The Dental Hygienists Act

The Dental Hygienists Act, C.C.S.M. c. D34 (Assented to December 8, 2005) bilingual version (HTML) Table of Contents Section PART 1 DEFINITIONS 1 Definitions PART 2 PRACTICE OF DENTAL HYGIENE 2 Practice of dental hygiene 3 Representation as a dental hygienist PART 3 COLLEGE OF DENTAL HYGIENISTS OF MANITOBA 4 College established 5 Council 6 Composition of council PART 4 REGISTRATION 7 Registers 8 Board of assessors 9 Registration of dental hygienists 10 Registration if emergency 11 Application for registration not approved 12 Appeal to council 13 Appeal to court 14 Registration of students 15 Certificate of registration 16 Registration may be cancelled if fraud PART 5 CONTINUING COMPETENCY 17 Continuing competency program PART 6 COMPLAINTS 18 Definitions 19 Roster of public representatives COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE 20 Complaints committee 21 Complaints against members 22 Referral to complaints committee 23 Informal resolution or investigation 24 Decision of complaints committee 25 Conditions on right to practise 26 Censure 27 Voluntary surrender of registration 28 Conditions on reinstatement 29 Appeal by complainant to council 30 Suspension of registration pending decision 31 Application for stay 32 Referral to inquiry committee 33 Disclosure of information to authorities INQUIRY COMMITTEE 34 Inquiry committee 35 Selection of panel 36 Hearing 37 Right to appear and be represented 38 Documentary evidence 39 Investigation of other matters 40 Hearing open to public 41 Evidence 42 Witnesses 43 Hearing in absence of member 44 Findings of panel 45 Orders of panel 46 Costs and fines 47 Written decision 48 Publication of decision APPEAL TO COURT OF APPEAL 49 Appeal to Court of Appeal 50 Powers of Court on appeal 51 Stay pending appeal REINSTATEMENT 52 Reinstatement PART 7 REGULATIONS, BY-LAWS AND CODE OF ETHICS 53 Regulations 54 By-laws 55 Code of ethics PART 8 GENERAL PROVISIONS 56 Appointment of practice auditors 57 Entry of premises and inspection of records 58 Service of documents 59 Registrar's certificate 60 Proof of conviction 61 Offences 62 Single act of unauthorized practice 63 Protection from liability 64 Repealed 65 Confidentiality of information 66 Information about members 67 Injunction 68 Duty of members to report 69 Employer's responsibility to ensure registration 70 Annual report PART 9 TRANSITIONAL, C.C.S.M. REFERENCE AND COMING INTO FORCE 71 Transitional council of the college 72 Transition after Act in force 73 C.C.S.M. reference 74 Coming into force HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, enacts as follows: PART 1 DEFINITIONS Definitions 1 The following definitions apply in this Act. "by-laws" means the by-laws of the college made under section 54. (« règlements administratifs ») "college" means the College of Dental Hygienists of Manitoba. (« Ordre ») "council" means the council of the college. (« conseil ») "court" means the Court of King's Bench. (« tribunal ») "dental hygienist" means a person who is registered as a dental hygienist under this Act. (« hygiéniste dentaire ») "member" means a person whose name is entered in a register and who has paid the fees provided for in the by-laws. (« membre ») "minister" means the minister appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council to administer this Act. (« ministre ») "public representative" means a person who is not and has never been a dental hygienist and who is appointed under subsection 6(2) or named in the roster established under section 19 as a public representative. (« représentant du public ») "register" means a register established under this Act. (« registre ») "registrar" means the registrar of the college appointed under subsection 6(6). (« registraire ») "regulations" means the regulations made under section 53. (« règlements ») PART 2 PRACTICE OF DENTAL HYGIENE Practice of dental hygiene 2(1) The practice of dental hygiene is the promotion of oral health through oral health education and the assessment and treatment of the teeth and adjacent tissues using preventive or therapeutic means. Included practices 2(2) Subject to the regulations, the practice of dental hygiene includes, but is not limited to (a) scaling and root planing above and below the gumline; (b) performing debridement and curettage below the gumline; (c) administering oral anaesthetic; (d) using oral therapeutic agents; (e) applying dental sealants; and (f) performing orthodontic and restorative procedures. Representation as a dental hygienist 3(1) No person except a dental hygienist may (a) represent or hold out, expressly or by implication, that he or she is a dental hygienist or is entitled to engage in the practice of dental hygiene as a dental hygienist; or (b) use any sign, display, title or advertisement implying that he or she is a dental hygienist. Use of title 3(2) No person except a dental hygienist shall use the title "dental hygienist", "oral hygienist" or "registered dental hygienist", a variation or abbreviation of any of those titles, or an equivalent in another language. PART 3 COLLEGE OF DENTAL HYGIENISTS OF MANITOBA College established 4(1) The College of Dental Hygienists of Manitoba is established as a body corporate. Duty to serve the public interest 4(2) The college must carry out its activities and govern its members in a manner that serves and protects the public interest. Powers 4(3) The college has the capacity and, subject to this Act, the rights, powers and privileges of a natural person. Membership 4(4) The membership of the college consists of the persons whose names are on a register and who have paid the fees provided for in the by-laws. Meetings 4(5) A general meeting of the college must be held at least once a year and special general meetings of the college must be held when the council considers it advisable. On receiving a written request signed by at least 5% of the members of the college entitled to vote, the council must convene a special general meeting for the purpose specified in the request. Notice of meetings 4(6) Notice of the time and place of each meeting referred to in subsection (5) must be given to members in accordance with the by-laws. Council 5(1) There is hereby established a governing body of the college called the council. Council to manage affairs 5(2) The council must (a) manage and conduct the business and affairs of the college; and (b) exercise the rights, powers and privileges of the college in the name and on behalf of the college. Composition of council 6(1) The council is to consist of at least nine persons who are either members of the college or public representatives. Public representatives 6(2) At least 1/3 of the members of the council must be public representatives appointed to the council by the minister. By-laws for election and appointment of members 6(3) Except for the public representatives appointed under subsection (2), members of the council must be appointed or elected in accordance with the by-laws. Officers 6(4) The members of the council must elect from among themselves the officers of the college specified in the by-laws, in the manner and for the terms specified in the by-laws. Remuneration 6(5) The members of the council are to be paid such remuneration and expenses as the council may determine by by-law. Registrar and staff 6(6) The council must appoint a registrar from among the members of the college and may appoint any other officers, investigators, practice auditors or staff that it considers necessary to perform the work of the college. Committees 6(7) The council may establish any committees that it considers necessary. PART 4 REGISTRATION REGISTERS Registers 7(1) Subject to the direction of the council, the registrar must maintain the following registers: (a) a register of dental hygienists; (b) a register of students; (c) any other registers that are provided for in the regulations. Register of dental hygienists 7(2) The register of dental hygienists must contain (a) every dental hygienist's name, business address and business telephone number; (b) the conditions imposed on every certificate of registration; (c) a notation of every cancellation and suspension of a certificate of registration; (d) the result of every disciplinary proceeding in which a panel has made a finding under section 44; and (e) information that the regulations specify as information to be kept in the register. Access to information 7(3) During normal business hours, a person may obtain the following information contained in the register of dental hygienists: (a) the information described in clauses (2)⁠(a) and (b); (b) the information described in clause (2)⁠(c) relating to a suspension that is in effect; (c) the results of every disciplinary proceeding completed within six years before the register was prepared or last updated (i) in which a dental hygienist's certificate of registration was cancelled or suspended or had conditions imposed on it, or (ii) in which a dental hygienist was required to pay a fine or attend to be censured; (d) information designated as public in the regulations. APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION Board of assessors 8 In accordance with the by-laws, the council must appoint a board of assessors to consider and decide on applications for registration under section 9. Registration of dental hygienists 9(1) The board of assessors must approve an application for registration as a dental hygienist if the applicant (a) is a graduate of a dental hygiene education program approved by the council; (b) has passed any examinations that the council may require; (c) establishes that his or her name has not been removed for cause from the register of persons authorized to engage in the practice of dental hygiene in Canada or elsewhere; (d) establishes that he or she has not been suspended as a result of professional misconduct by a regulatory authority governing the practice of dental hygiene in Canada or elsewhere; (e) pays the fees provided for in the by-laws; and (f) meets any other requirements set out in the regulations. Conditions 9(2) An approval may be made subject to any conditions that the board of assessors considers advisable. Entry in the register 9(3) The registrar must enter in the register of dental hygienists the name of a person whose application for registration is approved by the board of assessors. Certificate of registration 9(4) On entering the name of a person in the register of dental hygienists, the registrar must issue a certificate of registration to the person. Registration if emergency 10(1) Despite anything in this Act or the regulations, the board of assessors may waive any requirements for registration under this Act and the regulations to allow a person who is authorized to practise dental hygiene in another jurisdiction in Canada or the United States to practise dental hygiene in the province during an emergency, if the minister gives the board of assessors written notice that (a) a public health emergency exists in all or part of the province; and (b) he or she has determined, after consulting with public health officials and any other persons that the minister considers advisable, that the services of a dental hygienist from outside the province are required to assist in dealing with the emergency. Emergency need not be declared 10(2) The board of assessors may exercise its authority under subsection (1) even if no emergency has been declared under an enactment of Manitoba or Canada. Certificate of registration 10(3) If necessary to carry out the intent of this section, the board of assessors may authorize the registrar to issue a certificate of registration to a person allowed to practise under subsection (1), on such terms and conditions as the board may determine. Application for registration not approved 11 If the board of assessors does not approve an application for registration or approves an application subject to conditions, it must give notice to the applicant in writing, with reasons for its decision, and must advise the applicant of the right to appeal its decision to the council. APPEALS Appeal to council 12(1) A person whose application for registration as a dental hygienist is not approved by the board of assessors, or whose application is approved subject to conditions, may appeal the board's decision to the council. Notice 12(2) An appeal must be made by filing a written notice of appeal with the council within 30 days after the person receives notice of the board's decision under section 11. The notice must specify the reasons for the appeal. Hearing 12(3) On receiving a notice of appeal, the council must schedule an appeal hearing, which must be held within 90 days after it receives the notice. The council must give the applicant a written notice of the date, time and place of the hearing. Right to appear 12(4) An applicant who appeals a decision of the board of assessors is entitled to appear with counsel and make representations to the council at the hearing. Participation by member of board of assessors 12(5) A member of the board of assessors who is also a member of the council may participate in the hearing but must not vote on a decision under this section. Decision by council 12(6) The council must decide the appeal within 90 days after the hearing and may make any decision the board of assessors could have made. Notice of decision of appeal 12(7) Within 30 days after deciding the appeal, the council must give the applicant written notice of its decision. Appeal to court 13(1) A person whose application for registration as a dental hygienist is refused by the council, or whose application is approved subject to conditions, may appeal the decision to the court by filing a notice of appeal within 30 days after receiving notice of the council's decision under subsection 12(7). Powers of court on appeal 13(2) On hearing an appeal, the court may (a) make any decision that in its opinion should have been made; or (b) refer the matter back to the council for further consideration in accordance with any direction of the court. REGISTRATION OF STUDENTS Registration of students 14(1) The registrar must approve an application for registration as a student if the applicant (a) is a student engaged in a dental hygiene education program approved by the council; (b) pays the fee provided for in the by-laws; and (c) meets any other requirements set out in the regulations. Appeal from refusal to register 14(2) A person whose application for registration as a student is refused under subsection (1) may appeal the refusal to the council, in which case section 12 applies, with the necessary changes. ANNUAL CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION Certificate of registration 15 Each year, the council must issue a certificate of registration to every person whose name is included in the register and who has paid the fees provided for in the by-laws. The certificate must state the type of registration and the date on which it expires, and must refer to any conditions or limitations imposed. CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION Registration may be cancelled if fraud 16(1) If the registrar is satisfied on reasonable grounds that a person's registration has been obtained by means of a false or fraudulent representation or declaration, the registrar must report the matter to the council, and the council may direct the registrar to cancel the person's certificate of registration. The registrar must then cancel the certificate of registration and give the person and his or her employer, if any, written notice of the fact. Registration may be cancelled if conviction 16(2) The council may direct the registrar to cancel the certificate of registration of a member who has been convicted of an offence that is relevant to his or her suitability to practise, but it must first notify the member that it intends to do so and give the member an opportunity to make representations. The registrar must give the member and his or her employer, if any, written notice of any cancellation. Appeal 16(3) A member whose certificate of registration is cancelled under this section may appeal the cancellation to the court, in which case section 13 applies, with the necessary changes. PART 5 CONTINUING COMPETENCY Continuing competency program 17 The council must establish a continuing competency program to oversee the practice of dental hygiene. The program may provide for, but is not limited to, (a) reviewing the professional competence of members; (b) requiring members to participate in programs for ensuring competence; and (c) conducting practice audits in accordance with this Act. PART 6 COMPLAINTS Definitions 18 The following definitions apply in this Part. "conduct" includes an act or omission. (« conduite ») "investigated member" means a member or a former member who is the subject of an investigation or whose conduct is the subject of a hearing under this Part. (« membre faisant l'objet de l'enquête ») Roster of public representatives 19 The minister must appoint a roster of persons who are not registered under this Act, and who are not and have never been dental hygienists, who may be appointed by the council as public representatives to the complaints committee under section 20 and the inquiry committee under section 34. COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE Complaints committee 20(1) The council must appoint a complaints committee consisting of (a) a member of the college who is to be the chair of the committee; (b) one or more other members of the college; and (c) one or more persons from the roster established under section 19 who are appointed by the council as public representatives on the committee. Public representatives 20(2) At least 1/3 of the persons appointed to the complaints committee must be public representatives. Complaints against members 21(1) Any person may make a complaint in writing to the registrar about the conduct of a member, and the complaint must be dealt with in accordance with this Part. Complaints against former members 21(2) If, after a member's registration is cancelled, suspended or not renewed under this Act, (a) a complaint, or a referral under clause 22(1)⁠(b), is made about the former member; and (b) the complaint or referral relates to conduct occurring before the cancellation, suspension or non-renewal; the complaint or referral may, despite the cancellation, suspension or non-renewal, be dealt with within five years after the date of the cancellation, suspension or non-renewal as if the former member's registration were still in effect. Referral to complaints committee 22(1) The registrar must refer to the complaints committee (a) a complaint made under section 21; and (b) any other matter that the registrar considers appropriate. Notice of referral 22(2) On referring a matter to the complaints committee, the registrar must give notice of the referral to the investigated member. Informal resolution 23(1) On receiving a referral of a complaint or other matter, the complaints committee may attempt to resolve it informally if the committee considers that to be appropriate. Investigation 23(2) If informal resolution of a complaint is attempted and the complaint is not resolved to the complainant's satisfaction, the complaints committee must direct that an investigation into the conduct of the member be held and must appoint an investigator to conduct the investigation. In addition, the committee may direct an investigation and appoint an investigator in respect of any complaint or other matter that is referred to it, if the committee considers it appropriate to do so. Records and information 23(3) An investigator appointed under subsection (2) may (a) require the investigated member or any other member to produce to the investigator any records in his or her possession or under his or her control that may be relevant to the investigation; (b) require the investigated member or any other member to be interviewed for the purpose of the investigation; and (c) direct that an inspection or audit of the investigated member's practice be conducted. Failure to produce records 23(4) The college may apply to the court for an order (a) directing any member to produce to the investigator any records in his or her possession or under his or her control, if it is shown that the member failed to produce them when required to do so by the investigator; or (b) directing any person to produce to the investigator any records in his or her possession or under his or her control that are or may be relevant to the complaint being investigated. Investigation of other matters 23(5) The investigator may investigate any other matter related to the professional conduct or the skill in practice of the member that arises in the course of the investigation. Report to the complaints committee 23(6) On concluding the investigation, the investigator must report his or her findings to the complaints committee. DECISION OF COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE Decision of complaints committee 24(1) The complaints committee may, after review or investigation, (a) direct that the matter be referred, in whole or in part, to the inquiry committee; (b) direct that the matter not be referred to the inquiry committee; (c) accept the voluntary surrender of the member's registration; (d) censure the member if (i) at least one member of the committee has met with the member and the member has agreed to accept the censure, and (ii) the committee has determined that no action is to be taken against the member other than censure; (e) refer the matter to mediation if the committee determines that the complaint is strictly a matter of concern to the complainant and the member and both parties agree to mediation; or (f) enter into an agreement with the member that provides for one or more of the following: (i) assessing the member's capacity or fitness to practice dental hygiene, (ii) counselling or treatment of the member, (iii) monitoring or supervising the member's practice of dental hygiene, (iv) the member's completing a specified course of studies by way of remedial training, (v) placing conditions on the member's right to practice dental hygiene. Matter not resolved by mediation 24(2) If a matter referred for mediation under clause (1)⁠(e) cannot be resolved, it must be referred back to the complaints committee, which may make any other decision under subsection (1) that it considers appropriate. Decision served on member and complainant 24(3) The complaints committee must serve a written notice setting out its decision and the reasons for the decision on the member and the complainant. Hearing not required 24(4) The complaints committee is not required to hold a hearing or give any person an opportunity to appear or to make formal submissions before making a decision under this section. Conditions on right to practise 25(1) If the complaints committee enters into an agreement with a member for conditions on the member's right to practise dental hygiene under subclause 24(1)⁠(f)⁠(v), those conditions may include the conditions referred to in section 28. Costs 25(2) The complaints committee may order the member to pay all or part of the costs incurred by the college in monitoring compliance with conditions imposed on his or her right to practise dental hygiene under an agreement entered into under subclause 24(1)⁠(f)⁠(v). It may also order the member to pay all or part of the costs of the investigation. CENSURE Personal appearance 26(1) The complaints committee may require a member who is censured under clause 24(1)⁠(d) to appear personally before the committee to be censured. Publication of censure 26(2) The complaints committee may publish the fact that a member has been censured, and publication may include the member's name and a description of the circumstances that led to the censure. Order for costs 26(3) The complaints committee may order a member who is censured to pay all or part of the costs of the investigation. VOLUNTARY SURRENDER OF REGISTRATION Voluntary surrender of registration 27(1) If the complaints committee accepts a voluntary surrender of a member's registration under clause 24(1)⁠(c), it may direct the member to do one or more of the following, to the satisfaction of any person or committee that the complaints committee may determine, before the member's right to practise dental hygiene may be reinstated: (a) obtain counselling or treatment; (b) complete a specified course of studies; (c) obtain supervised experience. Order for costs 27(2) The complaints committee may direct the member to pay any costs incurred by the college in monitoring compliance with a direction given under subsection (1), and to pay all or part of the costs of the investigation up to the time that the voluntary surrender takes effect. Conditions on reinstatement 28 A voluntary surrender remains in effect until the complaints committee is satisfied that the conduct or complaint that was the subject of the investigation has been resolved, at which time the committee may impose conditions on the member's entitlement to practise dental hygiene, including conditions that the member do one or more of the following: (a) limit his or her practice; (b) practise under supervision; (c) report to the committee or the registrar on specific matters; (d) comply with any other conditions that the committee considers appropriate in the circumstances; and may order the member to pay all or any part of the costs incurred by the college in monitoring compliance with those conditions. APPEAL BY COMPLAINANT Appeal by complainant to council 29(1) When the complaints committee makes a decision under clause 24(1)⁠(b), (c) or (f), the complainant may appeal the decision to the council. Notice 29(2) An appeal is to be made by mailing a written notice of appeal to the registrar within 30 days after the date the complainant is served with notice of the complaints committee decision under subsection 24(3). Power on appeal 29(3) On an appeal under this section, the council must do one or more of the following: (a) make any decision that in its opinion ought to have been made by the complaints committee; (b) quash, vary or confirm the decision of the complaints committee; (c) refer the matter back to the complaints committee for further consideration in accordance with any direction that the council may make. Notice of decision 29(4) The council must give the member and the complainant a written notice setting out its decision and the reasons for the decision. Hearing not required 29(5) The council is not required to hold a hearing or to give any person an opportunity to appear or to make oral submissions before making a decision under this section, but must give the investigated member and the complainant an opportunity to make written submissions. SUSPENSION OF REGISTRATION PENDING DECISION Suspension of registration pending decision 30(1) Despite anything in this Act, the complaints committee may, when there is a question that a member's conduct exposes or is likely to expose the public to serious risk, direct the registrar to suspend the member's certificate of registration or place conditions on his or her practice of dental hygiene pending the outcome of proceedings under this Part. Notice of suspension or conditions 30(2) On receiving a direction under subsection (1), the registrar must promptly serve notice of the suspension or conditions of practice on the member and, where applicable, the member's employer. Application for stay 31 The member may, by filing an application with the court and serving a copy on the registrar, apply for an order of the court staying a decision of the complaints committee to suspend the member's certificate of registration or to place conditions on his or her practice under section 30 pending the outcome of proceedings under this Part. MISCELLANEOUS Referral to inquiry committee 32 Despite any other action it may have taken, with the exception of a censure, the complaints committee may at any time refer the conduct or complaint that was the subject of the investigation to the inquiry committee. Disclosure of information to authorities 33 Despite any other provision of this Act, the complaints committee may disclose to a law enforcement authority any information respecting possible criminal activity on the part of a member that is obtained during an investigation into the member's conduct. INQUIRY COMMITTEE Inquiry committee 34(1) The council must appoint an inquiry committee consisting of (a) a dental hygienist who is a member of the college, who is to be the chair; (b) one or more other members of the college or former members of the college; and (c) one or more persons from the roster established under section 19 who are appointed by the council as public representatives of the committee. Public representatives 34(2) At least 1/3 of the persons appointed to the inquiry committee must be public representatives. Selection of panel 35(1) Within 30 days after a matter is referred to the inquiry committee, the chair must select a panel from among the members of the inquiry committee to hold a hearing. Composition 35(2) A panel is to be composed of at least three members, one of whom must be a public representative. Exclusion from panel 35(3) No person may be selected for a panel who has taken part in the review or investigation of what is to be the subject matter of the panel's hearing. Effect of member being unable to continue 35(4) If a hearing has begun and a member of the panel is unable to continue to sit as a member, the panel may complete the hearing if at least three members remain and one of them is a public representative. HEARINGS Hearing 36(1) When a panel is selected, it must hold a hearing. Date of hearing 36(2) A hearing must begin within 120 days after the date on which the matter is referred to the inquiry committee, unless the investigated member consents in writing to a later date. Notice of hearing 36(3) At least 30 days before the date of the hearing, the registrar must serve a notice of hearing on the investigated member and the complainant stating the date, time and place of the hearing and identifying in general terms the complaint or matter about which the hearing will be held. Public notice of hearing 36(4) The registrar may issue a public notice of the hearing in any manner he or she considers appropriate, but the notice must not include the name of the investigated member. Right to appear and be represented 37(1) The college and the investigated member may appear and be represented by counsel at a hearing, and the panel may have counsel to assist it. Adjournments 37(2) The chair of the panel may adjourn a hearing from time to time. Recording of evidence 37(3) The oral evidence given at a hearing must be recorded. Member may examine documentary evidence 38(1) Before the day of the hearing, the investigated member must be given opportunity to examine any written or documentary evidence that will be produced and any report the contents of which will be given in evidence at the hearing. Member to provide documentary evidence 38(2) If the member intends to rely on any written or documentary evidence or any report at the hearing, he or she must provide a copy of that evidence or report to the college before the day of the hearing. Evidence of expert without report 38(3) If either the member or the college intends to call an expert as a witness at the hearing and there is no report from the expert, a summary of the expert's intended evidence, including his or her findings, opinions and conclusions, must be provided to the other party before the day of the hearing. Failure to provide summary 38(4) If the summary is not provided in accordance with subsection (3), the expert may testify at the hearing only with the leave of the panel. Investigation of other matters 39 The panel may investigate and hear any other matter concerning the conduct of the investigated member that arises in the course of its proceedings. In that event, the panel must declare its intentions to investigate the further matter and must permit the member sufficient opportunity to prepare a response. Hearing open to public 40(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a hearing of the panel must be open to the public, but there must be no reporting in the media of anything that would identify the investigated member, including the member's name, the business name of the member's practice or partnership, or the location of practice, unless and until the panel makes a finding under section 44. Request for private hearing 40(2) The member or the college may request that the hearing or any part of it be held in private. When private hearing may be held 40(3) When a request is made under subsection (2), the panel may make an order excluding the public from the hearing or any part of it or directing that the member, the complainant, or any witness be identified only by initials, if the panel is satisfied that (a) matters involving public security may be disclosed; (b) financial or personal or other matters may be disclosed at the hearing that are of such a nature that the desirability of avoiding public disclosure of those matters in the interest of any person affected or in the public interest outweighs the desirability of adhering to the principle that meetings be open to the public; (c) a person involved in a criminal proceeding or a civil suit or proceeding may be prejudiced; or (d) the safety of a person may be jeopardized. Reasons for excluding the public to be available 40(4) The panel must ensure that an order it makes under subsection (3) and its reasons are either given orally at the hearing or made available to the public in writing. Evidence 41(1) At a hearing, the oral evidence of witnesses must be taken on oath, and the parties must have the right to cross-examine witnesses and call evidence in defence and reply. Power to administer oaths 41(2) For the purpose of an investigation or hearing under this Act, the registrar and the chair of the panel have the power to administer oaths. Witnesses 42(1) Any person, other than the investigated member, who in the opinion of the panel has knowledge of the complaint or matter being heard is a compellable witness in any proceeding before the panel. Notice to attend and produce records 42(2) The attendance of witnesses before the panel and the production of records may be enforced by a notice issued by the registrar requiring the witness to attend and stating the date, time and place at which the witness is to attend and the records, if any, that the witness is required to produce. Registrar to provide notices 42(3) On the written request of the member or his or her counsel or agent, the registrar must provide any notices that the member requires for the attendance of witnesses or the production of records. Witness fees 42(4) A witness, other than the member, who has been served with a notice to attend or a notice for production under this section is entitled to be paid the same fees in the same manner as a witness in an action in court. Failure to attend or give evidence 42(5) Proceedings for civil contempt of court may be brought against a witness (a) who fails to attend before the panel in compliance with a notice to attend; (b) who fails to produce any records in compliance with a notice to produce them; or (c) who refuses to be sworn or to affirm or to answer any questions he or she is directed to answer by the panel. Hearing in absence of member 43 The panel, on proof of service on the investigated member of the notice of hearing, may (a) proceed with the hearing in the absence of the member or his or her agent; and (b) act, decide or report on the matter being heard in the same way as if the member were in attendance. DECISION OF PANEL Findings of panel 44 If, at the conclusion of a hearing, the panel finds that the member (a) is guilty of professional misconduct; (b) has contravened this Act or the regulations, by-laws or code of ethics of the college; (c) has been found guilty of an offence that is relevant to the member's suitability to practise; (d) has displayed a lack of knowledge or lack of skill or judgment in the practice of dental hygiene; (e) has demonstrated an incapacity or unfitness to practise dental hygiene; (f) is suffering from an ailment that might, if the member continues to practise, constitute a danger to the public; or (g) is guilty of conduct unbecoming a member; it must deal with the member in accordance with this Act. Orders of panel 45(1) If the panel makes any of the findings described in section 44, it may make one or more of the following orders: (a) reprimand the member; (b) suspend the member's certificate of registration for a stated period; (c) suspend the member's certificate of registration until he or she has completed a specified course of studies or supervised practical experience, or both, to the satisfaction of any person or committee that the panel may determine; (d) accept, in place of the suspension of the certificate of registration, the member's undertaking to limit his or her practice; (e) impose conditions on the member's entitlement to practise dental hygiene, including conditions that he or she (i) practise under supervision, or (ii) report on specified matters to any person or committee that the panel may determine; (f) require the member to satisfy a person or committee that the panel may determine that a disability or addiction can be or has been overcome, and suspend the member's certificate of registration until the person or committee is satisfied; (g) require the member to take counselling or treatment; (h) cancel the member's certificate of registration. Panel may consider past censure 45(2) To assist the panel in making an order under this section, the panel may be advised of any censure or order previously issued to the member and the circumstances under which it was issued. Ancillary orders 45(3) The panel may make any ancillary order that is appropriate or required in connection with an order mentioned in subsection (1) or may make any other order that it considers appropriate in the circumstances, including an order that (a) a further or new investigation be held into any matter; or (b) a panel be convened to hear a complaint without an investigation. Costs when conditions imposed 45(4) If the panel imposes conditions on a member's entitlement to practise dental hygiene under clause (1)⁠(e), it may also order the member to pay all or any part of the costs incurred by the college in monitoring compliance with those conditions. Contravention of order 45(5) If the council is satisfied that a member has contravened an order made under subsection (1), it may, without a further hearing, cancel the member's certificate of registration. Costs and fines 46(1) The panel may, in addition to or instead of dealing with the member's conduct in accordance with section 45, order that the member pay to the college, within the time set by the order, (a) all or part of the costs of the investigation, hearing and panel; (b) a fine not exceeding $10,000.; or (c) both the costs under clause (a) and the fine under clause (b). Nature of costs 46(2) The costs referred to in subsection (1) may include, but are not limited to, (a) all disbursements incurred by the college, including (i) fees and expenses for experts, investigators and auditors whose reports or attendance were reasonably necessary for the investigation or hearing, (ii) fees, travel costs and reasonable expenses of any witnesses required to appear at the hearing, (iii) fees for retaining a reporter and preparing transcripts of the proceedings, and (iv) costs of service of documents, long distance telephone and facsimile charges, courier delivery charges and similar miscellaneous expenses; (b) payments made to members of the panel or the complaints committee; and (c) costs incurred by the college in providing counsel for the college and the panel, whether or not counsel is employed by the college. Failure to pay costs and fines by time ordered 46(3) If the member is ordered to pay a fine or costs or both under subsection (1), or costs under subsection 45(4), and fails to pay within the time ordered, the registrar may cancel his or her certificate of registration until payment is made. Filing of order 46(4) The college may file an order under subsection (1) in the court, and on the order being filed it may be enforced in the same manner as a judgment of the court. Written decision 47(1) Within 90 days after the completion of a hearing, the panel must make a written decision on the matter consisting of the reason for its decision and a statement of any order made by it. Decision forwarded to registrar 47(2) The panel must forward to the registrar (a) the decision; and (b) any record of the proceedings and all exhibits and documents. Service of decision 47(3) On receiving the decision and record, the registrar must serve a copy on the member and the complainant. Copies of transcript 47(4) The member may examine the record of proceedings before the panel, and is entitled to receive, on payment of the cost of providing it, a transcript of the oral evidence given before the panel. Publication of decision 48 Despite the fact that any proceeding or part of a proceeding under this Part may have been held in private, the college may, after the decision and an order has been served on the member, publish the circumstances relevant to the findings and any order of the panel. If the panel makes an order against the member under section 45 or 46, the college may also publish the member's name. APPEAL TO COURT OF APPEAL Appeal to Court of Appeal 49(1) A member in respect of whom a finding or order is made by the panel under section 44, 45 or 46 may appeal the finding or order to the Court of Appeal. Commencement of appeal 49(2) An appeal must be commenced (a) by filing a notice of appeal; and (b) by giving a copy of the notice of appeal to the registrar; within 30 days after the date on which the decision of the panel is served on the member. Appeal on the record 49(3) An appeal must be founded on the record of the hearing before the panel and the decision of the panel. Powers of Court on appeal 50 On hearing the appeal, the Court of Appeal may (a) make any finding or order that in its opinion ought to have been made; (b) quash, vary or confirm the decision of the panel or any part of it; or (c) refer the matter back to the panel for further consideration in accordance with any direction of the Court. Stay pending appeal 51 The decision and any order of the panel remains in effect pending an appeal unless the Court of Appeal, on application, stays the decision and any order pending the appeal. REINSTATEMENT Reinstatement 52 The council may, on application by a person whose registration has been cancelled, direct the registrar to reinstate the person's name in the register, subject to any conditions that the council may impose, and may order the person to pay any costs arising from the imposition of such conditions. PART 7 REGULATIONS, BY-LAWS AND CODE OF ETHICS Regulations 53(1) The council may make regulations (a) respecting registration under Part 4, including establishing the qualifications, experience and other requirements to be met by applicants for registration and for renewal and reinstatement of registration; (b) respecting the establishment, content and maintenance of registers under section 7 and, for the purpose of clause 7(3)⁠(d), designating information contained in a register that may be made public; (c) defining by education, experience or otherwise, general or specialized areas of dental hygiene practice; (d) respecting standards for the practice of dental hygiene; (e) controlling the manner in which a member may describe his or her qualifications or occupation and prohibiting the use of any term, title or designation that in the opinion of the council is calculated to mislead the public; (f) respecting continuing competence programs; (g) requiring members to carry professional liability insurance and governing the coverage required to be carried. Approval of regulations 53(2) A regulation under subsection (1) does not come into force until it is approved by (a) a majority of the members of the college, voting in accordance with the by-laws; and (b) the Lieutenant Governor in Council. By-laws 54(1) The council may make by-laws (a) for the government of the college and the management and conduct of its affairs; (b) respecting the calling and conduct of meetings of the college and the council; (c) respecting the nomination, election and number of council members and officers of the college, the filling of vacancies on the council and on any committee or board established by the council, and the appointment of ex officio members of the council and of any committee or board established by the council, and prescribing the term of office and the duties and functions of those members, officers and ex officio members; (d) providing for the procedures for the election of members of the council; (e) providing for the division of the province into districts and prescribing the number of council members to be elected from each district; (f) establishing classes of members and governing the rights, privileges and obligations of each class; (g) governing the number of members that constitutes a quorum at meetings of the college and the council; (h) governing the operation, proceedings and quorum of the complaints committee and the inquiry committee, the appointment of acting members and ex officio members and the procedures for filling vacancies, and prescribing the terms of office, duties and functions of ex officio members; (i) setting remuneration, fees and expenses payable to members of the council or of committees or boards established by or under this Act, the regulations or the by-laws for attending to the business of the college; (j) prescribing the fees payable by members and by applicants for registration or the manner of determining such fees; (k) respecting the holding of a vote on any matter relating to the college, including voting by mail or any other method; (l) governing the establishment, operation and proceedings of committees or boards, the appointment and revocation of members and acting members of those committees or boards and the procedures for filling vacancies on those committees or boards; (m) providing for the appointment and remuneration of officers and other employees of the college and prescribing their duties and functions; (n) providing for the term of office of the registrar and the appointment of an individual as an acting registrar, who has all the powers, duties and functions of the registrar under this Act and the regulations when the registrar is absent or unable to act or when there is a vacancy in the office of registrar; (o) respecting the procedures for the approval of regulations by the members. Amendments and repeal of by-laws 54(2) After notice is given in accordance with the by-laws, a by-law under subsection (1) may be amended or repealed by a majority of the members of the college (a) present and voting at a general meeting; or (b) voting in a mail vote or other method of voting conducted in accordance with the by-laws. Code of ethics 55 The college may, by resolution passed at a general meeting, adopt a code of ethics governing the conduct of members.

PART 8 GENERAL PROVISIONS PRACTICE AUDITORS Appointment of practice auditors 56(1) The council may appoint one or more practice auditors for the purposes of this Act and the regulations and by-laws. Audit of a member's practice 56(2) The practice auditor may review the member's practice and must report his or her findings to the registrar on the conclusion of each audit. Entry of premises and inspection of records 57(1) For the purpose of enforcing and administering this Act and the regulations, a practice auditor may at any reasonable time, and when requested, upon presentation of an identification card issued by the council, (a) without a warrant, enter the office of a member and make such inspections as may be reasonably required to determine compliance with this Act and the regulations; (b) require the production by the member of any record that the practice auditor reasonably considers necessary for the purpose of enforcing this Act and the regulations; (c) inspect and, upon giving a receipt, remove records or things relevant to the inspection for the purpose of making copies or extracts; and (d) remove substances and things for examination or test upon giving a receipt. Admissibility of copies 57(2) A copy of a record made under clause (1)⁠(c) and certified to be a true copy by the practice auditor is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, admissible in evidence in any proceeding or prosecution as proof of the original record and its contents. Entry with order 57(3) When a justice is satisfied by information under oath that there are reasonable grounds for believing that it is necessary for a practice auditor to enter a building, vehicle or other place for the enforcement of this Act or the regulations and (a) a reasonable, unsuccessful effort to gain entry without the use of force has been made; or (b) there are reasonable grounds for believing that entry would be denied without a warrant; the justice may at any time, and if necessary upon application without notice, issue an order authorizing the practice auditor and such other persons as may be named in the order, with such peace officers as are required to assist, to enter the building, vehicle or other place and to take such action as a practice auditor may take under subsection (1). Obstruction of practice auditor 57(4) No person shall obstruct a practice auditor or withhold from a practice auditor, or conceal or destroy any records, documents, substances or things relevant to an audit. SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS Service of documents 58(1) A notice, order or other document under this Act or the regulations is sufficiently given or served if it is (a) delivered personally; or (b) sent by registered mail, or by another service that provides the sender with proof of delivery, to the intended recipient at that person's last address appearing in the records of the college. Deemed receipt 58(2) A notice, order or other document sent by registered mail is deemed to be given or served five days after the day it was sent. REGISTRAR'S CERTIFICATE Registrar's certificate 59 A certificate purporting to be signed by the registrar and stating that a named person was or was not, on a specified day or during a specified period, (a) a member of the college; or (b) an officer or investigator of the college, or a member of the council or of a committee or board established by or under this Act, the regulations or the by-laws; is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, admissible in evidence in all courts and tribunals as proof of the facts stated in it without proof of the registrar's appointment or signature. PROOF OF CONVICTION Proof of conviction 60 For the purpose of proceedings under this Act, a certified copy under the seal of the court or signed by the convicting judge or the clerk of the Provincial Court, of the conviction of a person for any crime or offence under the Criminal Code (Canada) or under any other Act or regulation is conclusive evidence that the person has committed the crime or offence stated, unless it is shown that the conviction has been quashed or set aside. OFFENCES Offence 61(1) A person who contravenes a provision of this Act or the regulations, other than section 65 of this Act, is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $10,000. Offence 61(2) A person who contravenes section 65 is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $50,000. Fraudulent representation on application for registration 61(3) A person who obtains, or attempts to obtain, registration as a member of the college under this Act by making a false or fraudulent representation or declaration, either orally or in writing, and a person who knowingly assists in making such a representation or declaration, is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $10,000. Offence by employer 61(4) If the employer of a member knowingly permits the member to fail to comply with a condition of the member's certificate of registration, the employer is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $10,000. Limitation on prosecution 61(5) A prosecution under this Act may be commenced within two years after the commission of the alleged offence, but not afterwards. Prosecution of offence 61(6) Any person may be a prosecutor or complainant in the prosecution of an offence under this Act, and the government may pay to the prosecutor a portion of any fine recovered, in the amount that it considers appropriate, toward the costs of the prosecution. Stay of proceedings 61(7) When the college is the prosecutor of an offence under this Act, it may apply for a stay of proceedings in the prosecution, and the court must grant the stay. Single act of unauthorized practice 62 In any prosecution under this Act it is sufficient to prove that the accused has done or committed a single act of unauthorized practice, or has committed on one occasion any of the acts prohibited by this Act. PROTECTION FROM LIABILITY Protection from liability 63 No action lies against the college, the council, the transitional council, the registrar, a person conducting an investigation, a member of a committee or board established by or under this Act or the regulations or by-laws, or any employee, officer or person acting on the instructions of any of them, for anything done by the person in good faith in the performance or intended exercise of any power under this Act or the regulations or by-laws or for any neglect or default in the performance or exercise in good faith of such a duty or power. 64 [Repealed] S.M. 2021, c. 44, s. 34 CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION Confidentiality of information 65 Subject to section 66, every person employed, appointed or retained for the purpose of administering this Act, and every member of the council or a committee of the council, must preserve secrecy about all information that comes to his or her knowledge in the course of his or her duties, and must not communicate any information to any other person, except (a) to the extent the information is available to the public or is required to be disclosed under this Act; (b) in connection with the administration of this Act, including, but not limited to, the registration of members, complaints about members, allegations of members' incapacity, unfitness, incompetence or acts of professional misconduct, or the governing of the profession; (c) to a body that governs the practice of a health profession pursuant to an Act of the Legislature, to the extent the information is required in order for that body to carry out its mandate under the Act; or (d) to a body that governs the practice of dental hygiene in a jurisdiction other than Manitoba. Registrar to collect information 66(1) In addition to any other information maintained in administering this Act, the registrar must collect and record each member's (a) date of birth; (b) sex; and (c) education or training, as required for registration and renewal of registration. Member to provide information 66(2) A member must provide the registrar with the information required under subsection (1), in the form and at the time set by the registrar. Minister may require information 66(3) The minister may request in writing that the registrar provide information on members — including personal information — contained in the register or collected under subsection (1), to establish and maintain an electronic registry of health service providers to be used for the following purposes: (a) to validate the identity of a provider seeking access to a patient's personal health information maintained in electronic form; (b) to generate information — in non-identifying form — for statistical purposes. Registrar to provide information 66(4) The registrar must provide the minister with the information — including personal information — requested under subsection (3), in the form and at the time set by the minister after consulting with the registrar. Minister may disclose information 66(5) Despite any provision of this Act or any provision of another Act or a regulation, the minister may (a) disclose — in non-identifying form — information provided under subsection (4) to any entity authorized to receive it under subsection (6); and (b) impose conditions respecting the use, retention and further disclosure of the information. An entity must comply with any conditions imposed by the minister. Authorized entity 66(6) The following entities are authorized to receive information — in non-identifying form — under subsection (5): (a) a health authority as defined in The Health System Governance and Accountability Act ; (b) Regional Health Authorities of Manitoba, Inc.; (c) [repealed] S.M. 2021, c. 15, s. 81 ; (d) The Manitoba Centre for Health Policy; (e) a government or organization with which the Government of Manitoba has entered into an agreement to share information for the purposes stated in subsection (3). S.M. 2021, c. 15, s. 81 . INJUNCTION Injunction 67 The court, on application by the council, may grant an injunction enjoining any person from doing any act that contravenes Part 2, despite any penalty that may be provided by this Act in respect of that contravention. DUTY OF MEMBERS TO REPORT Duty of members to report 68(1) A member who believes that another member is suffering from a physical or mental condition or disorder of a nature or to an extent that the member is unfit to continue to practise or that the member's practice should be restricted, must inform the registrar of that belief and the reasons for it. Exemption from liability for disclosure 68(2) A member who discloses information under subsection (1) is not subject to any liability as a result, unless it is established that the disclosure was made maliciously. EMPLOYER'S RESPONSIBILITY Employer's responsibility to ensure registration 69(1) A person who employs another person as a dental hygienist must ensure that the dental hygienist is registered under this Act during the period of employment. Responsibility to report misconduct 69(2) If a person who employs a dental hygienist terminates the employment for misconduct, incompetence or incapacity, the employer must promptly report the termination to the council and give the dental hygienist a copy of the report. ANNUAL REPORT Annual report 70(1) The college must submit an annual report to the minister within four months after the end of each fiscal year. Contents of report 70(2) The report must include the following information for the year for which the report is submitted: (a) a description of the structure of the college, including any committees established by the council and their functions; (b) the names of the members of the council and committees; (c) a copy of the by-laws or amendments to by-laws that were made; (d) the number of applications for registration that were received and their disposition; (e) the number of complaints that were received and their disposition; (f) the number of members disciplined, the reasons for the discipline and the sanctions imposed; (g) the number of practice audits conducted and the results of the audits; (h) the methods used to assure the continuing competence of members; (i) a financial report on the operation of the college; (j) any other information the minister requires. PART 9 TRANSITIONAL, C.C.S.M. REFERENCE AND COMING INTO FORCE Transitional council of the college 71(1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may appoint a transitional council. Powers of transitional council 71(2) After this Act receives royal assent but before it comes into force, the transitional council and its employees and committees may do anything that is necessary or advisable to bring this Act into force and may perform any activities that the council and its employees and committees could do under this Act if it were in force. Registration in transitional period 71(3) Without limiting the generality of subsection (2), the transitional council may appoint a registrar, and the registrar and the transitional council's committees may accept and process applications for the issue of certificates of registration and may charge application fees and issue certificates of registration. Powers of minister 71(4) The minister may (a) review the transitional council's activities and require the transitional council to provide reports and information; (b) require the transitional council to make, amend or revoke a regulation under this Act; and (c) require the transitional council to do anything that, in the opinion of the minister, is necessary or advisable to carry out the intent of this Act. Transitional council to comply with minister's request 71(5) If the minister requires the transitional council to do anything under subsection (4), the transitional council must, within the time and in the manner specified by the minister, comply with the requirement and submit a report to the minister. Lieutenant Governor in Council regulations 71(6) If the minister requires the transitional council to make, amend or revoke a regulation under clause (4)⁠(b) and the transitional council does not do so within 60 days, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may make, amend or revoke the regulation. Authority 71(7) Subsection (6) does not give the Lieutenant Governor in Council authority to do anything that the transitional council does not have the authority to do. Transition after Act in force 72 After this Act comes into force, the transitional council is the council if it is constituted in accordance with subsections 6(1) and (2) or, if it is not, it is deemed to be the council until a new council is constituted in accordance with subsections 6(1) and (2). C.C.S.M. reference 73 This Act may be referred to as chapter D34 of the Continuing Consolidation of the Statutes of Manitoba . Coming into force 74(1) This Act, except section 71, comes into force on a day fixed by proclamation. Coming into force: section 71 74(2) Section 71 comes into force on the day this Act receives royal assent. NOTE: S.M. 2005, c. 51, except section 71, was proclaimed in force April 15, 2008.