FEATURE
College analysis of Bill 87 ’ s implications photo : claudia hung
Bill 87 contains amendments to strengthen the legislative provisions relating to sexual abuse and transparency , as well as changes to enhance the complaints , investigation and discipline processes .
Council voiced general support for the intent and the overall objectives contained in Bill 87 , noting that several legislative proposals advanced by the College to strengthen the provisions to protect patients from sexual abuse are incorporated in the Bill . The provisions relating to transparency are generally consistent with action the College has already taken . The Bill also contains significant ministerial powers via new regulation-making authority . In some instances , however , the College believes that different methods should be used to better achieve the College and government ’ s shared goal of improved patient protection . Council has identified some substantive issues as well as a number of other issues which could be addressed through “ housekeeping ” amendments as the Bill makes its way through the legislature . The College will
Bill 87
recommend changes in its submission to government . All of the recommendations are designed to ensure that the amendments contained in the Bill will achieve the desired outcome and avoid unintended negative consequences .
The following are some of Council ’ s substantive issues :
Patient Relations Program The proposed amendments significantly amend ( yet restrict ) the criteria to access the Patient Relations Program ’ s fund for therapy and counselling for patients who have been sexually abused by health-care professionals . In fact , they appear to have a paradoxical impact . In one sense , it expands eligibility beyond the current approach , essentially granting automatic access to funding to any individual who is named in a complaint or mandatory report regarding sexual abuse , even those who are not pursuing therapy . Conversely , the language is restrictive and would prevent those individuals who have been sexually abused by a physician but who have not made complaints or who have
Issue 1 , 2017 Dialogue 11