Physicians providing emergency care as good Samaritans often have questions about their legal and ethical obligations and the liability protection available to them.
(July 2021)
Changes to the Criminal Code have raised the age of consent for sexual activity. Physicians should be guided by legislation in each province and territory on their duty to report such activity to the appropriate authorities if there are reasonable grounds to believe the child is being abused.
(July 2021)
The practice of marking transcribed reports or entries “dictated but not read” gives rise to medical-legal risks and can create uncertainty for those relying on that information in providing patient care.
(July 2021)
Effective communication and awareness of legal requirements are key to obtaining consent for treatment of children.
(May 2021)
A review of steps to take if a physician receives a College complaint during COVID-19.
(May 2021)
A complaint to a medical regulatory authority (College) initiates a process that warrants a physician's attention and timely response.
(May 2021)
Dealing with the stress of a College complaint is easier when a physician understands the complaint process and receives support, advice, and coping strategies from the CMPA.
(May 2021)
End-of-life treatment decisions can be difficult for both physicians and patients, but many issues can be avoided by following the key concepts outlined.
(March 2021)
A look at how the legalization of recreational marijuana may affect physicians’ practices, including whether it will eliminate patients’ requests for medical marijuana.
(January 2020)
Physicians should participate in quality assurance activities such as debriefs and should reduce their medical-legal risks by ensuring the debriefs are properly structured.
(December 2019)
A review of CMPA member enquiries following the legalization of cannabis for recreational use reveals that the new regulatory regime has generally not had a significant medical-legal impact for our members.
(December 2019)
Certain provinces have legislation to prevent apologies for adverse events from being used in court proceedings.
(November 2019)
Physicians who treat or who are asked to treat transgender individuals should be aware of the ethical and legal considerations in these circumstances to avoid allegations of discrimination.
(October 2019)
Clarity about who is responsible for the care of a patient at any given time improves patient safety and reduces medico-legal risk.
(October 2019)
Physicians should understand the role of coroners and medical examiners in Canada,
and how and when to provide information to them.
(June 2019)
Explanation of physicians’ mandatory and discretionary obligations to report patients who have a medical condition that may make it dangerous for them to drive.
(June 2019)
Physicians who respond affirmatively to a request for a medical-legal report should prepare the report with care and in keeping with their College’s policies and guidelines.
(June 2019)
A discussion of physicians’ obligations when certifying a patient’s death.
(April 2019)
Physicians should consider encouraging patients to engage in advance care planning and appointing a substitute decision-maker early, before the patient no longer has the capacity to consent to end-of-life care.
(March 2019)
When physicians offer a clinical comment or opinion that will be relied on to care for a patient, they may owe that patient a duty of care—even if they have never met the patient in person.
(January 2019)
CMPA gives advice to physicians travelling across international borders and having border agents search mobile electronic devices, such as smartphones, that may contain confidential patient information.
(January 2019)
The legal right to be treated fairly, known as natural justice, can have a huge impact in administrative proceedings against physicians (e.g. College or hospital proceedings).
(November 2018)
A look at what’s involved when testifying as a treating physician, independent medical evaluator, or expert before a court, College, or administrative tribunal, and suggestions to do it confidently and effectively.
(June 2018)
Greater clarity in patient care can be achieved through healthcare directives, and when physicians understand their purpose and the rules governing them.
(October 2017)
Physicians who do administrative work require liability protection for the professional medical tasks they perform and also for the non-clinical administrative tasks they perform in support of an organization.
(May 2017)
Typically, civil legal actions launched against physicians are initiated by a patient alleging negligence in care, but there are variations to this scenario that can result in more complex litigation involving multiple parties and claims.
(May 2017)
Physicians can take reasonable steps to maintain the best interests of the patient in the midst of family disputes concerning the care of children or of elder patients.
(December 2016)
Physicians participating in clinical research studies should be aware of their relevant legal, ethical, and professional obligations.
(July 2014)
Physicians named in a hospital complaint can feel reassured that due process exists and will be followed, and that the CMPA is available to help.
(June 2014)
Physicians considering various arrangements for practising medicine, other than the privileges-based model, need to consider any medico-legal implications.
(September 2012)
In legal proceedings where courts are determining if the care provided met the standard of care, authoritative clinical practice guidelines may be considered as one piece of evidence.
(September 2011)
When treating non-resident patients, Canadian physicians are advised to ensure they have adequate liability protection.
(August 2011)
A subpoena or summons to witness requires the person named to attend the court, tribunal, commission, inquiry, inquest or military board proceeding or hearing named in the subpoena.
(December 2009)
Physicians should exercise care in modifying or correcting medical records. Suggestions on when and how to go about this are provided.
(October 2009)
Clinical care is increasingly provided by collaborative teams with the promise of better outcomes for patients. This document identifies potential medico-legal risks in collaborative care and proposes solutions to lessen those risks for patients and providers.
(January 2008)
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this learning material is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific professional medical or legal advice, nor to constitute a "standard of care" for Canadian healthcare professionals. The use of CMPA learning resources is subject to the foregoing as well as the CMPA's Terms of Use.
