Preventing and Addressing Sexual Abuse of Patients April 2015 | Page 9

4. Funding for Therapy and Counselling
•  ince 1994, the College has provided funding for therapy and counselling to patients who have been
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sexually abused by their physician. To date, 145 (92%) applications for funding have been approved; a
total of $1,597,835.00 has been awarded, and $1,006,893.94 has been paid out.
•  e have also advocated for and implemented a number of changes to help support victims of sexual
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abuse, and improve the overall administration of the program. Some examples include:

i. Going above and beyond the eligibility criteria set out in the RHPA to provide funding for
therapy in situations where there is no Discipline finding.

ii. 
The PRC has approved funding for a wide range of therapies and therapists/counsellors to
support eligible applicants’ ability to select the therapist/counsellor they believe will best meet
their unique needs.

iii. 
The College decided to go beyond the five-year time frame restriction set out in the legislation
to allow eligible applicants as much time as they need to use the funding they have been
awarded.

iv. 
The College webpage regarding the funding program is updated regularly. The information
on the webpage is designed to be clear, accessible and comprehensive, and Frequently Asked
Questions have been added as an additional resource.

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

vi.  ensure applications for funding are reviewed in a timely manner, an additional Committee
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member was added to the PRC in 2012. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks of receipt.

vii. 
Ongoing training is provided to the PRC to ensure Committee members are familiar with the
legislative provisions regarding its mandate and the funding program. The PRC is composed of
both members of the public and physicians.

Measures taken by the CPSO

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