This section provides more information about formal hearings held by the Professional Conduct and Health Committees.
If the Investigating Committee decides that a chiropractor’s fitness to practise is in question, the concern will be referred for a formal hearing.
Formal hearings take place remotely via video conference and are open to the public. Sometimes a hearing, or part of a hearing, may be held in private if confidential or intimate information is to be considered; or if the case involves a child or a vulnerable adult.
The allegations made against a chiropractor and notice of a formal hearing are published on the GCC’s website 28 days before the hearing.
What happens during a formal hearing?
A formal hearing is attended by members of the independent Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) or the Health Committee (HC). The Committee is made up of a Chair, a chiropractor and a ‘lay’ member. The GCC’s legal representative and a legal representative for the chiropractor may also attend.
During the hearing, the Committee will hear evidence from both parties relating to the concern. Based on this evidence, the Committee will then decide whether the chiropractor is a significant risk to patients and the public.
If the Committee decides a chiropractor is not fit to practise it can:
- Give a warning
- Set conditions that limit how they can practise
- Suspend them or remove them from the register.
Useful documents
These documents are used by the Professional Conduct Committee ('the PCC') and Health Committee ('the HC') when considering a case.
The decision-making process and the factors the committee must consider when deciding which sanction to impose upon a chiropractor.
Guidance for Decision Makers: Sanctions
The factors considered when deciding the format of a hearing.
Hearings Protocol
How we will run remote hearings
Remote Hearings Arrangements
Model conditions that can be imposed by the PCC or HC.
Conditions Bank
