The Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT) has suspended the practice permit of Christopher Thiessen, effective September 1, 2019 for a period of 9 to 18 months, based on a Hearing Tribunal written decision dated August 8, 2019. Mr. Thiessen was found guilty by the Hearing Tribunal of unprofessional conduct for boundary violations.
This case is unique and challenging because it bridges the old and new legislation around boundary violations.
Based on recent case law noted by the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta, which included legal review of section 27 of An Act to Protect Patients, it was determined that the legislation in place before the Act came into effect must be applied for cases that occurred before April 1, 2019.