WHAT IS
THE COLLEGE?
The College of Applied Biology of British Columbia
was established in 2003. It operates under a legal statute by an Act of the
It is the governing body for members of the College,
including at present Professional Biologists and soon to also include
Registered Biology Technologists and Applied Biology Technicians. It is led by a Council elected from the
membership and 3 public members appointed by government.
WHY HAVE
A COLLEGE?
To protect the public and to guide the professional
biologists of BC.
The practice of applied biology is very complex and experienced practitioners are best able to judge whether member’s performance or conduct is appropriate or whether the member’s skills are satisfactory.
HOW IS
THE PUBLIC PROTECTED?
The College makes sure that a member practicing applied
biology in
ARE THE
COLLEGE AND THE ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL BIOLOGISTS OF BC THE SAME
BODY?
No. The College’s role is to protect the public. It
sets the standards for members’ skill, knowledge and behaviour by the
administration of the
The APBBC’s role is to represent the biologists and promote the health of the environment.
IS THE PUBLIC
REPRESENTED?
Yes. Members of the public serve on the Council of
the College and certain College Committees.
WHAT IF I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH A
MEMBER OF THE COLLEGE?
Often the problems that arise are the result of a
misunderstanding or lack of information. If you have a problem with a member of
the College, a frank discussion between the two of you may resolve it. If that
is not possible, you can ask the College or Applied Biologists to become
involved.
CAN I COMPLAIN?
If you have concerns about the practice or conduct
of a member, you have the right to complain to the College. There is no time
limit on when you can complain. However, it assists in our investigation if the
complaint is made at an early stage.
HOW ARE COMPLAINTS DEALT
WITH?
We will advise the member oft your complaint and
ask him or her to respond. We will advise you how the member has responded to
your complaint. We may get in touch with other individuals who you or the
member may think may be helpful. The member’s explanation may satisfy your
concerns and resolve the complaint. If it does not, then the process may
continue.
All complaints about members are dealt with seriously. Many can be resolved at the investigation stage and others may ultimately be sent to a Discipline Panel. The Discipline Committee, the body charged with reviewing complaints, consists of members of the College and members of the public. The Committee reviews and discusses all the written material about the complaint. The member against whom the complaint is made may be interviewed. In some circumstances you may also be interviewed to help the Committee understand the problem.
HOW TO MAKE A
COMPLAINT
Write to:
The
V8W 3C7
Include:
For more detailed instructions go to Complaints.
Complaints are not accepted by email, they must be signed and submitted in writing either by mail or fax.
WHAT IS THE OUTCOME OF A
COMPLAINT?
If a complaint is found valid, the a citation will
be issued and the matter will proceed to a Discipline Panel for a formal
hearing. If the complaint is found not
valid, the file will be sealed and no further action will occur. In any case, the College will write to you
and explain the results of the investigation.
WILL I BE COMPENSATED
FINANCIALLY?
No. If you wish to pursue financial compensation
you should contact a lawyer who could advise you regarding a civil lawsuit.
DISCIPLINE HEARING
If a citation is issued against a member by the
College as a result of any complaint, then a hearing is scheduled. You will be
fully informed of this process and what is expected of you.
A hearing is a formal process which may include lawyers for the College, lawyers for the member, sworn witnesses, etc. It is held before a Discipline Panel which may be constituted of members and non-members, depending on the nature of the complaint. This Committee decides if the member has committed professional misconduct, or conduct unbecoming a practicing member.
If as adverse determination is made, the member will receive a penalty decided on by the Discipline Panel. This penalty may involve a fine, a suspension or outright erasure as a member of the College.
THE PURPOSE OF
THE COLLEGE
IS TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC INTEREST
COLLEGE OF APPLIED BIOLOGY
Suite
V8W 3C7