CMPA supports the release and recommendations of the Goudge Report on the physician complaints process

Published: May 3, 2018

The CMPA supports the public release of the report and the recommendations prepared by the Honourable Stephen Goudge on Streamlining the Physician Complaints Process in Ontario [PDF]. This report was designed to improve the complaints process for all those involved, including patients and physicians.

The goal of Mr. Goudge’s review was to identify ways of making the complaints, investigations, and disciplinary processes of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) more efficient and cost-effective while maintaining fairness for physicians who are the subject of proceedings at the CPSO.

The CMPA has consistently supported the objectives of Mr. Goudge’s review, and we worked collaboratively with Mr. Goudge and his team to ensure they had the data and information necessary for their review.

We support and are encouraged by Mr. Goudge’s key recommendations, especially those aimed at improving flexibility and discretion to triage complaints, dismiss clearly unmeritorious complaints at an early stage, and encourage collaborative resolution of appropriate cases, including through the use of a patient advocate and complaints director. These changes are in the best interests of patients and physicians.

We believe that the implementation of Mr. Goudge’s recommendations could improve fairness, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness while enhancing self-regulation within the medical profession.

We are glad to have had the chance to work with Mr. Goudge on his review, and we are eager to work with the CPSO, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and other stakeholders on the implementation of the report’s recommendations.