| Physicians who suffer from addictions may come to the attention of the CPSA in several ways. Self report on registration, yearly renewal or at time of determination, reports from colleagues or health care regions or following discipline. Continuing Care Contracts are used to allow monitoring of physicians with health problems, to place personal or practice restrictions on the physician and/or to comply with decisions made as a result of discipline. The requirements are designed to minimize risk to patients and to encourage the physician to attend to his/her health needs. Compliance with the contract is a condition of registration and failure to comply can result in referral to the Complaints Director. Physicians will be encouraged to consult with legal counsel before agreeing to the terms of the contract. This will ensure that the appropriate balance between protection of the public and the physician's rights are considered. The contract consists of four sections: - The first outlines the authority and general requirements of the contract.
- Personal limitations: This outlines recommendations by the treating physicians and/or recommendations from any treatment centres.
- Practice restrictions: Practice restrictions can result from an Order of Council following discipline, from recommendations from assessment and treatment or through negotiation with the physician. They are primarily to designed to protect the public but health issues can also be considered. For example, restriction in on-call responsibilities or restriction of prescribing certain medications.
- Financial: This outlines the fees associated with the contract and any other financial matters with the College; for example, repayment of costs related to discipline.
The existence of a Continuing Care Contract will be noted on Certificates of Professional Conduct when requested. Physicians asking for a Certificate of Professional Conduct when obtaining privileges with a health region or when applying for registration in another jurisdiction must be aware that this will be disclosed. Under requirements outlined in the Health Professions Act, practice restrictions will be noted on the practice permit. The normal term of Continuing Care Contracts will be five years. A shorter or longer time may be considered in individual cases. The five year term is consistent with most other regulatory bodies in North America. |