Re: “Put more patients on doctors’ board,” editorial, Aug. 12.
Every day, patients from all corners of the province place their trust in physicians to provide ethical and professional medical care. We know how disappointing and troubling it can be for patients and their families if something happens to break that trust. We also know it takes an incredible amount of courage to speak up.
The board of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. is not the decision-maker in matters related to physician competence and conduct. This is the role of the inquiry and discipline committees as directed by the Health Professions Act, provincial legislation that governs the practice of medicine.
Contrary to what was stated in the editorial, neither the inquiry committee panel that investigates serious matters nor the discipline committee are “dominated” by physicians. They are both comprised of 50 per cent public members. There is no imbalance.
As public members on the college’s board and many of the college’s committees, we strive to ensure that patients’ voices are strongly represented at the decision-making table. We take this role very seriously in meeting the college’s mandate of public protection. So, too, do our physician colleagues on the board, who are equally vigorous in ensuring that patients remain at the centre of the work we do.
Every complaint submitted to the college is investigated thoroughly. The investigative process is comprehensive, fair and equitable. It includes communicating with the patient, reviewing medical records, conducting interviews with subject-matter experts and witnesses, and allowing the physician named in the complaint to be heard.
Fairness and impartiality are foundational principles in the robust regulatory system and legislative framework within which the college operates. During an investigation, allegations cannot be considered proven until they are admitted or successfully tested at a hearing.
The college is not permitted to disclose allegations publicly, regardless of how serious they might be, until they are proven such that they lead to discipline. Privacy legislation also prevents the college from offering public comment, even in situations where patients might choose to do so.
Not all complaints lead to discipline, even when the college is critical of a physician. Many situations warrant a remedial approach, which might include additional training.
Formal consequences short of discipline might result in a written reprimand and practice restrictions. Complaints that lead to discipline might result in a physician being suspended for a period of time and fined.
When a physician is disciplined by the college, that action is published and remains on the public record in perpetuity. This is a legal requirement under the Health Professions Act.
As public members, we all have a strong, influential and equal voice at college board and committee meetings. We have never been “outvoted” by our physician counterparts. In fact, we all share the same firm commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of B.C. patients.
Bruce C. Bell, Satvir S. Gill, Tarjeet T.S. Mann, Barry D. Penner, QC, and Shirley F.J. Ross are public members of the board of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia.
