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By Tiffany Goodwein
College now investigating

Regulator reviewing licence of accused Vernon physiotherapist

Jun 17, 2019 | 3:21 PM

The College of Physical Therapists of B.C. are examining the allegations against a Vernon physiotherapist charged with four counts of sexual assault.

Stephen Witvoet was arrested June 10 and released on bail. One of his conditions is to not to treat female patients at Thrive Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic on 27th Street.

In a public notice posted to its website, the college said if the court-ordered condition is lifted or altered, it would intervene to protect the public until the investigation is complete or before a disciplinary hearing.

Previous case law under the Health Professions Act has recommended that regulatory bodies impose the “least restrictive action possible” during the allegation stage to reduce the level of risk.

In an interview with Vernon Matters, a spokesperson for the college said regulatory action against a person accused of sexual assault typically occurs at the end of a criminal trial.

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“The inquiry committee does not want to interfere with any criminal investigations or proceedings and will therefore typically wait for the outcome of the criminal matter before conducting any interviews of patients who have made allegations of sexual misconduct,” Joelle Berry, the manager responsible for inquiry and discipline, said.

“Subject to any appeals, if a registrant is found guilty after a criminal trial, the college can rely on that finding because the criminal court has a higher burden of proof than we do,” she added.

Witvoet remains fully registered as a physical therapist.

by Tiffany Goodwein
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