Bringing the Profession into Disrepute

A finding of bringing the profession into disrepute signifies that the practitioner has acted in such an infamous or disgraceful way that the public's trust in the profession might reasonably be undermined, or might reasonably be undermined if they were accurately informed about all the circumstances of the case.

A finding under this head must amount to 'disgraceful conduct in a professional respect'. This involves consideration of three elements:

Conduct that is regarded as 'disgraceful' need not amount to moral turpitude or be restricted to acts of serious immorality.

The conduct must have had some connection with a professional role in order to be considered as falling 'in a professional respect'. It ought not to be concerned with matters that can reasonably be viewed as solely personal and private.

Conduct 'in a professional respect' is not confined to the pursuit of the profession in question.

What is not considered to be disgraceful to an ordinary person may be considered to be disgraceful to a professional person.

A finding of bringing the profession into disrepute will result in withdrawal of membership.