Peter J. Rutherford, a former chiropractor from Winnipeg, has been legally prohibited from practising chiropractic care until October 2029. Despite surrendering his licence in 2024 following misconduct allegations, Rutherford continued to treat patients without authorization.

Unauthorized Practice Sparks Legal Action

In February, the Manitoba Chiropractors Association took the unusual step of filing a court application against Rutherford. The move came after evidence showed he was still providing chiropractic treatments despite having agreed to retire and relinquish his licence in October 2024. The association sought a court order to stop him from falsely representing himself as a chiropractor.

Justice Theodor Bock of the Manitoba Court of King's Bench issued the order on March 5, barring Rutherford from practising chiropractic or using any related title until October 23, 2029. The judge’s order shows serious concern about Rutherford ignoring the rules and the risk he poses to the public.

Long History of Misconduct

Rutherford, 77, has been practising in Manitoba since 1992 but has accumulated multiple professional misconduct incidents. According to court documents and affidavits from the chiropractors’ association, his infractions include treating eye conditions like macular degeneration—claims outside the scope of chiropractic care. He also faced allegations of financial exploitation, improper billing practices, and failing to maintain mandatory liability insurance.

One notable episode in 2019 resulted in a six-month suspension after Rutherford admitted to taking financial advantage of an elderly patient. More recently, he admitted in 2024 to improper record-keeping, which led to his agreement to retire and give up his licence. Despite these acknowledgements, Rutherford continued treating patients, defying the regulatory body’s restrictions.

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Evidence of Continued Practice

Information from an insurance company revealed Rutherford charged two patients $50 each for treatments earlier this year. This alerted the regulatory association, which then orchestrated an undercover operation. On January 29, a regulatory administrator posing as a potential patient called Rutherford’s clinic, Wellness on Court, and was told by a man identifying himself as Dr.

Rutherford that new patients were being accepted.

Shortly after, Rutherford received a cease and desist letter demanding he stop practising immediately. Yet, in February, a private investigator hired by the association visited the clinic and received chiropractic services from Rutherford. The former chiropractor treated the investigator with back massage and minor adjustments, charging $50 for the session.

During this visit, Rutherford reportedly said he was still working regular hours and planned to continue seeing patients for several more months before retiring. He expressed disdain for the regulatory board, claiming they lacked competence. These remarks highlight the strained relationship between Rutherford and the Manitoba Chiropractors Association.

Regulatory and Public Safety Concerns

Dana Forster, the executive director of the Manitoba Chiropractors Association, emphasized Rutherford’s history of ignoring regulatory requirements. She pointed out that providing chiropractic care without a licence exposes patients to risks and undermines public trust in health professions. The association’s court action reflects a commitment to upholding professional standards and protecting the public.

Rutherford didn't appear in court for the order and reportedly told an association staffer he no longer cared about their demands, indicating a refusal to comply. At the time of the court proceedings, he was recovering from a stroke and claimed he wouldn't practise further. Still, the court’s prohibition explicitly covers the coming years to prevent any future unauthorised practice.

This case shows how tough it can be for regulators to keep professionals in line when they decide to break the rules. It raises questions about how to stop unlicensed practice and keep patients safe.

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The court banned Rutherford until 2029 to protect people in Manitoba from unlicensed chiropractic care. Rutherford’s ongoing defiance shows how hard it is for regulators to police health professionals and why quick legal action is necessary when rules are broken.

This article was created with AI assistance.