Report Streamlining the Physician Complaints Process in Ontario /

THE CONDUCT OF THE REVIEW PROCESS 7. As I was invited to by my Terms of Reference, I have engaged in an interative process of interaction with the main players in the physician complaints process, the CPSO and the CMPA. [...] The object was to develop: (a) an understanding of the process as embodied in the constituent framework, and as it operates on the ground; (b) a qualitative appreciation of the stresses, bottlenecks and resource demanding aspects of the process; and (c) as far as possible, a body of empirical evidence regarding the progression of cases through the system, from intake to disposition. [...] If the panel finds a physician has committed an act of professional misconduct, it can also make an order: (a) requiring the physician to appear before the panel to be reprimanded; (b) requiring the physician to pay a fine of not more than $35,000 to the Minister of Finance; and (c) if the act of professional misconduct was the sexual abuse of a patient, requiring the physician to reimburse the Co [...] If a case is subject to an outright dismissal, the complainant is sent a letter by the Complaints Director outlining the reasons for the dismissal, and advising of the right of appeal. [...] First, the process focuses on the complainant and the member, without regard to the critical public interest role of the CPSO itself.