Protecting and eMpowering
Improving Our Own Processes
20
1
Make more accessible the information and resources on our website about
sexual abuse. This includes developing an educational brochure that encourages
patients to come forward with complaints about sexual abuse and provides
information about the College’s investigation and discipline processes. We have
also set general rights and responsibilities for both patients and physicians
during medical encounters. The document specifically address sexual abuse and
boundary issues by outlining what to expect during a physical or intimate exam.
2
Establish a specialized Inquires, Complaints and Reports panel (which oversees
investigations) to enhance consistency in obtaining penalty and settlement
instructions.
3
Determine through policy when information-sharing with the police may be
appropriate.
4
Establish a framework for guiding decisions to accept or order gender-based
restrictions on a physician’s certificate.
5
Adopt a framework for training and education that focuses on maintaining
appropriate physician-patient boundaries and preventing sexual abuse. This
framework will set out educational opportunities for a wide range of audiences/
learners (i.e., physicians, medical trainees, College staff, Council and committee
members, and the public).
COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS OF ONTARIO