College Disciplinary Actions

The College reports discipline matters in the next issue of the Newsletter after the disciplinary action is complete.  The College website  also contains information on discipline matters that are completed and matters where charges have been laid but have not yet been completed.
 
The website contains additional details about all disciplinary actions taken by the College since 1999. That includes information about the charges, a copy of the discipline hearing committee decision if there was a hearing, and the Council decision imposing penalty. If a discipline matter was resolved through alternative dispute resolution, the information will include a copy of the undertaking signed by the physician or a summary of the terms to be completed. 

There were four (4) discipline matters completed since the last Newsletter report.

Dr. Robert Colistro

Dr. Colistro was found guilty of unprofessional conduct after a hearing before the discipline hearing committee.  The more significant finding related to inappropriate billings submitted to Medical Services Branch in relation to billing codes 20W and 50W.  The discipline hearing committee concluded that Dr. Colistro failed to exercise due diligence to ensure billings were submitted accurately and appropriately.  The committee also found Dr. Colistro guilty of a portion of a second charge that he failed to have a policy in place for inspection of ultrasound equipment.

Council imposed a penalty of a two-month suspension, a requirement to take a course in ethics and professionalism and a requirement to take the Medical Services Branch online billing course.  Council also imposed a fine of $15,000 and required Dr. Colistro to pay costs in the amount of $70,559.17.

Dr. Colistro has appealed the Discipline Hearing Committee decision and the Council’s penalty decision to the Court of Queen’s Bench. With the exception of the two courses, the penalty has been stayed pending the determination of the appeal.  

Dr. Naveen Tandon

Dr. Tandon admitted five charges of unprofessional conduct which stated he failed to provide appropriate oversight over individuals who were providing cosmetic services and failed to have an appropriate process in place to address possible emergent complications. 

Council imposed a penalty of a reprimand, a one-month suspension, a requirement to take a course in cosmetic procedures, a requirement to sign an undertaking to comply with College bylaws and a requirement to pay costs in the amount of $29,133.20.
 

Dr. Laura Tanyi-Remarck

Dr. Tanyi-Remarck admitted a charge of unprofessional conduct related to the billings submitted to Medical Services Branch for pregnancy testing and urinalysis.

Council imposed a penalty of a reprimand, a two-month suspension, a requirement to take an ethics course and a requirement to pay costs of $30,693.06.
 

Dr. Jan Van Der Merwe

Dr. Van Der. Merwe admitted unprofessional conduct for removing Atropine and Glycopyrrolate from a hospital.

The matter was resolved through post-charge alternative dispute resolution when Dr. Van Der Merwe signed an undertaking to provide an apology, take an ethics course and pay the costs associated with the investigation.