FEATURE
Accepting New Patients – 5 Things to Know About Proposed Policy Draft
The College’ s Accepting New Patients policy is currently under review in accordance with the College’ s regular policy review cycle. The policy sets out physicians’ professional and legal obligations when accepting new patients.
A new draft policy has been developed based on research undertaken, a broad preliminary consultation on the current policy, and a public opinion poll conducted using a representative sample of Ontarians.
We’ ve just launched a consultation on the draft policy and want to get your feedback. Visit our website at www. cpso. on. ca to read the full draft and provide your comments.
Below are five highlights of the new draft: photo: istockphoto. com
1
Reminds physicians that when making decisions about accepting new patients into practice they must do so in a manner that is fair, transparent, and respectful of the rights, autonomy, dignity and diversity of all prospective patients.
2
States explicitly that it is inappropriate for physicians to use introductory tools like‘ meet and greet appointments’ and medical questionnaires to vet prospective patients and determine whether to accept those patients into their practice. Doing so may be considered discrimination against prospective patients under Ontario law.
3
Maintains the expectation contained in the current policy that physicians follow the firstcome, first-served approach when accepting new patients. In doing so, physicians help to ensure that they are fulfilling their legal obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code, which entitles every Ontario resident to health services free from discrimination.
4
Provides two limited circumstances where physicians are justified in deviating from the first-come, first-served approach when accepting new patients. These exceptions include: when caring for higher need and complex patients, and existing patients’ family members. The draft policy reminds physicians that any decision to prioritize a patient’ s access to care must be made in good faith.
5
Clarifies that the policy applies to all physicians, and those acting on their behalf, regardless of practice area or speciality.
Issue 4, 2016 Dialogue 9