Background
In December 2020, the Government of Alberta passed Bill 46: Health Statutes Amendment Act to amend the Health Professions Act and streamline regulatory processes. In response, the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) reviewed their Physician Health Monitoring Program (PHMP) and determined that the way it was operating was no longer permissible under Bill 46. As a result, the CPSA began transitioning health assessments, fitness-to-practise assessments and health and biological monitoring functions to CPSA-approved external service providers. The PHMP is now called Health & Practice Conditions Monitoring (HPCM) and is administered under the Continuing Competence Department of the CPSA.
Your duty
As a regulated CPSA member, you are responsible for notifying the organization if you have a health condition that may impact your practice or if you are aware of a colleague who’s experiencing health challenges. The AMA encourages members to familiarize themselves with these CPSA Standards of Practice: Duty to Report Self and Duty to Report a Colleague.
Unsure whether to report? Need legal advice?
If a member is considering their duty to report a health condition to the CPSA, the AMA strongly advises that member first reach out to the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA), which can provide legal advice, assistance with interpretation of the standard of practice and support through the process. (See section 3 in the CPSA Duty to Report Self Standard of Practice.)
Costs of exams and monitoring
Any costs associated with independent medical assessments or with health and/or biological monitoring are set by the CPSA-approved external service providers. These costs are the responsibility of the regulated member. (See clause 16 of the CPSA Continuing Competence Standard of Practice.)
The Physician and Family Support Program provides confidential support
The AMA reminds you that its Physician and Family Support Program (PFSP) is here to support you 24/7/365. The PFSP is experienced in supporting physicians with health conditions, specifically those who are involved with the HPCM program, and can assist eligible AMA members to offset the costs of assessments and monitoring for those in financial need.
Members are encouraged to call the PFSP early in the process. We can be reached at 1-877-767-4637.
