Type: Board Motion Regarding Public Safety

Former Registrant: Dr. Phyllis Ohm (Former Registrant #1820)

Date: November 29, 2019

Status: Closed

On September 12, 2019, the Inquiry Committee opened an investigation on its own motion into certain allegations about the Registrant’s ability to practise independently as a psychologist while complying with the College’s professional standards.

While that investigation is still ongoing, the Registrant decided to voluntarily cancel her registration with the College, effective November 7, 2019. The Registrant has not admitted to having breached professional standards, and no findings have been made by the College’s Inquiry Committee regarding the allegations that are currently being investigated. However, as a result of the Registrant’s voluntary change in her registration status, she is no longer authorized to practise as a psychologist in British Columbia. The investigation was closed on the basis that she is no longer a registrant of the College.

In these circumstances, the Board of the College has directed the issuance of this interim notice to the public as being in the public interest.

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.