This is an official version. Copyright © 2005: Queen's Printer, Important Information
Statutes of Newfoundland and Labrador
AN ACT RESPECTING THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE IN THE PROVINCE (Assented to Analysis 1. Short title 2. Definitions 3. Association continued 4. Objects 5. Application of Corporations Act 6. Membership 7. College continued 8. Council of college 9. Annual meeting 10. College officers 11. Quorum 12. By-laws 13. Regulations 14. Fees 15. Medical register 16. Qualification for registration 17. Register of specialists 18. Educational register 19. Registers 20. Statements may require attestational oath or affirmation 21. Appeal to Trial Division 22. Licence to practise 23. Provisional licences 24. Validity of certificates 25. Definitions 26. Professional corporation 27. Corporate register 28. Annual licence 29. Revocation of licence 30. Refusal to register or issue licence 31. Effect of incorporation 32. Liability of medical practitioner 33. Misconduct of a professional medical corporation 34. Definitions 35. Committees 36. Report by member 37. Allegation 38. Effect of filing allegation 39. Complaints authorization committee 40. Adjudication tribunal 41. Hearing 42. Copies of books, etc. as evidence 43. Guilty plea by respondent 44. Powers of adjudication tribunal 45. Filing and publication of decisions 46. De-registration and suspension 47. Failure to comply 48. Reinstatement and readmission 49. Costs of the college 50. Collection of fine 51. Appeal 52. Peer assessment committee 53. Agreement 54. Peer assessment program 55. Assessors 56. Assessment 57. Report and compliance 58. Costs 59. Termination of assessment 60. Annual report 61. Disclosure of information not required 62. Other documents 63. Evidence in disciplinary matter 64. Emergency treatments: liability 65. Protection from liability 66. Use of tamper resistant prescription drug pads 67. Conflicting legislation 68. Offence 69. Transition 70. RSNL1990 c M-4 Rep. 71. Commencement Be it enacted by the Lieutenant-Governor and
House of Assembly in Legislative Session convened, as follows: Short title 1. This
Act may be cited as the Medical Act,
2005. Definitions 2. In
this Act (a) "assessment" means an assessment
directed by the peer assessment committee under the peer assessment program; (b) "assessor" means an assessor
appointed by the peer assessment committee under section 55; (c) "association" means the (d) "college" means the college
continued under section 7; (e) "council" means the council referred to in section 8; (f) "educational register" means the
Educational Register of the (g) "licence" means a licence issued
under this Act to engage in the practice of medicine, and where the context so
admits, includes a provisional licence; (h) "licensing authorities" means the college,
the (i) "medical practitioner" means a
person who is registered in the medical register or who holds or has held a
licence; (j) "medical register" means the (k) "medical societies" means the (l) "minister" means the minister
appointed under the Executive Council Act
to administer this Act; (m) "peer assessment committee" means a
committee established under section 52; (n) "peer assessment program" means the
peer assessment program established under section 54;
(o) "practice of medicine" means the
practice of medicine or surgery on the human body, and includes cardiology,
dermatology, geriatrics, gynecology, neurology, obstetrics, ophthalmology,
orthopedics, pathology, pediatrics, psychiatry and radiology and other
specialities and subspecialties of medicine; (p) "professional medical corporation" means a corporation that is permitted by this Act to provide the services of a medical practitioner; (q) "record" means a record of
information in any form, and includes information that is written, photographed
or stored in any manner, but does not include a computer program or a mechanism
that produced records on any storage medium; (r) "register of specialists" means the
Specialists' Register of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland
and Labrador referred to in section 17; and (r) "registrar" means the medical
practitioner appointed as registrar under section 10.
Association continued 3. The
Objects 4. The
objects of the association are (a) to promote and advance medical and related
arts and sciences in all their branches, to increase the knowledge, skill,
standard and proficiency of its members in the practice of medicine, and to
maintain the honour and integrity of the medical profession; (b) to help in the furtherance of measures
designed to improve health and prevent disease and disability; (c) to co-operate with and to help public and
private medical associations, agencies and commissions properly engaged in the
task of providing or financing medical and health services of all kinds; (d) to promote measures designed to improve
standards of hospital and medical services; and (e) to improve the welfare and social standards of
its members and encourage the co-operation of its members in the protection of
their legal and equitable rights. Application of Corporations Act 5. Notwithstanding
its continuation as a corporation under this Act, the Corporations Act applies to the association and it shall be
governed by that Act for all purposes, including a change of name of the association.
Membership 6. All
persons, who (a) are holders of a licence; and (b) pay the fee for membership shall, notwithstanding anything contained
in the by-laws, be members of the association and shall have full voting rights
in the association. College continued 7. (1) The Newfoundland Medical Board is continued under the name of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador as a corporation without share capital for the purpose of Part XXI of the Corporations Act. (2) All persons who hold a licence issued under this Act are members of the college. Council of college 8. (1) The
council shall consist of (a) 7 medical practitioners, referred to in this
Act as "elected members", who hold a current licence and are elected
by secret ballot in accordance with the by-laws, 4 of whom shall be medical
practitioners who live in or carry on the practice of medicine in the region of
the City of Mount Pearl and the City of St. John's and 3 of whom shall be
medical practitioners who live in or carry on the practice of medicine in the
remainder of the province; (b) 4 persons appointed by the minister, 3 of whom
shall not be medical practitioners, who are suitable to represent the public
interest, and one of whom shall be appointed from a list of not less than 3
nominees submitted by the Board of Regents of the Memorial University of
Newfoundland; and (c) 2 medical practitioners appointed by the
minister, both of whom shall be appointed from a list of not less than 4 nominees
submitted by the association. (2) Where a vacancy occurs in the membership of
the council as a result of the death, retirement, resignation or incapacity to
act of that member, the vacancy shall be filled (a) in the case of an elected member, by secret
ballot in accordance with the by-laws; and (b) in the case of another member, by appointment
in the manner provided in paragraph (1)(b) or (c). (3) When a vacancy is filled under subsection (2),
the person filling the vacancy shall serve only for the remainder of the term
of office of the member being replaced, and that person is eligible for re-election
or reappointment. (4) A member of the council shall be elected or
appointed for a term of 3 years and is eligible for re-election or
re-appointment, but a member shall not serve on the council for a continuous
period exceeding 9 years. (5) Notwithstanding subsection (4), (a) an elected member is eligible for appointment
to the council under paragraph (1)(c); and (b) a member appointed under paragraph (1)(c) is
eligible for election as an elected member, notwithstanding that the period of
membership may be for a continuous period exceeding 9 years. (6) Where the term of office of a member of the council expires and a successor has not been elected or appointed, that member may continue to hold office until a successor is elected or appointed but time served by that member under this subsection shall not be counted for the purpose of subsection (4). (7) The council governs the college and may
exercise the powers of the college in the name and on behalf of the college. (8) A decision or action of the council under this
Act whether that decision was made before or after the coming into force of
this subsection, is not invalid or ineffective by reason only of a defect or
invalidity in the (a) regulatory requirement concerning the election
of council members; (b) regulatory requirement concerning the
qualifications of a council member; or (c) constitution of the council. Annual meeting 9. (1) The college shall hold an annual general meeting at a time and place in the province that the council may determine, and may hold other meetings during each year within St. John's upon the request of the chairperson, or the registrar, or of 3 members of the council. (2) At its annual general meeting the college shall (a) appoint an auditor to audit the accounts of the college and to report on the financial statements of the college; and (b) consider and vote on those other matters
required by the by-laws. (3) The council shall prepare and submit to the
minister before July 1 (a) a report on the activities of the college; and (b) the college's audited financial statements. (4) Where the council fails to comply with subsection (3), the college is guilty of an offence and on summary conviction may be fined $1,000. College officers 10. (1) At
a meeting for the purpose, held in accordance with the by-laws, the council shall
elect from its members (a) a chairperson who shall preside over meetings
of the college and the council, (b) a vice-chairperson who shall, in the absence
of the chairperson, preside over meetings of the college and the council, and (c) a deputy registrar who shall, during the
absence of the registrar, carry out the functions and duties of the registrar. (2) The council shall appoint a medical
practitioner to be registrar, either from among the members of the council or
outside the council and where the registrar is not an elected member he or she
shall not have a vote. (3) The registrar shall carry out the duties
imposed upon the registrar by this Act and shall control all matters relating
to the finances of the college, including the receipt of all money paid to the college,
and the making of disbursements on behalf of the college. (4) The registrar is, by virtue of the office, a
member of the council where he or she is appointed from outside the council and
in that case he or she is not subject to subsection 8(4).
(5) Where the registrar and deputy registrar are appointed
from among the members of the council they may, with the approval of the
minister, be exempted from subsection 8(4). (6) At meetings of the council, each member of the
council shall have one vote and in the case of a tie, the chairperson or, in the
absence of the chairperson, the vice-chairperson shall have a second or casting
vote. (7) Except where prohibited in the by-laws, a
member of the council may, where all the members of the council consent,
participate in a meeting of the council by means of the telephone or other telecommunication
device that permits all persons participating in the meeting to communicate
with each other. Quorum 11. Six
members of the council, one of whom is a member appointed by the minister to
represent the public interest, shall constitute a quorum for a meeting. By-laws 12. (1) The
council may make by-laws (a) providing for the holding and procedure of its and the college's meetings; (b) providing for a quorum for a meeting of the
college and the matters of business that may be addressed and voted on at a
meeting of the college; (c) providing for the election of members of the
council under paragraph 8(1)(a); (d) respecting the participation of members of the
council in a meeting of the council by telephone or other telecommunications device
under subsection 10(7); (e) respecting the maintenance of the medical
register and the form and contents of it; (f) respecting the maintenance of the register of
specialists and the educational register and the form and content of each
register; (g) respecting the remuneration, and allowances
payable to members of the council for attending meetings and for carrying out
the functions of the council under this Act, with power to prescribe different
rates for different members and different functions; (h) respecting the appointment, termination and
duties of staff; (i) respecting the remuneration and payment of
travel expenses of members of adjudication tribunals; (j) establishing a code of ethics which shall include (i) a definition of "professional misconduct" and "conduct unbecoming a medical practitioner" for the purposes of sections 34 to 51, (ii) standards governing the practice of medicine, including standards of professional competence and of capacity and fitness to practise, and (iii) rules respecting methods of advertising; (k) providing for voting at meetings of the college and the council; (l) respecting the issuance and term of certificates and licences; (m) respecting the information and verification of
information required of applicants for registration or licensing; and (n) generally, to assist in the administration of this Act and the regulations. (2) A by-law may be made, amended or repealed at a
meeting of the council if 30 days notice, or the shorter period to which
members of the council may consent, is given of the intention to make, amend or
repeal a by-law, and of the meeting, to the members of the council. (3) The council shall have the by-laws available
for inspection by the public on reasonable notice and at reasonable hours. Regulations 13. (1) The
council may, with the approval of the minister, make regulations respecting (a) the conduct and nature of examinations,
including the subjects for examinations; (b) the registration of persons under this Act; (c) the education and practice experience requirements for licensing of medical practitioners; (d) the requirement of persons licensed to practise
medicine or admitted on to a register to carry professional liability insurance; (e) the temporary registration and licensing of
medical practitioners for particular purposes including the undertaking of
special projects or procedures which, in the opinion of the council, warrant
that temporary registration and licensing; (f) the education and practice experience requirements
for registration of specialists and of students, with power to adopt requirements
set by recognized medical bodies or associations of (g) the circumstances under which a waiver of
registration and licensing may be made for a particular purpose; (h) the issuing and renewal of provisional
licences and the terms and conditions on which those licences may be granted; (i) terms and conditions respecting sponsorship of
a provisional licence holder; (j) the registration and annual licensing of
professional medical corporations; (k) the recognition of medical schools, courses
and examinations for the purposes of registration and licensing; (l) post-graduate training; (m) alternative dispute resolution for the purposes of section 39 and the procedure for that resolution; (n) time limits for events in the disciplinary
process in sections 34 to 51, including time limits for (i) the filing of an allegation, (ii) the resolution of an allegation by the
registrar, (iii) the conduct of an investigation under section 39, (iv) consideration of an allegation by the council following
completion of an investigation, (v) responding to a complainant and respondent at
each stage of the process, (vi) the conduct of a practice investigation under
subparagraph 39(3)(c)(ii), (vii) the appointment of an adjudication tribunal
under section 40, and (viii) the conduct of a hearing and the filing of a
decision or order by an adjudication tribunal following completion of the
hearing; (o) peer review and assessment of medical
practitioners; (p) the appointment of the peer assessment committee
under section 52; (q) agreements made under section 53 including required clauses for those agreements respecting peer assessment committees, cost sharing, budgets, reports, representation on the peer assessment committee, incorporation and the administration of the peer assessment committee and program; and (r) the giving effect generally to the purpose of this Act. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the minister
may make regulations to prescribe time limits for events in the disciplinary
process under sections 34 to 51 where the council does not do so in a time period
the minister considers reasonable. Fees 14. The
council may set fees for the purposes of this Act. Medical register 15. The
registrar shall maintain a medical register known as the Qualification for
registration 16. (1)
A person who has (a) fulfilled the educational requirements
prescribed by the regulations before entering upon the study of medicine; (b) completed the entire course of studies
required by, and holds a medical degree or diploma in medicine from, a
university, college or school of medicine recognized and approved by the council; (c) completed post-graduate training that may be required
by the regulations; (d) provided to the council evidence of
identification satisfactory to it; and (e) produced to the council a certificate of good
standing from the responsible officer of a medical body having jurisdiction in
the place at which the person may previously have been licensed, and
satisfactory evidence that the benefit of that licensure has not been lost by
misconduct or for another cause, is entitled to registration in the medical
register upon payment of the fee for registration fixed by the council. (2) The council may require an applicant for
registration to pass an examination certifying fitness and competence to engage
in the practice of medicine and that examination shall be conducted by a board of
examiners appointed by the council and approved by the minister. (3) The college may enter into an agreement with a
medical college, association or other body having responsibility for the licensing
of medical practitioners in a province, state or country, providing for the licensing
of persons upon reciprocal terms and conditions that shall be specified in the
agreement, and upon that agreement being entered, and during the currency of
that agreement, an applicant for licensing under this Act, who is licensed in
the jurisdiction with whom the agreement is in force, shall not be required to
pass an examination fixed by the council under subsection (2). (4) Examinations under subsection (2) may (a) be conducted orally or in writing, or both; (b) be held at the times and places; and (c) contain the subject matter that may be prescribed by the regulations. Register of
specialists 17. (1)
The registrar shall maintain a register of specialists known as the Specialists'
Register of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador
in which there shall be entered the name, address, medical qualifications and
other matters required by the by-laws, of each person having the qualifications
necessary for acknowledgement of that person as a specialist in the practice of
medicine for the purpose of a law of the province which makes provisions for specialties
in medicine. (2) A person (a) who has completed a course of training which
has been accepted by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada as
being adequate for admission to examination for certification in a specialty of
medicine and who, following examination, has been granted a fellowship or
equivalent diploma or degree by a college which in the opinion of the council is
equivalent to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada; and (b) who pays the fee for registration fixed by the
council, may be registered in the register of
specialists. (3) A person may be registered in the register of
specialists for a period not exceeding 90 days where the council is satisfied
that the qualifications and experience of that person in the practice of medicine
warrant registration for that period. Educational
register 18. (1)
The registrar shall maintain an educational register to be known as the
Educational Register of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland
and Labrador in which the registrar shall enter the name, address,
qualifications and other matters required by the by-laws of (a) a person who is enrolled as an undergraduate
student in a school of medicine approved by the council and whose registration
under this section is recommended by the Dean of Medicine in that school; or (b) a graduate of a school of medicine approved by
the council who is engaged in post-graduate medical work at a hospital approved
by the council. (2) The registration of a person in the
educational register (a) may be made subject to the terms and
conditions, including conditions as to the payment of fees, that the council
may prescribe; and (b) confers upon the person registered, the right
to practise medicine in the province, but only under supervision and direction
of a medical practitioner. Registers 19. (1) The
registrar shall make the registers maintained by the council available for
inspection by the public on reasonable notice and at reasonable times. (2) A copy of the medical register, educational
register and register of specialists, certified by the registrar, is, in the
absence of evidence to the contrary, evidence in all courts and before all
judges and others, that the persons whose names appear on those registers are
registered in the register in which their names appear, and the absence of the
name of a person from a register is, in the absence of evidence to the
contrary, evidence that the person is not registered in the register in which
the name does not appear. Statements may
require attestational oath or affirmation 20. (1)
The registrar may require an applicant for registration under this Act to
witness upon oath or affirmation, before a commissioner for oaths, evidence
required to satisfy the council for the purpose of registration in the medical
register, educational register or register of specialists. (2) An entry shall not be made in the medical
register, educational register or register of specialists unless the registrar
is reasonably satisfied, by proper and acceptable evidence, that the facts upon
which the entry is to be made are true, and the registrar may, and shall if directed
in writing by an applicant for registration, submit a question arising under
this subsection for the directions of the council. (3) An entry in the medical register, educational
register or register of specialists which is proved to the satisfaction of the council
to have been fraudulently or incorrectly made shall be deleted by the registrar
from the appropriate register upon an order to that effect from the council. (4) A person registered under this Act shall
notify the registrar of a change to the qualifications held by that person or
of an entry made with respect to that person in the medical register,
educational register or register of specialists and the registrar shall record
that change with respect to that person in the appropriate register. Appeal to Trial
Division 21. (1)
A person aggrieved by a refusal of the council to register the name of that
person in the medical register or the register of specialists, may, within 30
days after receipt of notice of that refusal, appeal against the refusal to a
judge of the Trial Division by filing in the office of the Registrar of the
Supreme Court a notice of appeal, and by serving a copy of the notice upon the registrar. (2) Notwithstanding a rule or practice to the
contrary, a notice of appeal shall (a) set out in detail the allegations of the
appellant and the grounds upon which the refusal to register is appealed
against; and (b) be signed by the appellant or his or her
solicitor. (3) The appellant shall within 14 days after
service of a notice of appeal under this section, apply to the judge for the
appointment of a day for the hearing of the appeal and shall not less than 14
days before the hearing serve upon the registrar a written notice of the day appointed
for the hearing. (4) The registrar shall produce to the judge
hearing the appeal all papers and documents in the possession of the council
affecting the subject matter of the appeal. (5) The judge shall hear the appeal and the
evidence brought forward by the appellant and the college, and shall decide the
matter of the appeal by (a) upholding or revoking the refusal to register;
or (b) making another decision or order which the
judge considers to be appropriate, with power to make orders as to costs for or
against the appellant or the college and to fix the amount of costs. (6) An appeal may be taken from an order or
decision of the judge to the Court of Appeal upon a point of law raised at the
hearing of the appeal, and the rules governing appeals to that court from an
order or decision of a judge of the Trial Division shall apply to appeals under
this subsection. Licence to
practise 22. (1)
A person may apply for a licence to practise medicine in the province and the
registrar shall issue the licence provided that (a) the person is registered in accordance with
the provisions of this Act; (b) the application is accompanied by a licence
fee which may be established by the council; and (c) the person has met the requirements for being
licensed set out in this Act and the regulations. (2) The holder of a licence is entitled to engage
in the practice of medicine within the province and to recover from a person,
in a court of the province having jurisdiction to order payment from that
person, reasonable charges for the provision of medical services by that
licence holder. (3) It is a condition of the issuing of a licence
under this section that the person to whom the licence is issued shall within
one month of the date of issuing become a member of the association, and the
failure of that person to comply with this condition makes the licence void
from that date. (4) A licence issued under this section expires on
January 15 following the day upon which it comes into force. Provisional
licences 23. (1)
The registrar may issue a provisional licence to a person who is not registered
in the medical register who is the holder of qualifications for provisional
licensure set out in the regulations. (2) A provisional licence issued under subsection (1)
shall (a) be issued subject to the terms, conditions and
limitations set out in the licence and the regulations; (b) be valid for a period not exceeding one year;
and (c) permit the practice of medicine only within a
specific geographical location in the province. (3) The holder of a provisional licence under this
section has the right to engage in the practice of medicine subject only to the
terms, conditions and limitations, for the period and the locality set out in
the licence, and, except as provided in this section, subsection 22(2) applies to the holder of a provisional licence. (4) A provisional licence expires on the January
15 immediately following the date on which the licence is issued but may be
renewed on application made in accordance with the regulations. (5) The council shall require the holder of a
provisional licence to be sponsored by a sponsor approved by the council. (6) Where a provisional licence holder or his or
her sponsor does not comply with the regulations or the terms and conditions
set out in the licence, the council may suspend or revoke the provisional licence. (7) It is a condition of issuing a provisional licence under this section that the person to whom the licence is issued shall within one month of the date of issuing become a member of the association, and the failure of that person to comply with this condition makes the licence void from that date. (8) The registrar shall maintain a list of
provisional licence holders and the provisions of this Act, the regulations and
the by-laws pertaining to registers apply, with the necessary changes, to the
list. Validity of
certificates 24. Where,
by a law in force within the province, a certificate, statement or other
document is or may be required to be given or signed by a physician, surgeon or
medical practitioner, that certificate, statement or document is of no effect
unless the person giving or signing it is the holder of a licence under this
Act. Definitions 25. In sections 26 to 33 (a) "non-voting share" means an issued
share of a professional medical corporation that is not a voting share; and (b) "voting share" means an issued share
of a professional medical corporation with the right to vote at a meeting of
shareholders attached to it. Professional corporation 26. (1) One
or more medical practitioners may incorporate a corporation to provide the
services of a medical practitioner. (2) The corporation shall be incorporated under
the Corporations Act. (3) The name of the corporation shall meet the requirements of subsection 17(1) of the Corporations Act. (4) A corporation shall not use the words
"professional medical corporation" or an abbreviation of those words
as part of its corporate name unless it is registered and licensed as a
professional medical corporation under this Act. (5) A corporation shall not provide the services
of a medical practitioner unless it is registered and licensed under this Act. Corporate
register 27. (1)
The registrar shall maintain a register of professional medical corporations
known as the Corporate Register of the (2) The registrar shall register a professional
medical corporation that establishes that (a) all the voting shares of the corporation are
beneficially owned by and registered in the name of one or more medical
practitioners licensed under this Act and there is no restriction on the right
of each medical practitioner to exercise his or her vote as he or she wishes; (b) the non-voting shares are owned by a natural
person; (c) all the directors of the corporation are
medical practitioners licensed under this Act, and there is no agreement restricting
the powers of the directors to manage the business and affairs of the
corporation in relation to the practice of medicine; (d) all of the persons who will be practising
medicine as employees of or on behalf of the corporation are medical practitioners
licensed under this Act; (e) the articles of the corporation restrict it to
providing the services of a medical practitioner and related matters; (f) the corporation is in good standing under the Corporations Act; and (g) the corporation has complied with other
requirements for registration in the regulations made under section 13. (3) The corporate register shall be made available
for inspection in accordance with subsection 19(1)
and subsection 19(2) applies to a copy of the
register as if it were a register referred to in that subsection. (4) The college may enter into a reciprocal
agreement with a medical college, association or other body having
responsibility for the registration and licensing of professional medical
corporations in another jurisdiction for the registration of corporations from
that jurisdiction in the Corporate Register of the (5) Notwithstanding subsection (2), the voting shares
of a professional medical corporation may be held by (a) an executor or administrator of the estate of
a deceased medical practitioner to discharge the duties of that position; or (b) a trustee in bankruptcy to discharge his or
her duties as trustee in respect of the corporation or a medical practitioner, for no longer than 180 days, or a longer
period where the registrar permits. Annual licence 28. (1) A
professional medical corporation may apply for a licence to provide the
services of a medical practitioner in the province and the registrar shall
issue the licence provided that (a) the professional medical corporation is
registered under this Act; (b) the application is accompanied by a licence
fee which may be established by the council; and (c) the professional medical corporation continues
to meet the requirements for registration set out in section 27 and other requirements for being licensed which
may be set out in this Act and the regulations made under paragraph 13(j). (2) The holder of a licence issued under this section
is entitled to recover from a person, in a court of the province having
jurisdiction to order payment from that person, reasonable charges for the
provision of professional services by that licence holder. (3) A licence issued under this section expires on
January 15 following the day upon which it comes into force. Revocation of
licence 29. A
licence issued under section 28 may be revoked
by the registrar where (a) the professional medical corporation ceases to
meet a requirement for registration or licensing under this Act; (b) the professional medical corporation
contravenes this Act or the regulations; or (c) a medical practitioner is disciplined under sections
34 to 51 in
respect of professional services performed by him or her as an employee of or
on behalf of the professional medical corporation. Refusal to
register or issue licence 30. (1)
Where the registrar refuses to register a professional medical corporation,
refuses to issue a licence to a corporation or revokes a licence under section 29, the professional medical corporation may within
30 days after receiving notice of the decision of the registrar appeal the
decision to the Trial Division by filing a notice of appeal with the Registrar
of the Supreme Court. (2) An appeal under this section does not stay the
decision of the registrar being appealed unless the Trial Division orders otherwise. Effect of
incorporation 31. (1) A
medical practitioner who provides professional services to or through a professional
medical corporation is, notwithstanding his or her relationship to the
professional medical corporation or the relationship between the patient and
the professional medical corporation, subject to (a) the application of this Act as if he or she were
providing services as an individual medical practitioner; and (b) the same duties and responsibilities in
connection with his or her dealings with patients of the professional medical
corporation as if he or she were providing services directly to those patients. (2) The relationship between a professional
medical corporation and a patient receiving services from or through that
corporation is subject to the laws relating to the confidential and ethical
relationship between a medical practitioner and his or her patient. (3) All rights and obligations pertaining to
communications made to, or information received by, medical practitioners apply
to the shareholders, directors, officers and employees of a professional medical
corporation. Liability of medical
practitioner 32. (1)
Notwithstanding a provision to the contrary in the Corporations Act, a medical practitioner who provides services or
practises medicine through or on behalf of a professional medical corporation
is liable to a person in relation to those services and the practice of medicine
to the same extent and in the same manner as if the medical practitioner
provided those services as an individual and that liability is not affected
because of the medical practitioner's relationship to the professional medical
corporation as a shareholder, director, officer, employee or in another
capacity. (2) A medical practitioner is jointly and
individually liable with a professional medical corporation for all claims made
against the corporation in connection with the provision of services or the
practice of medicine by the medical practitioner. Misconduct of a
professional medical corporation 33. (1) A
medical practitioner is liable to be disciplined under section 34 to 51 for the
actions or conduct of a professional medical corporation while the medical
practitioner was a shareholder, director, officer or employee of the
professional medical corporation. (2) A medical practitioner shall not be liable to
discipline under subsection (1) where the medical practitioner proves that he
or she did not know and could not reasonably have known about the relevant
actions or conduct of the professional medical corporation. (3) The powers of inspection, investigation or
inquiry that may be exercised in respect of a medical practitioner under sections
34 to 51 may be
exercised in respect of a professional medical corporation or its records in
connection with an inquiry under subsection (1). (4) A professional medical corporation is jointly
and individually liable with the medical practitioner for all fines and costs
the medical practitioner is ordered to pay in connection with an inquiry under
subsection (1). Definitions 34. In
sections 35 to 51 (a) "allegation" means a written
document alleging that a person has engaged in conduct deserving of sanction; (b) "complainant" means a person making
an allegation and includes a person making a report under section 36; and (c) "conduct deserving of sanction"
includes (i) professional misconduct, (ii) professional incompetence, (iii) conduct unbecoming a medical practitioner, (iv) incapacity or unfitness to engage in the
practice of medicine, and (v) acting in breach of this Act, the regulations
or the code of ethics made under section 12; (d) "costs incurred by the college"
includes (i) out of pocket expenses incurred by or on
behalf of the college, (ii) amounts paid by the college to adjudication
tribunal members as remuneration and for expenses, and (iii) the actual cost of legal counsel for the college
and the adjudication tribunal; (e) "disciplinary panel" means the panel
of persons appointed under section 35 from
which the members of an adjudication tribunal are chosen; and (f) "respondent" means a medical
practitioner, a former medical practitioner or a person who is registered in
the educational register against whom an allegation is made. Committees 35. (1) The
council shall appoint at least 3 of its members, at least one of whom was
appointed by the minister to represent the public interest, to constitute a
complaints authorization committee. (2) The council shall appoint the chairperson and
vice-chairperson of the complaints authorization committee from the persons appointed
under subsection (1). (3) The registrar is not eligible to be a member
of the complaints authorization committee. (4) The council shall appoint at least 10 medical
practitioners who are not members of the council, one of whom shall be
appointed to serve as chairperson, and the minister shall appoint at least 5
persons, who are not medical practitioners or members of the council, to represent
the public interest, who shall together constitute a disciplinary panel. (5) Of the members first appointed to the
disciplinary panel, one half shall be appointed for a term of 2 years and the
remainder for a term of 3 years and all subsequent appointments of members to
the disciplinary panel shall be for a term of 3 years. (6) Notwithstanding the expiry of his or her term,
a member of the disciplinary panel continues to be a member until he or she is
re-appointed or his or her replacement is appointed. (7) Persons appointed to the disciplinary panel
may be reappointed. (8) Members of the disciplinary panel shall serve
on the panel without payment for their services, but may be remunerated for
service as a member of an adjudication tribunal and paid their travel and other
expenses associated with the work of that tribunal by the council, in accordance
with and at the rates set by the by-laws. (9) The complaints authorization committee, an adjudication
tribunal appointed under section 40 and a
person appointed by either of them may summon a respondent or other person and
require the respondent or other person to give evidence, orally or in writing,
upon oath or affirmation, and produce the documents and things that either of
them considers necessary to the full investigation and hearing of an allegation
or complaint and shall have the powers, privileges and immunities that are
conferred on a commissioner appointed under the Public Inquiries Act. Report by member 36. (1) A
medical practitioner who has knowledge, from direct observation or objective
evidence, of conduct deserving of sanction of another medical practitioner or a
person who is registered on the education register shall report the known facts
to the registrar. (2) A person who dissolves a partnership with a medical practitioner, or a corporation, partnership or association that terminates or imposes restrictions on the employment or privileges or other practice relationship with a medical practitioner based on direct knowledge of the medical practitioner's conduct deserving of sanction shall report the known facts to the registrar. (3) An action shall not be brought against a medical practitioner, person, corporation, partnership or association or its directors or officers for the sole reason that he or she or the corporation, partnership or association complied with this section. (4) This section does not apply to knowledge
obtained through a peer assessment review. Allegation 37. (1) An
allegation shall be in writing and signed by the complainant or his or her
solicitor, and filed with the registrar. (2) The registrar may on his or her own motion
make an allegation and file it, and the allegation shall have the same effect
as an allegation referred to in subsection (1). (3) Where the registrar has been informed that a respondent has been convicted of an offence under the provisions of the Criminal Code or a similar penal statute of another country or has been suspended by a governing body of medical practitioners in another province or territory of Canada or another territory or country for reason of professional misconduct, conduct unbecoming a medical practitioner or professional incompetence, the information shall be dealt with by the registrar as an allegation. (4) For the purpose of subsection (3), a certified
copy of the record of a conviction or findings made or the action taken by an
external regulatory body constitutes proof, in the absence of evidence to the
contrary, of the conviction or findings made or the action taken by that body,
without proof of the signature of the convicting justice or person purporting
to have signed on behalf of that body. Effect of filing
allegation 38. (1) Where
it appears to the registrar after notifying the respondent of the allegation
that the allegation may be resolved satisfactorily and where the complainant
and the respondent consent, the registrar may attempt to resolve the matter. (2) Where the allegation is not satisfactorily resolved
by the registrar under subsection (1), the registrar shall refer the allegation
and all other allegations to the complaints authorization committee. (3) The registrar shall inform a complainant and a
respondent of the referral of the allegation to the complaints authorization committee. Complaints authorization
committee 39. (1) After
an allegation has been submitted to the complaints authorization committee, the
committee may exercise one of more of the following powers: (a) refer the allegation back to the registrar for
an investigation or alternative dispute resolution in accordance with the regulations; (b) conduct an investigation itself or appoint a
person to conduct an investigation on its behalf; and (c) require
the respondent to appear before it. (2) Where the complaints authorization committee
is of the opinion that there are no reasonable grounds to believe the
respondent has engaged in conduct deserving of sanction, the committee shall dismiss
the allegation and give notice in writing of the dismissal to the complainant. (3) Where the complaints authorization committee
is of the opinion that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a
respondent has engaged in conduct deserving of sanction, the allegation shall
be considered as constituting a complaint, and the committee may (a) counsel or caution the respondent; or (b) instruct the registrar to file the complaint
against the respondent and refer it to the disciplinary panel; and (c) recommend to the council that (i) the respondent's licence be suspended or
restricted, or (ii) the registrar conduct an investigation of the
respondent's practice, and where the council approves an investigation the
registrar shall conduct it, at any time before a final determination by
the adjudication tribunal. (4) A person conducting an investigation under
paragraph (1)(a), (b) or subparagraph (3)(c)(ii) may require (a) the respondent to (i) undergo an examination or assessment he or she
considers necessary and as arranged by the registrar, and (ii) permit the registrar or a member of the complaints
authorization committee or a person appointed by the complaints authorization
committee to inspect and copy the records of the respondent and other documents
relating to the subject matter of the investigation; and (b) another person to permit the registrar or a
member of the complaints authorization committee or a person appointed by the
complaints authorization committee to inspect and copy records and other
documents relating to the subject matter of the investigation held by that
person, and the respondent or other person shall
comply. (5) An action for damages does not lie against a medical
practitioner or another person to whom a request is made solely because he or
she provides information requested of him or her under subsection (4). (6) Where the registrar, a member of the complaints
authorization committee or a person appointed by the complaints authorization
committee requires that a respondent or another person provide information
under subsection (4), that information shall be provided within 7 days of
receipt of the request or a different period as specified in the request. (7) Where the complaints authorization committee
recommends to the council that a respondent's practice be suspended, restricted
or investigated under paragraph (3)(c), the council may (a) decide not to act on the recommendation; or (b) suspend, restrict or investigate the
respondent's practice. (8) A complainant whose allegation is dismissed by the complaints authorization committee under subsection (2) may, within 30 days after receiving notice of the dismissal, appeal the dismissal to the Trial Division by filing a notice of appeal with the Registrar of the Supreme Court. (9) Subsections (4), (5) and (6) apply to the
Crown. Adjudication tribunal 40. (1) For
the purpose of dealing with complaints referred to the disciplinary panel, the
chairperson of the disciplinary panel shall appoint from it an adjudication
tribunal consisting of 3 persons, of whom 2 shall be medical practitioners and
one shall be a member of the panel appointed to represent the public interest. (2) The chairperson of the disciplinary panel
shall appoint one of the medical practitioners on an adjudication tribunal to
be the chairperson. Hearing 41. (1) Where
a complaint has been referred under paragraph 39(3)(b),
an adjudication tribunal shall hear the complaint. (2) The parties to a hearing are the college and
the respondent and a party may be represented by his or her counsel at a
hearing. (3) A hearing shall be conducted in public but an adjudication tribunal may exclude the public from a hearing, or from part of it, where it considers the desirability of protecting a party to the complaint or another person against the consequences of possible disclosure of personal matters outweigh the desirability of holding the hearing in public. Copies of books, etc. as evidence 42. A copy or extract of a book, record, document or thing certified by (a) a member of the complaints authorization committee; or (b) a person authorized under subsection 39(4) to conduct an inspection, who made the copy or extract under
subsection 39(4) is admissible in evidence in
an action, proceeding or prosecution, in the absence of evidence to the
contrary, as evidence of the original book, record, document or thing and its
contents. Guilty plea by
respondent 43. (1) Where
a respondent pleads guilty to one or more of the charges set out in a
complaint, the adjudication tribunal shall, without calling evidence or hearing
witnesses, unless the tribunal believes it is appropriate to do so, hear
submissions from the parties. (2) Where a respondent pleads guilty, and
following submissions under subsection (1), the adjudication tribunal may (a) reprimand the respondent; (b) order that the respondent be suspended for a
fixed period that it considers appropriate, until conditions which it may
impose are fulfilled, or until further order of the adjudication tribunal; (c) allow or direct the respondent to surrender
his or her licence to the council upon those conditions that may be considered
appropriate and, where the respondent's name appears on a register maintained
under this Act, strike the respondent's name from the register; (d) impose a fine not to exceed $10,000 to be paid
to the college; (e) order that the respondent pay the costs or a
part of the costs incurred by the college in the investigation and hearing of
the complaint; (f) order that the registrar publish a summary of
the decision including the information set out in subsection 45(4) and other information that the tribunal may
specify; and (g) order that the respondent comply with one or
more of the following: (i) make restitution to the complainant or other
person affected by the conduct of the respondent, (ii) obtain medical treatment, (iii) obtain counselling, (iv) obtain substance abuse counselling or
treatment, until the respondent can demonstrate to the council or other body or
person designated by the adjudication tribunal that a condition related to
substance abuse rendering the respondent incapable or unfit to practise has
been overcome, (v) engage in continuing education programs, (vi) complete a course of studies or obtain
supervised clinical experience, or both, to the satisfaction of the council or
another body or person designated by the adjudication tribunal, (vii) report on his or her compliance with an order
made under this section and authorize others involved with his or her treatment
or supervision to report on it, (viii) restrict his or her professional practice or continue his or her practice under specified conditions, (ix) permit periodic inspection of his or her practice, (x) permit periodic inspection of records relating
to his or her practice, or (xi) impose other requirements that are just and reasonable in the circumstances. (3) The costs incurred by the college to ensure
the compliance of a respondent with an order or direction of an adjudication
tribunal under this section shall be borne by the respondent. Powers of adjudication
tribunal 44. (1) Upon
the hearing of a complaint, an adjudication tribunal shall decide whether or
not a respondent is guilty of conduct deserving of sanction. (2) Where an adjudication tribunal decides that a
respondent is not guilty, it shall dismiss the complaint and may, where it
believes that the submission of the complaint to the tribunal for a hearing was
unreasonable, (a) order that those costs that the tribunal
considers appropriate be paid by the college to the respondent; and (b) make another order that it considers
appropriate. (3) Where an adjudication tribunal decides that a
respondent is guilty, it may (a) reprimand the respondent; (b) order that the respondent be suspended for a
fixed period that it considers appropriate, until conditions which it may
impose are fulfilled, or until further order of the adjudication tribunal; (c) allow or direct the respondent to surrender
his or her licence to the council upon those conditions that may be considered
appropriate and, where the respondent's name appears on a register maintained
under this Act, strike the respondent's name from the register; (d) impose a fine not to exceed $10,000 to be paid
to the college; (e) order that the respondent pay the costs or a
part of the costs incurred by the college in the investigation or hearing of
the complaint; (f) order that the registrar publish a summary of
the decision including the information set out in subsection 45(4) and other information that the tribunal may
specify; and (g) order that the respondent comply with one or
more of the following: (i) make restitution to the complainant or other
person affected by the conduct of the respondent, (ii) obtain medical treatment, (iii) obtain counselling, (iv) obtain substance abuse counselling or
treatment, until the respondent can demonstrate to the council or other body or
person designated by the adjudication tribunal that a condition related to
substance abuse rendering the respondent incapable or unfit to practise has
been overcome, (v) engage in continuing education programs, (vi) complete a course of studies or obtain
supervised clinical experience, or both, to the satisfaction of the council or
other body or person designated by the adjudication tribunal, (vii) report on his or her compliance with an order
made under this section and authorize others involved with his or her treatment
or supervision to report on it, (viii) restrict his or her professional practice or continue his or her practice under specified conditions, (ix) permit periodic inspection of his or her practice, (x) permit periodic inspection of records relating
to his or her practice, or (xi) impose other requirements that are just and reasonable in the circumstances. (4) The costs incurred by the college to ensure
the compliance of a respondent with an order or direction of an adjudication
tribunal under this section shall be borne by the respondent. Filing and publication
of decisions 45. (1)
An adjudication tribunal shall file a decision or order made under subsection 43(2) or 44(3) with
the registrar and provide a copy to the complainant, the respondent, the respondent's
employer and sponsor, where he or she has one, and the minister. (2) The registrar shall maintain a copy of a
decision or order filed under subsection (1) for a minimum of 5 years after the
day the decision is filed and shall upon receiving a request to view the
disciplinary records in relation to a medical practitioner permit a person to
view a summary of a decision where that medical practitioner was the
respondent, prepared in accordance with subsection (4). (3) The registrar shall publish a summary of a
decision or order of an adjudication tribunal in a newspaper of general
circulation in or nearest to the community in which the respondent practises
within 14 days of the filing of the decision or order, where the decision or
order (a) suspends the respondent; (b) allows or directs the respondent to surrender
his or her licence; (c) restricts the respondent's practice; (d) specifies conditions for the continuing
practice of the respondent; or (e) requires that a summary of the decision or
order be published. (4) The summary of the decision published under
subsection (3) shall include (a) the name of the respondent and the address
where he or she practises; (b) the date, location and a brief description of
the conduct of the respondent that was found to be deserving of sanction; (c) the name of the complainant, unless the
complainant has requested that his or her name be withheld; (d) the contents of the order in relation to the
actions referenced in paragraphs (3)(a) to (d); and (e) other information specified for publication in
the decision or order. (5) Where a decision published under this section is varied or set aside, the registrar shall within 14 days of the filing of the subsequent decision or order publish a summary of the decision or order and subsections (3) and (4) apply, with the necessary changes. (6) The registrar may give notice of the decision
and information respecting the decision to the other persons the council may
direct and shall include a summary of the decision in a certificate of good
standing issued in relation to the respondent. De-registration
and suspension 46. (1) Where a respondent is allowed or directed to surrender his or her licence, his or her rights and privileges as a medical practitioner to practise medicine cease. (2) Where a respondent requests that his or her
name be removed, or where his or her name is struck off, a register maintained
under this Act, his or her rights and privileges as a medical practitioner to
practise medicine, or as a person registered on the education register, cease. (3) Where a respondent is suspended, his or her
rights and privileges as a medical practitioner to practise medicine cease for
the period of suspension. (4) Where conditions or restrictions have been
imposed upon a respondent's ability to carry on his or her practice, his or her
rights and privileges as a medical practitioner to practise medicine shall be
limited to the extent specified by the conditions or restrictions. Failure to comply 47. (1) On
application by the college to the disciplinary panel, an adjudication tribunal
may make an order suspending the licence of a respondent, or the registration
of the respondent where he or she is registered on the education register, where
it determines that the respondent has failed to comply with a decision or an
order under sections 34 to 51. (2) The parties to the application are the college
and the respondent. (3) An order of an adjudication tribunal under
this section may suspend the licence of the respondent, or the registration of
the respondent where he or she is registered on the education register, for a
fixed period that the adjudication tribunal may consider appropriate, or until
conditions which it may impose are fulfilled, or until further order of the
adjudication tribunal. Reinstatement and
readmission 48. (1) Where
a decision or order of an adjudication tribunal (a) suspends the respondent; (b) allows or directs the respondent to surrender
his or her licence or to be removed from a register maintained under this Act; (c) restricts the respondent's practice; or (d) specifies conditions for the continuing
practice of the respondent, and where the respondent alleges that new
evidence has become available or a material change in circumstances has
occurred since the making of the decision or order, the respondent may apply to
the complaints authorization committee for a supplementary hearing to discharge
or vary the decision or order based on the new evidence or material change in
circumstances. (2) An application under subsection (1) shall be
made not more than 90 days after the new evidence becomes available or the
material change in circumstances has occurred. (3) Where an application is made to the complaints
authorization committee under subsection (1), and the committee is of the opinion
that new evidence has become available or that a material change in
circumstances has occurred, as alleged by a respondent, the matter shall be
referred to an adjudication tribunal as if it were a matter referred under
paragraph 39(3)(b) and sections 41 to 46 apply, with
the necessary changes, to the referred matter. (4) The parties to a supplementary hearing under
this section are the respondent and the college. (5) For the purpose of this section, in addition
to an order that an adjudication tribunal may make under section 44, a tribunal may (a) vary the original decision or order made under
section 44; or (b) discharge the original decision or order, with
or without conditions. Costs of the college 49. (1) Where
a person who was ordered to pay the costs of the college under paragraph 43(2)(e) or 44(3)(e)
fails to pay in the time required, the council may suspend the registration or
licence of that person until the costs are paid. (2) Costs ordered to be paid under paragraph 43(2)(e) or 44(3)(e)
are a debt due to the college and may be recovered by the college by a civil action. Collection of
fine 50. (1)
Where an order is made under section 43 or 44 imposing a fine on a respondent, the college may
issue a certificate stating the amount of the fine due and remaining unpaid and
the name of the person by whom it is payable, and file the certificate with the
Registrar of the Supreme Court. (2) Where a certificate is filed with the
Registrar of the Supreme Court under subsection (1), it has the same effect and
all proceedings may be taken on the certificate as if it were a judgment of the
Trial Division for the recovery of the amount stated in the certificate against
the person named in the certificate. (3) A person named in a certificate filed under
this section may, within 30 days after the certificate is filed, apply to a
judge of the Trial Division for a review, on a question of law or jurisdiction,
of the certificate. (4) On an application under subsection (3), the
judge may make any amendment to the certificate that is necessary to make the
certificate accord with the judge's decision. (5) There is no appeal from a decision of a judge
made under this section . (6) A certificate filed under this section may
also be filed in the judgment enforcement registry on the expiration of the 30
day period referred to in subsection (3) in accordance with Part III of the Judgment Enforcement Act and be enforced
in accordance with that Act. Appeal 51. (1) The
college or the respondent may, within 30 days after receiving notice of a
decision or order of an adjudication tribunal under this Part, appeal the
decision or order or a part of it to the Trial Division by filing a notice of
appeal with the Registrar of the Supreme Court. (2) An appeal under this section does not stay the
decision or order being appealed unless the Trial Division orders otherwise. Peer assessment
committee 52. The
college may establish a peer assessment committee consisting of licensed
medical practitioners and persons licensed to practise medicine by the
licensing authorities in the manner prescribed by regulation. Agreement 53. (1) The
college may enter into an agreement with one or more of the licensing
authorities and medical societies for the establishment of a peer assessment
committee. (2) An agreement made under subsection (1) may be
amended by the college and the other parties to that agreement. (3) The college may by regulation determine those
things or requirements that shall be included in an agreement entered into
under subsection (1). Peer assessment
program 54. (1) The
peer assessment committee shall, subject to the approval of the college,
develop and administer a peer assessment program that shall include (a) assessment standards of practice for medical
practitioners including (i) standards for the clinical assessment and care
of patients, and (ii) standards for the maintenance of records of
care administered to patients; (b) procedures and requirements for the selection
and education of assessors; (c) standards and methods of communication with
physicians to be assessed; (d) budgetary and expense arrangements; (e) requirements and methods respecting the
preparation of assessment reports; (f) the development of policies and procedures for
the peer assessment committee and the delegation of these to subcommittees,
assessors or employees as the peer assessment committee considers appropriate;
and (g) the determination of further activities
including the establishment of other committees and subcommittees to better
administer the peer assessment program. (2) The peer assessment committee, a committee,
subcommittee or assessor of the peer assessment committee may carry out those duties
and activities established by the peer assessment program. Assessors 55. The
peer assessment committee may appoint persons licensed as medical practitioners
in the province or in another province as assessors for the purpose of the peer
assessment program. Assessment 56. (1) An
assessor may, for the purposes of the peer assessment program and with the co‑operation
of the medical practitioner (a) enter and inspect the premises where that
medical practitioner engages in the practice of medicine; (b) inspect that medical practitioner's records of
care administered to patients; (c) require from that medical practitioner
information required by the peer assessment committee or the assessor
respecting the clinical assessment and care of patients by that medical
practitioner or his or her records of care administered to patients; and (d) require that that medical practitioner confer
with the peer assessment committee. (2) A medical practitioner whose standards of
practice are the subject of an assessment under the peer assessment program
shall cooperate fully with the peer assessment committee and assessors. Report and compliance 57. (1) Upon
completion of an assessment an assessor shall submit a report of his or her
findings to the peer assessment committee and the peer assessment committee
shall review the report and may (a) make no recommendation to the medical
practitioner who has been assessed; or (b) confer with the medical practitioner assessed
and make those remedial recommendations to him or her that the peer assessment
committee considers appropriate. (2) The peer assessment committee may (a) direct the medical practitioner who has been
assessed to comply with recommendations made by the peer assessment committee
under subsection (1); and (b) direct that a medical practitioner be
reassessed. Costs 58. Costs
incurred by a medical practitioner in implementing remedial recommendations of
the peer assessment committee shall be paid by that medical practitioner and
shall not be a cost of the peer assessment committee, the licensing authorities
or the medical societies. Termination of
assessment 59. (1) Where
an assessor or a member of the peer assessment committee learns, in the course
of an assessment, that a medical practitioner may be guilty of conduct
deserving of sanction within the meaning of subparagraphs 34(c)(i) to (iv), the assessment shall be terminated,
the medical practitioner shall be advised, and the matter shall be referred to
the council to be dealt with as a complaint. (2) An assessor or a member of a peer assessment
committee shall not provide information to the council except the information
necessary to identify the nature of the complaint. (3) This section shall not prevent another person
from providing evidence to establish conduct deserving of sanction on the part of
a member. Annual report 60. Each
year the peer assessment committee shall prepare and publish a report on its
activities for the preceding year. Disclosure of
information not required 61. (1) In
this section (a) "legal proceeding" means (i) a proceeding in a court, including a
proceeding for the imposition of punishment by fine, penalty or imprisonment to
enforce an Act of the Legislature or a regulation made under that Act, or a
civil proceeding, and (ii) a disciplinary proceeding under this Act or
under the governing legislation of another licensing authority; and (b) "witness" means a member or
associate member or officer or employee of the college or council, an assessor
or former assessor, or another person who, in connection with, or in the course
of, a legal proceeding is called upon to provide information, to answer, orally
or in writing, a question, or to produce a document, whether under oath or not. (2) A witness in a legal proceeding, whether a
party or not, is excused from (a) providing information obtained by the witness
in the course of or in relation to an assessment under the peer assessment program;
and (b) producing a document made by the peer
assessment committee, an assessor or another document which was prepared under
or in relation to an assessment. (3) This section does not apply to (a) records maintained by hospitals as required by
the Hospitals Act; or (b) medical records maintained by attending
physicians pertaining to a patient. Other documents 62. Notwithstanding
that a witness is or has been an assessor or a member of the peer assessment
committee or a member of a subcommittee of that committee, has participated in
the activities of or has prepared a document for or has provided information to
the peer assessment committee, the witness is not, subject to section 61, excused from answering a question or producing a
document that the witness is otherwise bound to answer or produce. Evidence in disciplinary
matter 63. (1) An
assessor or a member of the peer assessment committee shall not provide
evidence against a medical practitioner in a disciplinary matter with respect
to information given by the medical practitioner to the assessor or a member of
the peer assessment committee in the course of an assessment of the medical
practitioner unless the medical practitioner has knowingly given false
information during the assessment or the disciplinary matter. (2) This section shall not prevent another person
from providing evidence against a medical practitioner in a disciplinary matter
with respect to the information given by the medical practitioner in the course
of his or her assessment. Emergency treatments:
liability 64. The
voluntary rendering by a medical practitioner of first aid or emergency
treatment, without the expectation of monetary compensation, at the scene of an
accident or other location, not within a hospital, medical practitioner's
office or another place having proper and necessary medical equipment, to a
person who is unconscious, ill or injured, shall not render the medical
practitioner liable in damages for injuries alleged to have been sustained by
that person or for the death of that person because of an act or omission in
the rendering of first aid or emergency treatment, unless it is established
that the injuries were, or the death was, caused by the gross negligence on the
part of the medical practitioner. Protection from
liability 65. (1) An
action for damages does not lie against (a) the registrar, a member of the council,
officer, employee or agent of the college or council, a person or committee
designated by the college or council, the college as a corporation, the council
as governing body of the college, the complaints authorization committee, a
person appointed by the complaints authorization committee, the disciplinary
panel, an adjudication tribunal or the individual members of those bodies; or (b) licensing authorities, medical societies, the peer assessment committee, the registrar, an officer or employee of the licensing authorities or medical societies, a member of a committee or subcommittee of the licensing authorities or medical societies or an assessor appointed under section 55 for an act or failure to act or a proceeding initiated or carried out in good faith under this Act, or for carrying out duties or obligations as the registrar, a member, officer, employee, designate, agent, committee member or other person authorized under this Act or for a decision or order made or enforced in good faith under this Act. (2) A member of the college is not personally
liable for a debt of the college beyond the amount of unpaid dues, fees, fines
and penalties owed to the college, but all property of the college shall be held
for the payment of the debts of the college. Use of tamper
resistant prescription drug pads 66. A
medical practitioner who prescribes a drug included in the list of Schedule I
drugs approved by the minister under subsection 45(1) of the Pharmacy Regulations made under the Pharmacy Act under the heading "Tamper
Resistant Prescription Drug Pad Program" shall write or type the
prescription on a tamper resistant prescription drug pad approved by and provided
to the medical practitioner by the minister. Conflicting
legislation 67. (1)
Nothing in an Act shall be construed to prohibit or prevent a medical
practitioner from doing, in the course of administering medical aid or
treatment on the human body, anything for which a licence or permit may be
required under that statute, and to recover reasonable charges for the service
provided. (2) Nothing in this Act affects or applies to the
practice of medicine or a specialty or subspecialty of medicine, permitted to be
carried out by a person under a statute of the province, by a person under (a) the
Dental Act; (b) the
Optometry Act, 2004; (c) the
Pharmacy Act; (d) the
Physiotherapy Act; and (e) the
Registered Nurses Act. (3) Nothing in the Pharmacy Act, shall be construed to prevent a medical practitioner
from practising pharmacy and from making reasonable charges for pharmaceutical
services rendered or goods supplied in emergency situations or when the
services of a pharmacist are not readily available. (4) Nothing in this Act limits or restricts the
practice of medicine within the province by a physician or surgeon employed by
the Government of Canada, but only for the purpose of carrying out the duties
of employment by that government. Offence 68. (1)
A person, other than a person who is licensed under this Act, shall not (a) engage in the practice of medicine; (b) hold himself or herself out or allege by
advertisement, sign or statement of any kind to be entitled to engage in the
practice of medicine; or (c) take or use a name, title or description
implying or calculated to lead the public to believe that he or she is licensed
under this Act. (2) A person who violates subsection (1) is guilty
of an offence and is liable upon summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000
or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both a fine and
imprisonment. (3) In a prosecution under this section, the onus of proof that the person accused of the offence has the right or privilege to engage in the practice of medicine is on the person accused. Transition 69. (1) The members of the Newfoundland Medical Board elected under paragraph 10(1)(a) of the Medical Act, as it reads on the day before this Act comes into force, are continued as members of the board until an election is held under section 8 of this Act. (2) An election to elect the 7 members referred to in paragraph 8(1)(a) shall be held within one year after the day this Act comes into force. (3) Of the members first elected under paragraph 8(1)(a), (a) 4 shall be elected for a term of 3 years; and (b) 3 shall be elected for a term of 2 years. RSNL1990 c M-4
Rep. 70. The Medical Act is repealed. Commencement 71. This Act comes into force on
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