24 (1) The Complaints Committee shall consider and investigate written complaints regarding the conduct or actions of members of the College.  1998, c. 31, s. 24 (1). Same (2) Despite subsection (1), the Complaints Committee shall refuse to consider and investigate a written complaint if, in its opinion, (a)  the complaint does not relate to professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity on the part of a member of the College; or (b)  the complaint is frivolous, vexatious or an abuse of process.  1998, c. 31, s. 24 (2). Same (3) No action shall be taken by the Complaints Committee under subsection (5) unless, (a)  a complaint in a form prescribed by the by-laws has been filed with the Registrar; (b)  the member of the College whose conduct or actions are being investigated has been notified of the complaint and given at least 30 days in which to submit in writing to the Committee any explanations or representations the member may wish to make concerning the matter; and (c)  the Committee has examined all the information and documents that the College has that are relevant to the complaint.  1998, c. 31, s. 24 (3). Same (4) Notice of a complaint under clause (3) (b) shall include reasonable information about any allegations contained in the complaint.  1998, c. 31, s. 24 (4). Alternative dispute resolution (4.1) If the Complaints Committee considers it appropriate to do so and the complainant and the member agree, the Committee may refer the matter for alternative dispute resolution.  2009, c. 33, Sched. 8, s. 20 (8). Same (4.2) If the complainant and the member reach a resolution of a matter that has been referred to alternative dispute resolution, they shall advise the Committee and the Committee may, (a)  adopt the proposed resolution and cease its investigation of the complaint; or (b)  continue with its investigation of the complaint.  2009, c. 33, Sched. 8, s. 20 (8). Same (4.3) If there is a failure to resolve a matter that has been referred to alternative dispute resolution, it shall be referred back to the Committee and the Committee shall continue with its investigation of the complaint.  2009, c. 33, Sched. 8, s. 20 (8). Same (5) The Complaints Committee in accordance with the information it receives shall, (a)  direct that the matter be referred, in whole or in part, to the Discipline Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee; (b)  direct that the matter not be referred under clause (a); (c)  require the person complained against to appear before the Complaints Committee to be cautioned; or (d)  Repealed: 2009, c. 33, Sched. 8, s. 20 (9). (e)  take any action it considers appropriate in the circumstances and that is not inconsistent with this Act, the regulations or the by-laws.  1998, c. 31, s. 24 (5); 2009, c. 33, Sched. 8, s. 20 (9). Decision and reasons (6) The Complaints Committee shall give its decision in writing to the Registrar and, except in the case of a decision made under clause (5) (a), its reasons for the decision.  1998, c. 31, s. 24 (6). Notice (7) The Registrar shall provide the complainant and the person complained against with a copy of the written decision made by the Complaints Committee and its reasons for the decision, if any.  1998, c. 31, s. 24 (7). No hearing (8) Except as provided by this section, the Complaints Committee need not hold a hearing or afford to any person an opportunity for a hearing or an opportunity to make oral or written submissions before making a decision or giving a direction under this section.  1998, c. 31, s. 24 (8). Timely disposal (9) The Complaints Committee shall use its best efforts to dispose of a complaint within 120 days of its being filed with the Registrar.  1998, c. 31, s. 24 (9). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2009, c. 33, Sched. 8, s. 20 (8, 9) - 15/12/2009 Reference to certain committees; interim suspensions