Type: Undertakings

Registrant: HEARN, Dr. Richard Simon Fairfax (Registration No. 1194)

Date: March 25, 2013

Status: Completed

Nature of Action: A request from, and a grant by, the registrant of an undertaking and consent agreement placing limitations on Dr. Hearn’s practice, including a program of supervision for an initial period of at least two years, subject to extension, and an agreement to engage the services of a clinical mentor who will work in consultation with the supervisor appointed by the College.

Reasons: A complaint resolved by means of undertaking or consent pursuant to section 36(1) of the Health Professions Act, concerning sufficient bases for opinions; sufficient limitations to professional opinions; appropriate attribution to individuals of behaviours, perspectives, and motives;management of, and referral strategies for, requests for psychological services outside of area of competence; maintenance of objectivity, balance, and/or impartiality; review of responsibilities of regulated health professionals and registrants’ obligations under the Code of Conduct; boundary and judgment issues; and avoidance of harm.

Update: All terms and conditions met as of July 9, 2015

All public notifications pertaining to this registrant can be viewed by clicking the following
Return to All Public Notifications

The College mandate is to regulate the profession of psychology in the public interest by setting the standards for competent and ethical practice, promoting excellence, and taking action when standards are not met. The complaint process is an important part of ensuring quality and accountability in the provision of psychological services in British Columbia

Types of Public Notifications

Failure to Authorize a Criminal Record Check The Inquiry Committee may impose limits or conditions on, suspend, or cancel a registered psychologist if he/she fails to authorize a criminal record check pursuant to the Criminal Records Review Act.

Notice of Resignations During Investigation The College will notify the public if a registered psychologist has resigned his/her registration with the College during the investigation into a complain matter or during a discipline hearing.

Undertakings The registrant may enter into an agreement with the College for the purpose of resolving a complaint matter. These agreements may or may not contain admissions of wrongdoing (made by the registered psychologist). These agreements may involve a period of supervision and/or placing limitations on the registrant’s practice for a certain length of time in order to address the issues(s) identified in the complaint and investigation process. The College monitors these agreements to ensure compliance. Some agreements may be subject to extension.

Citations The College may send a registered psychologist a citation, which is a charging document that requires the Discipline Committee conduct a hearing into a complaint matter unless an undertaking agreement can be reached. Citations issues by the Inquiry Committee under section 37 of the Health Professions Act involved allegations which are and remain unproven unless admitted by a registrant or determined by the Discipline Committee.

Decisions of the Discipline Committee A decision report will be posted on the College website outlining the findings and/or actions taken against a registered psychologist after the Discipline Committee panel has conducted a discipline hearing.