discussion as we move forward – such as looking at how to make
the information on our website more accessible to non-Englishspeaking patients, exploring opportunities to expand the education
of trainees, physicians, College staff, and our committee members,
and finding ways to optimize our committee decision-making. We
are also re-assessing our practice of imposing gender-based restrictions on a physician’s certificate of registration.
The conversation will begin with an external consultation on draft
principles that articulate the College’s approach to sexual abuse matters.
The content is informed by the College’s mandate, the principles set out
in the College’s current policy on Maintaining Appropriate Boundaries
and Preventing Sexual Abuse, and previous Council discussions.
Investigations
Sometimes, the College will receive information that raises possible
concerns with a physician’s care or behaviour. A duty of medical
regulation is to investigate such concerns.
The Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) investigates all concerns into physician care, conduct, and capacity. This
includes public complaint investigations, broader practice (Registrar’s) investigations, and incapacity investigations.
Registrar’s investigations and incapacity investigations remain
small in numbers proportional to public complaints (please see chart
below). They are, however, often more intricate than most patientinitiated complaints, which require looking at that patient’s medical
record and relevant information related to the patient’s (complainant’s) concerns. Registrar’s investigations include a review of charts
by an external assessor, interviews, and, sometimes, observation.
Incapacity investigations include various types of external health assessments, interviews, and review of records.
New Matters (Investigations)
2013
New Matters
2014
N
3,497
%
100%
N
3,520
%
100%
859
25%
695
20%
2,294
66%
2,361
67%
Registrar’s Investigations
280
8%
380
11%
Incapacity Investigations
64
2%
84
2%
Intake
Public Complaints
As of December 31st, 2014
Annual Report 2014 21