Making a complaint
This section explains how to make a complaint about a physician or medical learner, alert the CMQ of the illegal practice of medicine.
There are 2 kinds of complaints: about a physician (or medical learner) or a person practising medicine illegally.
The inquiry process at the CMQ: explanatory videos
In short, easy-to-understand video vignettes, you'll quickly find answers to your questions about the process of filing a complaint against a physician and the ensuing investigative steps.
Complaint against those who practice medicine
A complaint against a physician or medical learner may arise from a breach of professional ethics or dissatisfaction with the services received during a consultation. You can file a complaint so that the Collège des médecins du Québec can investigate the conduct of physicians and future physicians who are at fault.
Illegal practice of medicine
The medical profession is regulated by law; therefore, medical care is subject to established standards.
Practising medicine illegally means a person performs a medical procedure or makes a diagnosis without authorization. Or again, when the title of physician is misappropriated.
Illegal practice of medicine complaint form
What happens when a complaint is filed?
The CMQ studies each complaint. Some complaints can be addressed through a brief intervention with the physician with the complainant’s consent, instead of conducting an investigation, we then refer to it as assistance. If the complaint indicates that the physician has failed to fulfill their obligations, the syndic may decide to conduct an investigation.
FAQs concerning complaints about a physician
You may:
- Talk to the physician or contact the authorities responsible for the health care facility.
- File a complaint directly with the CMQ. Their mission is to protect the public by ensuring quality medical care.
Complaints must be made in writing and sent by email or regular mail. Clearly indicate your contact information.
2 options are available:
- Fill out the form
- Write and sign a detailed letter about the situation and then send it my mail or email.
Have the following information handy:
- The name(s) of the physician(s) concerned.
- An accurate description of the facts and the date and location where the events occurred.
- Your contact information (name, address, email and phone number) and your RAMQ number.
The following are the steps in an inquiry once the complaint is received.
- Complaint analysis.
- If there are grounds for inquiry, the syndic requests more detailed information, such as clinical records or any other relevant documents. They may also contact certain people for relevant information.
- Inquiry conclusion.
- If the complaint is dismissed the file is closed without further action.
- If the complaint is upheld:
- Intervention in the form of feedback, such as comments or recommendations.
- Workshops, training courses and tutoring to improve skills.
- Practical guidance (restrictions, special supervision).
- Reporting the physician to the Professional Inspection Division.
- Filing a complaint with the Disciplinary Council.
A physician summoned by the Syndic’s Office because they are the subject of an inquiry, a witness or a source of information, may not plead professional confidentiality and must answer the syndic’s questions or provide documents relevant to the inquiry. The physician cannot contact the complainant during the inquiry.
Here is the type of sanctions provided :
- Reprimand
- Temporary or permanent suspension
- Fine
- Licence suspension
- Specialist license suspension
- Restriction or suspension of professional practice
Contact Information
The CMQ would like to remind you complaints must be made in writing and can be sent by email or regular mail. Clearly indicate your contact information.
Inquiries Division
Collège des médecins du Québec
1250 René-Lévesque Boulevard West, Suite 3500
Montréal (Québec) H3B 0G2
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 1:00 to 4:30, Friday from 8:00 to noon.
☎️ Telephone: 514-933-4441📧 Email: deonto@cmq.org
An artificial intelligence tool was used to translate the text.
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