Preventing and Addressing Sexual Abuse of Patients April 2015 | Page 14

patient information and support CON’T

•  o ensure victims of sexual abuse are supported throughout the application
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for funding process, staff members follow-up with potential applicants to
ensure they have the support required to complete the application for funding.
Applicants are supported throughout the application review process.

3. investigations
Past Recommendations:
•  here there is more than one third-party complaint about a physician, the
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physician’s file should be brought to the attention of the Registrar and the
Executive Committee for a review of the evidence available and a decision on
whether an investigation should be initiated.
•  n sexual abuse complaints, colleges should begin an investigation by
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immediately seizing patient’s medical records and any other relevant materials,
with a search warrant if required, without prior notice to the physician.
•  ll complaints regarding sexual abuse should be given priority and fast-tracked
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by the College.
Rationale: The process of making a complaint of sexual abuse is not easy for
patients; efficiencies in the process should be implemented to minimize the impact
on patients; cases need to be resolved quickly to protect patients and maintain public
trust.
ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE COLLEGE:
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  he College has started sexual abuse investigations without the patient’s name
based on third party reports or otherwise by taking the matter to the Registrar
and starting a Registrar’s investigation.

Measures taken by the CPSO

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