practice partner
information – undermine the dignity and privacy of people with disabilities ,” states the OHRC . In rare situations where a person ’ s accommodation needs are complex , challenging or unclear , the person with the disability may be asked to cooperate by providing more information , up to and including a diagnosis . In such situations , the accommodation provider must be able to clearly justify why the information is needed . However , wherever possible , an accommodation provider must make genuine efforts to provide needed accommodations without requiring a person to disclose a diagnosis , or otherwise provide medical information that is not absolutely necessary . The policy states that a person with a disability does not have to meet an onerous standard for initially communicating that a disability exists to trigger the organization ’ s duty to accommodate . Organizations should limit requests for information to those reasonably related to the nature of the limitation or restriction , to assess needs and make the accommodation .
The type of information that doctors may generally be expected to provide includes :
• that the person has a disability ;
• the limitations or needs associated with the disability ;
• whether the person can perform the essential duties or requirements of the job , of being a tenant , or of being a service user , with or without accommodation ;
• the type of accommodation ( s ) that may be needed to allow the person to fulfill the essential duties or requirements of the job , of being a tenant , or of being a service user , etc ; and
• in employment , regular updates about when the person expects to come back to work , if they are on leave .
The OHRC has indicated that it will be releasing a policy statement on medical documentation of disabilities within the next several months . The new policy on Ableism and Discrimination Based on Disability is available at www . ohrc . on . ca . MD
College Guidance
The College ’ s Professional Obligations and Human Rights policy addresses the duty of accommodation in a broader context , including a physician ’ s own duty to accommodate . Physicians are also urged to be familiar with the College ’ s Third Party Reports policy . The expectations articulated in this document are intended to assist physicians so that they are able to participate in the third party reports process in a manner that is respectful , objective and that upholds the reputation of the profession . Both policies are in the Policy & Publications section of the College ’ s website at www . cpso . on . ca .
About the
Nominate A Physician for the 2018 Awards
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario presents four Council Awards every year to physicians who have demonstrated excellence in the eight physician roles identified as the essential qualities needed to practise modern medicine . The College is now accepting nominations for the 2018 Council Award . Further details can be found in the insert between page 40-41 and on the College ’ s website www . cpso . on . ca .
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Dialogue Issue 1 , 2017