole discretion, have the right to proceed with a disciplinary proceeding on the basis of a breach of this undertaking and, if I am successful in being registered, the College shall also be entitled to proceed with the discipline hearing in case number 2020- 0134 and the investigation of my practice based on the complaint made against me.
I acknowledge that after I resign my membership with the College, I will not be entitled to use the title "physiotherapist", "physical therapist" or any abbreviation thereof or equivalent in another language. I will not be entitled to hold myself out as a person who is qualified to practice in Ontario as a physiotherapist/physical therapist and I will not be entitled to imply that I am a physiotherapist/physical therapist in Ontario.
I acknowledge that after I resign my membership with the College I will not be entitled to practice as a Physiotherapist Assistant (PTA) or in a similar role supporting the care provided by a registered physiotherapist.
I acknowledge that the College is required to include the fact of my resignation and the fact of this Undertaking on the College register and that it will also be published on the College's website. This publication is indefinite.
In the event of a breach of this undertaking and the College proceeding with discipline hearing 2020-0134 and the current investigation( s ), I hereby agree to bear the risk of any prejudice that the passage of time might cause to my ability to make full answer and defence, and waive the right to seek any remedy on the basis of the passage of time, should the College proceed with the investigation and any allegations that may arise as a result of any future breach of this Undertaking by me.
I undertake to pay $3,000 to the College to be applied to the College's fund for therapy and counseling by June 30, 2022, which sum may be paid in instalments.
I acknowledge that I have been advised of my right to obtain legal advice prior to entering into this Undertaking and have either availed myself of that right or chosen not to avail myself of that right.
The following is a summary of a matter placed before a five-member panel of the Discipline Committee of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario on Monday September 17th, 2007.
It was alleged that the registrant committed an act of professional misconduct in respect of two patients and in respect of his conduct regarding an online dating service. Details of the allegations can be found below.
The panel considered and accepted an Agreed Statement of Facts filed by the College and Mr. Mathews, and found the registrant guilty of professional misconduct.
Darren (Darrin) Mathews, a duly registered physiotherapist in the province of Ontario, at all material times worked at Moore Muscle Therapy & Rehabilitation (MMTR) in Guelph, Ontario.
On or about April 18, 2006, patient "A" was assessed by the registrant and subsequently treated by him on April 19, 2006 for back pain. During the course of providing treatment to patient "A", the registrant made inappropriate comments to her. These comments included calling her a beautiful girl and telling her she had nice eyes and hair. The registrant also asked patient "A" about her boyfriends.
During the treatment on or about April 19, 2006, the registrant gave a note to patient "A" inviting her to return to the clinic after hours. When patient "A" returned to the clinic on that same day, the registrant kissed her and touched her arms and upper chest. Following this meeting, the registrant and patient "A" went out for coffee and the registrant told patient "A" about his personal problems and kissed her.
From on or about April 25, 2006 to on or about June 1, 2006, the registrant treated patient "B". In or about May 2006, the registrant engaged in an inappropriate relationship with patient B as evidenced by e-mail correspondence between them.
The registrant went out for coffee on more than one occasion with patient "B" during which times they both discussed their personal problems. The registrant kissed patient "B".
In or about May 2006, the registrant accessed an online dating service using a computer at MMTR. Women he met online often came to the clinic to meet him at the end of his work day.
The Discipline Panel found that the conduct alleged in the agreed statement of facts and joint submission on finding constitutes professional misconduct as defined in paragraphs 25 (disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional conduct) of section 1 of Regulation 861/93, as amended under the Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in respect of two patients and with respect to the registrant's use of an online dating service using his employer's computer.
The panel made the following order regarding penalty:
Mr. Mathews will appear before the Discipline panel to be reprimanded.
Mr. Mathews' certificate of registration will be suspended for four months, on a date set by the Registrar.
There will be a term, condition and limitation imposed on Mr. Mathews' certificate of registration requiring him to provide to the Registrar a report from a registered psychologist or a psychiatrist approved by the Registrar stating that he or she supports Mr. Mathews continuing to practice physiotherapy; the report to be submitted within 60 days of the date of the Discipline panel's order.
There will be a term, condition and limitation imposed on Mr. Mathews' certificate of registration requiring him to attend at least once every three months, at his expense, a registered psychologist or a psychiatrist approved by the Registrar for counseling on professional boundaries for a period of two years from the date of the Discipline panel's order. In addition, Mr. Mathews will be required to arrange for a report, acceptable to the Registrar, to be sent directly from the psychologist or psychiatrist to the Registrar at least once every three months over the two year period, in which the psychologist or psychiatrist states that he or she continues to support Mr. Mathews practicing physiotherapy.
There will be a term, condition and limitation imposed on Mr. Mathews' certificate of registration requiring him to successfully complete, at his expense, a course in boundaries acceptable to the Registrar to be completed within six months of the date of the Discipline panel's order.
Mr. Mathews will pay to the College $2,500 to be paid in 11 equal monthly installments, to be paid within 12 months of the date of the Discipline panel's order.
In addition, Mr. Mathews undertook to the College to pay for therapy or counseling for the 2 patients in this matter.
The panel concluded that the above penalty is reasonable and serves to protect the public interest.
The order meets the objective of general deterrence in that its severity ensures that there is a message to the profession that this conduct is unacceptable. It meets the objective of specific deterrence to the registrant by imposing significant professional and financial obligations. The order is intended to remediate and rehabilitate the registrant as it requires him to attend regular therapy with a psychologist or psychiatrist for a period of two years and to attend a boundaries course.
The order protects the public by encouraging the registrant's rehabilitation, and by requiring regular communication from Mr. Mathews' treating mental health professional for a period of two years indicating that he or she continues to support Mr. Mathews practicing physiotherapy.
Mr. Mathews has cooperated fully with the College and has accepted responsibility for his actions. This is his first time before the Discipline Committee, he has expressed remorse and he self-referred to therapy. Mr. Mathews has been successfully working in another setting for 18 months prior to the hearing with no performance issues or misconduct.
| START DATE | END DATE | PRACTICE LOCATION | WORKS WITH A PHYSIOTHERAPIST ASSISTANT | ACCESSIBLE SPACE | AREA OF PRACTICE | CATEGORY OF PATIENTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/4/2010 | 5/4/2021 | Joint Reaction Physiotherapy and Massage 665-5 Earl Armstrong Rd Ottawa, Ontario K1V 2G2 +1 (613) 425-8699 |
Yes | Yes | Orthopedics | All Ages |
