Ontario doctor suspended for six months after demanding patients waive legal rights
Dr. Michael Hart, an Ontario family physician, received a six-month licence suspension and a permanent ban on prescribing ketamine after a tribunal found his practice disgraceful and unprofessional.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario’s disciplinary tribunal concluded that Dr. Michael Hart’s conduct, including asking patients to sign waivers preventing legal action or complaints, violated professional standards. Hart, who has been cautioned six times since 2016 for various issues, was suspended for six months starting July 8 and permanently prohibited from prescribing ketamine and testosterone replacement therapy.
An investigation of 34 patient charts revealed repeated failures to assess patients in person, obtain proper consent, and maintain adequate records. Two patients described frightening side effects from ketamine and felt pressured not to report the doctor. The tribunal described Hart’s overall approach as fundamentally flawed, noting that the misconduct persisted despite prior warnings.
Hart entered a no-contest plea, avoiding a full hearing, but showed no remorse. The case highlights regulatory enforcement in Ontario’s medical community.
Why it matters
It underscores the importance of medical oversight and patient rights when doctors use unproven tele-medicine practices.
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