POLICY MATTERS
Change in Scope or Evolution of Practice?
EXTERNAL
CONSULTATION
Examples of changes in scope of practice When there is a change to one of the factors
that have been considered significant by set out in the definition of scope of practice
the College include but are not limited to: but the change is not significant, the College
considers this to be an evolution in practice.
A family physician who wishes to An evolution in practice is characterized by
perform cosmetic surgical procedures; the gradual development or progression
primarily practise and receive referrals
for psychotherapy, disorders of the skin,
or palliative care;
area in keeping with the direction of the
specialty. An evolution in practice may
include narrowing or limiting a practice,
# OF RESPONDENTS:
performance of innovative techniques or
A family physician who wishes to
procedures or prescribing new medications
practise components of fertility
40
within the context of a specialty.
medicine;
A physician who practises in chronic
pain management but who wishes
to practise in interventional pain
Examples include:
A family physician who, within their
general area of training, decides to
management;
BREAKDOWN OF
RESPONDENTS:
narrow the focus of their practice to
A psychiatrist who wishes to practise in women’s health issues;
sleep medicine; An emergency medicine physician who
A neurosurgeon who wishes to practise is incorporating bedside ultrasound into
in palliative care; their practice; or
An orthopedic surgeon who wishes to The transition from a solo practice to a
practise in family medicine; Family Health Team.
An emergency medicine physician who
wishes to practise in sports medicine;
A physician who has been working in
primary care in a developing country
wishes to return to Ontario;
80% PHYSICIANS
12% ORGANIZATIONS
8% PUBLIC
If physicians are uncertain about whether
they are required to report an intention
to change their scope of practice or an
CHANGES MADE IN
RESPONSE TO
FEEDBACK:
intention to re-enter practice, they should
contact the Inquiries Section in the
A physician who wishes to relocate Applications and Credentials Department of
from an urban, academic practice to a the College for further guidance at 416-967-
rural, underserviced area. 2617 or by email at [email protected].
YES
NO
MD
Three things to know about the Ensuring Competence Policy
Physicians must report an
intention to change their
scope of practice and/or
to re-enter practice after
an absence of two years or
more.
26
September 14th, 2017
– December 4th, 2017
of a physician’s practice within a certain
A family physician who wishes to
1
DATES HELD:
DIALOGUE ISSUE 1, 2018
2
All physicians who wish to change
their scope of practice and/or re-enter
practice must participate in a College
review process to demonstrate their
competence in the area in which they
intend to practise.
3
Physicians must not
practise in a new scope of
practice or re-enter practice
unless the College has
approved their request.