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This matter came before a Panel of the Discipline Committee of the College of Optometrists of Ontario on April 2, 2024 via videoconference.
THE DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE FOUND THAT:
Dr. Zhang committed an act or acts of professional misconduct as provided by paragraph 51(1)(c) of the Health Professions Procedural Code which is Schedule 2 to the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, S.O. 1991 c.18, and defined in the following paragraphs of Ontario Regulation 119/94 made under the Optometry Act, 1991, S.O. 1991 c. 35:
a. paragraph 1.24 failed to make or maintain the records required by Part IV of the Regulation;
b. paragraph 1.31 charged or received more than the amount payable under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan for performing an insured service to an insured person; and
c. paragraph 1.39 engaged in conduct or performed an act that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as unprofessional.
THE DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE ORDERED:
1. That Dr. Zhang be required to appear before the Panel to be reprimanded at the conclusion of the discipline hearing.
2. That the Registrar be directed to impose a condition on Dr. Zhang's certificate of registration that he complete a practice coaching program with a practice coach in the area of OHIP billing and record keeping by December 31, 2024, as follows:
a. he shall complete a total of ten (10) hours of practice coaching;
b. the practice coach shall be approved by the Registrar;
c. the practice coach shall meet with Dr. Zhang and/or attend at Dr. Zhang’s practice to review Dr. Zhang’s OHIP billing and record keeping;
d. the practice coach will determine what if any additional reading and review of materials Dr. Zhang will be required to undertake in preparation for the practice coaching/review sessions;
e. the practice coach shall provide a report to the College confirming the completion of the coaching and identifying any areas of concern if any; and
f. the practice coaching shall be at Dr. Zhang's expense.
3. That the Registrar be directed to impose a condition on Dr. Zhang's certificate of registration that following the completion of the practice coaching and on or before March 31, 2025, that he successfully undergo an inspection of his OHIP billing and record keeping as follows:
a. the inspection shall be conducted by an inspector approved by the College;
b. the inspector shall review Dr. Zhang’s OHIP billing and record keeping;
c. the inspector shall provide a report to the College and identifying any areas of concern if any; and
d. the inspection shall be at Dr. Zhang’s expense.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the Discipline Committee delivered the reprimand.