LEGISLATION
The Impact of Bill 87
What does the Protecting Patients Act mean for physicians?
B
ill 87, which was passed in May 2017, is an
important piece of legislation for Ontario’s
patients and for all health regulatory colleges
who regulate Ontario’s health professions in
the public interest.
Bill 87, the Protecting Patients Act strengthens the
sexual abuse and transparency provisions in the Regu-
lated Health Professions Act (RHPA), and changes how
we move forward in the complaints, investigation and
discipline processes.
Throughout our own Sexual Abuse Initiative, the Col-
lege has expressed its commitment to protect patients
from sexual abuse by physicians. We reviewed and
improved our processes and practices, and will continue
to look for opportunities to ensure patients have the
support and information they need.
Some of the amendments contained in Bill 87 are
now in force. Other changes have yet to be proclaimed,
with many of these changes likely coming into effect
when the Minister utilizes new regulation-making
authority. We report below on the provisions that we
believe will have the greatest impact on physicians.
PROVISIONS NOW IN FORCE:
Mandatory Revocation
The list of acts of sexual abuse specified in the Code that
will result in mandatory revocation has been expanded.
The added acts include: touching of the patient’s geni-
tals, anus, breasts or buttocks (subject to the clinically
appropriate exception). These acts will be subject to the
ISSUE 3, 2017 DIALOGUE
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