A Vancouver physical therapist has been temporarily banned from treating underage patients while a provincial regulator investigates a complaint against him. The College of Health and Care Professionals of B.C. issued a summary protection order against Colin Miller last week. The order has been published on the college’s website. According to the document, the order stems from a complaint the college received in February. “The complaint relates specifically to an alleged failure by the respondent to ensure that ongoing informed consent for treatment was obtained from a minor patient, as well as for the exposure of sensitive areas and the removal of clothing for the purposes of treatment of the patient,” the order reads. The allegations have not been proven. Regulatory colleges put summary protection orders in place to protect the public while investigations are ongoing. Such orders remain in effect until cancelled by the college or until the underlying investigation is concluded and the complaint is resolved. “On review of the complaint, the investigation committee found that it has reasonable grounds to believe that continued practice of physical therapy by the respondent absent limits or conditions may present a significant risk of harm to patients,” the order reads. The order bans Miller from treating patients under the age of 19. It also requires him to “secure a signed consent form” before inserting needles into the skin of any patient. Miller must “provide patients with notice of draping options prior to adjusting or removing any item of a patient’s clothing during treatment,” and must submit his calendar to the college weekly, along with names and contact information for all patients treated during the preceding week. The order indicates Miller will be subject to “random on-site audits of his practice” while it is in effect. The CHCPBC’s online directory lists Miller as a licensed physical therapist who works at Sport + Spinal Physical Therapy. His licence was renewed on April 1 of this year and is valid through March 31, 2027.
