Ontario increases protection for high-risk procedures in unregulated settings
Regulatory bodies applaud move to ‘better protect public’
Tuesday December 16, 2008 -- Jason Thompson
The government of Ontario is introducing legislation to increase protection for people who undergo high-risk procedures in unregulated non-hospital settings.

If passed, the legislation would empower regulatory bodies, such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario or the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, with the ability to observe a healthcare professional’s practice first-hand and watch high-risk procedures, such as cosmetic surgery, being performed.

"The new public safety initiatives proposed by the government would allow health-regulatory colleges to observe, first-hand, health professionals at work and the equipment they use," Irwin Fefergrad, registrar of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, said in a news release.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario has also issued a statement lauding the announcement of legislation to establish regulatory oversight over non-hospital settings, saying it would better protect the public.

"We are extremely pleased that we will be able to deliver on our commitment to enhance patient safety in out-of-hospital facilities where invasive procedures are performed," said president Dr. Rayudu Koka.

“The introduction of legislation that would provide for facility inspections is an important first step toward improving patient safety.”

According to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, obtaining the authority to effectively inspect non-regulated facilities has been a top priority for the organization, which has been an advocate of legislative change to make it happen.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario says it is also continuing its work with the government on regulation amendments requiring physicians to be clear and accurate about their credentials and training in their advertising and other communications with patients.

Click here for more information on the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario’s cosmetic procedures initiative.

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