REPORTS FROM COUNCIL
could apply in instances where a Committee
requires the extension of an appointment for
a particular member that exceeds the appli-
cable term limit but is required to maintain
stability and effective functioning of the
Committee.
Complaint Process Improvements
In her report to Council, Dr. Nancy Whit-
more, the College’s Registrar/CEO, reported
on several key performance indicators.
Specifically, we are continuing to see prog-
ress in our complaints process timelines. Most
notably, the time to resolve a complaint has
decreased by 37% over a one-year period and
we have increased the number of complaints
managed through early resolution (ADR)
by 169% over the same one-year period. We
have also reduced the time it takes to write an
ICRC decision from 26 weeks to five weeks.
In regard to our discipline process, we have
reduced the time to release a discipline deci-
sion by 51%. We are committed to continu-
ing our work in improving our processes here
at the College and will keep you updated on
our progress.
Dr. Whitmore also reported that the Qual-
ity Improvement pilot project has attracted
14
DIALOGUE ISSUE 3, 2019
278 interested physicians who volunteered to
participate. The project is now underway and
will be complete by the end of 2019. She also
reported on initiatives to more meaningfully
engage with the public and physicians.
Dr. Whitmore also announced Dialogue
will soon have a digital version. The first issue
will be arriving in physicians’ inboxes in the
new year.
Continuity of Care Policies Approved
Following an extended six-month consulta-
tion and significant stakeholder engagement,
the College’s Continuity of Care policies
were approved. The policies were substantially
changed in response to the significant feed-
back received from stakeholders during the
consultation. The four inter-related policies
include: Availability and Coverage, Manag-
ing Tests, Transitions in Care and Walk-in
Clinics. The policies are an essential compo-
nent of patient-centred care and an impor-
tant contributor to patient safety. As the
burden on the health-care system increases
and becomes more complex, the information
exchange across different parts of the health-
care system becomes increasingly important.
Please see the article on page 9 for more
information.
Closing a Medical Practice
After an external consultation, Council
approved a policy that describes the steps a
physician must take when closing his or her
practice in order to minimize the impact on