POLICY MATTERS
Physicians are expected to:
Prepare for the occurrence of public health emergencies. This includes engaging in training and simulation exercises.
Make reasonable efforts to stay informed during public health emergencies.
Be available to provide medical care and / or other physician services during public health emergencies.
Document patient encounters to the extent to which the specific circumstances allow.
Only practise outside of their scope of practice on a temporary basis during public health emergencies when specific circumstances are met.
mends that physicians participate in simulation exercises and other emergency planning and preparation activities, and take advantage of training offered to them for tasks which they may be required to perform during a public health emergency,” states the policy. The policy defines a public health emergency as“ a current or impending situation that constitutes a danger of major proportions with the potential to result in serious harm to the health of the public, and is usually caused by forces of nature, a disease or other health risk, an accident or an act whether intentional or otherwise.” Such an emergency would be declared by governments and public health authorities at the federal, provincial and municipal level. Throughout the consultations on the policy, participants raised a number of related issues, such as temporary licensure and hospital privileges, death and disability insurance, compensation, and the role of residents and medical students. These topics will be addressed in a companion document to the policy which will be posted on the website. MD
WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK
Closing a Medical Practice Policy – Consultation
A draft of the Closing a Medical Practice policy has been approved by Council for external consultation. This draft policy is an update to the current policy and sets out expectations for physicians when permanently closing a medical practice.
We are now inviting feedback on the draft policy from all stakeholders, including members of the medical profession, the public, health-system organizations, and other health professionals. Visit the dedicated consultation page at www. cpso. on. ca to view further information and provide your feedback.
You can also email your thoughts to: practicemanagement @ cpso. on. ca
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DIALOGUE ISSUE 1, 2018