Right-Touch Regulation 2021
Discipline
In September 2021 , the CPSO Discipline Committee became the Ontario Physicians and Surgeons Discipline Tribunal ( OPSDT ) — a move that better signals its neutrality and independence from the College .
To date , every decision in a hearing held by the new disciplinary body has been released well in advance of the 84-day benchmark . What ’ s more , enhanced case management is seeing earlier and faster resolution of prehearing disputes , avoiding adjournments and leading to shorter hearings . to vary previous fitness orders are unique , involving highly personal matters that may include challenging physical or mental conditions , and the Committee must be prepared for any referrals . The stakes are high in terms of protection of the public and consequences to the physician .
The Tribunal also has its own bilingual website , separate from the College ’ s .
As part of its modernization , Council appointed five experienced adjudicators to the Tribunal , who sit with physicians and public members in hearing discipline cases .
The changes modernize the discipline process by creating efficiencies and improving dispute resolution techniques . It also more clearly defines the discipline function as independent of the College , inspiring more confidence from the public and members .
In 2021 , 37 discipline case were completed .
Fitness to Practise ( FTP )
No matters were referred to the FTP Committee in 2021 and there were no ongoing matters from earlier years . For this reason , the FTP Committee did not engage in its core activities of pre-hearings and hearings .
Referrals to the FTP Committee have been infrequent in recent years . However , we recognize that the issues involved in FTP hearings and motions
The leadership , membership and administration of the FTP Committee are the same as those of the Tribunal . Any FTP cases will be heard by a panel led by an experienced adjudicator . All the experienced adjudicators have expertise in mental health , having been members of the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario , Consent and Capacity Board and / or Ontario Review Board .
We remain committed to ensuring timely and efficient adjudication of FTP matters , should any be received .
17 CPSO ANNUAL REPORT 2021