Disciplinary Decisions

Disciplinary decisions are a result of a formal discipline hearing held by the Inquiry Committee of The College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba. The College publishes these disciplinary decisions in accordance with The Physiotherapists Act. The purpose of publishing this information is:

• To comply with The Physiotherapists Act. 
• To be accountable, transparent, and to inform the public and our members.
• To educate our members on the type of conduct that results in disciplinary action and to help prevent unacceptable occurrences in the future.

Disciplinary Decisions

Robertson, James:

On January 31, 2020, the Inquiry Panel found James Robertson guilty of professional misconduct in that:

1. Contrary to Section 18 of The Physiotherapists Act, between October 1, 2018, and January 25, 2019, he practiced physiotherapy and/or provided clinical services without obtaining or maintaining liability insurance coverage to a minimum of $5,000,000 and
2. Contrary to Article II, Section VII-6.3 of the By Laws and Section A-18 of the Code, had failed to respond to correspondence from the College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba (CPM) dated June 14, 2019, and received by the member on June 17, 2019, within 15 days or receipt.
   

Mr. Robertson was reprimanded pursuant to Section 42(1)(a) of the Act and ordered to pay CPM:

a. A contribution towards the cost of the investigation and hearing, including legal costs, in the amount of $12,500; and
b. A fine in the amount of $3,000.

Bisignano, Christopher:

The Inquiry Panel convened on June 20, 2018 for a hearing into charges against Christopher Bisignano, a member of the College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba.

Christopher Bisignano entered a plea of guilty to a charge that:

On or about October 1, 2016 to on or about January 13, 2017, he did practice physiotherapy and provide clinical services when he knew or ought to have known that he did not have liability insurance coverage, contrary to Section 18 of the Regulations.

Accordingly, the Inquiry Committee Panel found Christopher Bisignano guilty of professional misconduct and, pursuant to Section 42(1)(a), Mr. Bisignano received a reprimand and pursuant to Section 43(1)(a) and (b), was ordered to pay costs in the amount of $3,000.00 and a fine in the amount of $1,250.00.

In coming to this conclusion, the Panel considered the following:

(a) Any registrant of the College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba who is providing clinical service is required to maintain a minimum of $5,000,000 of professional liability insurance;

(b) Christopher Bisignano’s lapse in coverage was not an oversight. He was aware that he was uninsured while providing clinical services to his clients between October 1, 2016 and January 13, 2017.