FOR PHYSICIANS

The Canadian Medical Association Code of Ethics (which the CPSA endorses) states physicians cannot discriminate against patients on grounds such as age, gender, medical condition, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability.

However, in some circumstances:

• You may not feel qualified to handle the patient’s treatment
• The patient has missed several appointments
• The patient has signed a treatment contract and is not following your treatment plan
• The patient has been abusive or threatening to you and/or your staff

Note:  Doctors may not refuse to treat/accept a patient in an emergency situation if they have the skills required to do so.

Yes, as long as you believe:

• the treatment will benefit the patient;
• the treatment will not harm the patient; and
• the provider is qualified to provide appropriate treatment.

• Document the details of the incident(s), including the names of any witnesses.
• Contact the Canadian Medical Protection Agency for advice at 1-800-267-6522

Note:  If you believe the patient poses a serious threat to yourself, family members and/or staff, the matter should be reported to the police.

If attempts to reach a resolution with the patient are unsuccessful, you are entitled to discharge the patient from the practice, provided he/she receives written notification stating the reasons for the termination of care.

Yes, if it is done correctly. Meeting with patients before entering into a doctor/patient relationship can be an opportunity to:

• Share information about the practice and to understand the individual’s medical history
• Allow the individual to determine if this relationship will meet his/her expectations for managing future health needs.
• Allow both parties to decide if this relationship is mutually beneficial.

However, you may not use the appointment as a means of screening patients i.e. – choosing only the healthy or less-complex patients.

The CMA Code of Ethics states: “physicians cannot discriminate against patients on such grounds as age, gender, marital status, medical condition, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.”

For more information, refer to: The Messenger (May 2005) – Page 6.