We have acted for chiropractors for over a decade in defence of disciplinary proceedings before the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) and Investigating Copmmittee (IC) of the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). We represent the United Chiropractic Association (UCA) and their members who face disciplinary proceedings. UCA members have the benefit of legal expenses insurance through DAS legal expenses insurers. We are on DAS's panel of approved lawyers. We have also successfully represented individual members of the Britich Chiropractic Association (BCA) and the McTimoney Chiropractic Association (MCA) in GCC proceedings under legal expenses insurance policies as insurers under such policies have to offer freedom of choice of lawyers.
Chiropractic is not just a job but a way of life for many practitioners. When this comes under threat as a result of a complaint or GCC investigation, the stress and impact on the practitioner and their practice can be devastating. Unfortunately the GCC’s current policy is to investigate every complaint, even the most spurious and vexatious. This means that all too often good Chiropractors find themselves subject to a complaint and investigation. By regularly acting for Chiropractors over the past 10 years, we are able to provide effective and detailed advice throughout the investigation and PCC hearing process.
We have a good success rate at making representations at the early stages (both before and after the Investigating Committee stage) which result in the IC deciding there is no case to answer or the GCC offering no evidence at the PCC stage. Early representation is important and can have a significant impact on how far the case progresses and the outcome.
Relevant links/articles:
Legal Expenses Insurance
100% acquittal rate on web site cases
High Court define Unacceptable Professional Conduct
United Chiropractic Association
UCA contribute to Law Commission on Health Regulation Reform
Malicious prosecution extended to civil proceedings, what of disciplinary proceedings?