Privacy Concerns
The College recognizes that it is essential that we do what is
necessary to protect the privacy of those involved in the
complaints and investigation process and to respect the
confidentiality of information we collect.
The College takes steps to:
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limit the information that we collect to that which is relevant
and necessary for a thorough investigation of concerns that are
brought to our attention; and
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ensure that information concerning complaints and investigations
is kept confidential.
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We suggest that complainants and physicians take their own steps
to protect their privacy such as when making or responding to a
complaint, providing detailed information regarding precisely what
aspect of the care or conduct is of concern and the time frame
during which the pertinent events occurred so that the
investigation can focus on only that which is relevant
Some of the steps the College takes include:
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We require all staff and committee members and consultants
retained to assist in an investigation to sign confidentiality
agreements which reinforce the strict confidentiality obligations
The
Medical Act imposes on them.
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Although the College has authority to access medical information
to investigate a complaint, our practice is to request that
complainants sign our
Authorization for Release of Medical
Information Form, which we use to obtain medical
information from the physician who is the subject of the complaint
and other physicians or health care professionals and health care
facilities involved in your care.
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All inquiries about active complaints and investigations from
members of the public are handled in the following manner:
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The College will neither confirm nor deny that a complaint has
been received or that an investigation is under way, unless it is
necessary for the purpose of the
College's investigation.
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We will not provide any information to anyone other than
complainants or the physicians who are the subject of a complaint,
including anyone who claims to be inquiring on their behalf, other
than their legal counsel, unless it is necessary for the purpose of
the College's investigtion.
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The meetings of Complaints and Investigation Committees at which
complaints are considered are not open to the public.
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The decisions of the Complaints and Investigation Committees are
not made available to the public, with the exception of Censures in
respect to which our Publication
Policies are applied.
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If a complaint leads to formal charges against a physician,
complainants and others with relevant information may be asked to
participate in an Inquiry as witnesses. Hearings before
Inquiry Panels are usually open to the public and the decisions
that follow are published. However, decisions do not
ordinarily identify patient names and where sensitive information
is involved:
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For detailed information about what is published, see our
Publication
Policies.
