FEATURE

Seeking greater independence for the Discipline Committee

Council members discussed Bill 87 at the February meeting photo : claudia hung

Bill 87

Council will request an amendment that would provide for greater independence of the Discipline Committee . Such a move , says Council , would address the perception that the Discipline Committee is too closely linked to the College and would advance Council ’ s commitment to ensuring the integrity of the discipline and hearings process . The decision was made in context of discussions about Bill 87 , which contains a number of new powers for the Minister of Health , including a broad regulation-making authority that would allow the Minister to make regulations with respect to all aspects of the structure of colleges ’ seven statutory committees including : composition , panel quorum , eligibility requirements and disqualification grounds . The College does not yet know how the Minister and government plan to use this proposed authority . Currently , the Discipline Committee is composed of members of Council – both public and professional – and physicians who are not members of Council . Council supports the government objective of accountability , but took the position that the College needs to be able to maintain flexibility with respect to the composition of committees and have them remain established in by-law instead of regulation . Council members noted that there would be a significant loss of flexibility to the colleges by enshrining these matters in regulations . “ This College is regularly improving and changing its by-laws in response to new and unforeseen situations that arise . Regulations create a one-size fits all approach , which may compromise our ability to effectively fulfill our mandate ,” says Dr . David Rouselle , College President . Dr . Rouselle also noted the Minister ’ s proposed authority in regard to committee composition and stated that physician contribution is vitally important for the effectiveness of committees . He noted , for example , that physician experience was essential in credential review on the Registration Committee and consideration of clinical matters on the Inquiries , Complaints and Reports Committee and the Discipline Committee . MD

Issue 1 , 2017 Dialogue 13