Publication Notice: Dr. Ernst Herbert Schandl
Cranbrook, BC
Posted July 8, 2022
Background
In February 2018, CDSBC began an investigation into the conduct of Dr. Schandl after he self-reported a sexual relationship with his patient to CDSBC. The patient also submitted a complaint about Dr. Schandl a few weeks later.
The Inquiry Committee determined the investigation raised serious concerns with Dr. Schandl's breach of professional ethics and treatment of this patient and directed the Registrar to issue a citation against Dr. Schandl. The citation was issued on May 17, 2021 and was amended on September 9, 2021 to establish new hearing dates in January 2022. The discipline hearing was adjourned to May 2022 but was cancelled when Dr. Schandl made admissions and proposed a resolution under s. 37.1 of the Health Professions Act.
Dr. Schandl has been registered with CDSBC since 1995 and has no prior disciplinary history.
Admissions
Dr. Schandl has admitted to committing professional misconduct, including sexual misconduct by:
- Engaging in a sexual relationship with a patient; and
- Failing to:
- determine the patient's health status
- adequately maintain the patient's records
- record adequate information about the patient's medications and treatment providers
- update the patient's medical history
Resolution
A panel of the Inquiry Committee received and considered Dr. Schandl's proposal. In accepting the proposal, the Inquiry Committee also accepted delaying the effective date of the suspension given the need to accommodate the registrant's practicum student and to minimize the impact on the continuity of patient care in the community.
The order states that Dr. Schandl:
- Is reprimanded
- Is suspended from practice for a period of 8 months, effective from July 9, 2022 to 8 March 2023 (inclusive) during which time he is prohibited from receiving payment for services and may not be involved in patient care
- Must pay CDSBC $2000 for partial investigation costs
- Must do the following prior to returning to practice:
- Successfully complete the Professional Boundaries and Ethics Course (PB-24) provided by PBI Education and achieve an “unconditional pass"
- Review CDSBC's Dental Record Keeping Guidelines and successfully complete the 'for credit" version of the online course
This resolves the disciplinary proceeding.
This is a summary of Dr. Schandl's May 12, 2022 consent order proposal. The Inquiry Committee issued an order that is consistent with the consent proposal and a copy of the order is available online.
