FROM THE REGISTRAR’ S DESK
and Preventing Sexual Abuse policy.
Psychotherapy practice is unique, particularly in regard to the depth and nature of the dependency and the degree of trust involved. This practice may include frequent visits, disclosure of highly personal or intimate information and protracted care. Emotional dependence on the physician is significant and risk of harm is substantial if boundary violations occur. Those choosing to practise psychotherapy are expected to understand the inherent risks of such therapy such as transference and countertransference and to be able to respond appropriately.
It is important to note that Council’ s draft regulation speaks to instances in which mandatory revocation would be authorized. The Discipline Committee would however, retain its ability to impose revocation on a discretionary basis in other instances. For example, should the Discipline Committee find a physician engaged in a sexual relationship with a former psychotherapeutic patient six years after termination, the Committee would have the discretion to order revocation if appropriate to the circumstances.
The enactment of our proposed regulation requires government participation and approval. We will work with the new government to develop concurrent consultation plans and keep you in the loop regarding all changes.
*** As many of you already know, physicians who
wish to prescribe methadone no longer require a federal exemption. Previously, physicians were required to be formally exempt from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in order to prescribe the medication( section 56).
Even though the requirement to obtain an exemption has been lifted, the College’ s expectation in the near term is that physicians who choose to enter this area of practice will first ensure that they have the appropriate knowledge and training. Methadone is an important tool in the treatment of both pain and opioid use disorder, but it is not without its risks. In recognition of the public safety risk that methadone represents if not prescribed appropriately for opioid disorder, the College will continue to expect physicians to receive training, be assessed, notify the College of their intention to prescribe methadone, and adhere to the Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program’ s Standards and Clinical Guidelines. For more detailed information please read page 34.
Over the next few months, the College will be looking closely at our longer term approach to oversight of opioid prescribing more generally. And methadone prescribing, in light of this changing environment, will be a part of our work. We will continue to update you on developments in this area.
*** On a different note, I’ d like to thank the
many assessors who made our biannual assessor conference such a success with their enthusiasm and commitment to doing the best job possible in providing guidance to their peers. More than 500 participants attended the two-day event to share their experiences, discuss how to enhance the assessment experience for physicians, and listen to some guest speakers. It was a truly energizing event and I thank everyone for their contribution.
*** By the time, you receive this magazine in the
mail, our new Registrar, Dr. Nancy Whitmore, will have arrived at the College( effective June 4, 2018). Some of you will have the opportunity to personally meet Dr. Whitmore and I know that she will work hard through Dialogue and many other means to engage with physicians and the public in the coming months. MD
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DIALOGUE ISSUE 2, 2018