Fitness to Practice

The health and wellness of physicians and physician assistants are essential to safe practice and high-quality care. We encourage Registrants (physicians, including postgraduate learners, and physician assistants) to attend to their health and seek treatment when needed.

CPSNL becomes involved only when a health condition affects a Registrant’s ability to practice safely and competently and there are no effective measures in place to manage the risk. When this happens, we take a proportionate approach that values privacy, supports treatment and recovery, and keeps health-related processes separate from discipline.

 

When is a report to CPSNL required?

A report is required when both of the following apply:

• A Registrant has a health condition that affects their ability to practice medicine safely and competently, including where they know, or have been advised, that the condition has affected their clinical ability; and
• There are no effective controls in place to manage the risk of harm to the public. These controls should be based on recommendations from the Registrant’s healthcare team and may include leave from practice, treatment, or changes to work hours or scope of practice.

 

When is a report to CPSNL not required?

A report is not required if the Registrant has a health condition but can continue practicing safely and competently, or if the risk to the public is being appropriately managed, for example through a leave from practice or changes to work hours or scope of practice.

 

Who needs to report to CPSNL?

All Registrants have a legal and ethical duty to report to CPSNL. This includes self-reporting, reporting concerns about other Registrants, and reporting concerns about patients who are also Registrants.

 

What should I do if I am not sure if I need to report?

If you are unsure whether you need to self-report, speak with your treating healthcare provider or contact the NLMA’s Physician Care Network.

If you are unsure whether you need to report a colleague or a patient who is also a Registrant, contact us at quality@cpsnl.ca.

 

How do I make a report?

To make a report, contact our Quality Coordinator at quality@cpsnl.ca.

 

What happens after I make a report?

CPSNL takes a confidential, supportive, and rehabilitation-focused approach when a Registrant’s health affects their practice. All reports are referred to the NLMA Physician Care Network to support the Registrant in an appropriately confidential way while protecting the public.

 

What happens if I do not make a report?

CPSNL understands that making a self-report or reporting another Registrant can be difficult, however, Registrants have a legal and ethical duty to report. Not making a required report may lead to regulatory action, such as an allegation of professional misconduct.

 

I still have questions. Who should I contact?

If you still have questions, contact our Quality Coordinator at quality@cpsnl.ca.