CMPA Handbook For Physicians

Medical-legal
handbook
for PHYSICIANS IN CANADA
This handbook provides insight into basic

legal concepts and underlying principles
that govern physicians in their practices
www.cmpa-acpm.ca
VERSION 8.2 (SEPTEMBER 2016)
THE CANADIAN MEDICAL PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION
OTTAWA, CANADA
All reproduction rights are reserved.
Ce document est aussi publié en français.
The Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) provides medical-legal protection to physicians
licensed to practise medicine in Canada.
As the principal provider of medical liability protection in Canada, the CMPA is committed to protecting
the professional integrity of physicians and promoting safe medical care. To fulfill this mandate, the CMPA
provides a range of services to members in both English and French including medical liability protection,
advice and assistance, risk management and education, and publications.
This handbook is available on the CMPA website at www.cmpa-acpm.ca.
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Medical-legal handbook for physicians in Canada

Table of contents
INTRODUCTION 1
Medicine and the law 1
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 3
The Canadian legal system 3
The litigation process 4
Cause of action 9
Liability for the acts of others 10
Damage awards 12
The physician as an expert witness 15
Non-resident patients 19
MEDICAL-LEGAL PRINCIPLES AND DUTIES 21

Negligence, civil responsibility, and the standard of care 21
Consent 23
Informed discharge 29
Confidentiality 29
Medical records 32
IMPORTANT LEGISLATION 39
Reporting patients unfit to drive 39
Reporting child abuse 40
Blood alcohol samples 40
Mental health legislation — Involuntary admission 41
Medical certificates 42
Regulations to access marijuana 43
Firearms Act 44
SAFE MEDICAL CARE 45

Disclosure and reporting of harm from healthcare delivery 45
Terminology 46
Interprofessional (collaborative) care 46
Scarcity of resources 47
FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS 51
The Canadian Medical Protective Association

Introduction
Medicine and the law
This handbook provides insight into basic legal concepts and underlying principles that govern
physicians in their practices. It also offers physicians a greater understanding of the standards and
requirements imposed on them by law. This will better equip physicians to recognize and avoid
medical-legal difficulties. It is important to highlight that some of the legal principles addressed in
this document arise out of the common law system, which applies to all provinces and territories
in Canada except Québec. Civil law in Québec has its own legal principles. Similarities exist
nevertheless in the application of these two legal traditions in Canada.
The interaction between law and medicine permeates almost all aspects of a physician’s practice
and, of course, goes far beyond events or mishaps that might give rise to litigation. This diversity
is reflected in the fact that each year the CMPA receives thousands of inquiries from its members
about practice-related issues, including the application and interpretation of provincial or territorial
statutes that impinge on the practice of medicine in ever-increasing numbers.
Members can contact the CMPA for advice on a broad range of medical-legal issues arising from
their professional work in Canada. They receive the benefit of advice from people who understand
their situation — experienced physician advisors who are doctors with clinical practice
backgrounds in various specialties and settings. Physician advisors are available to provide
advice and, when warranted, arrange further legal assistance for matters arising from a member’s
professional work, including the following:
▪▪ civil legal actions
▪▪ regulatory authority (College) complaints, investigations, and disciplinary hearings
▪▪ coroners’ inquests or other fatality inquiries
▪▪ billing audits or inquiries
▪▪ hospital privilege matters
▪▪ criminal proceedings
▪▪ some general contract or research contract matters
▪▪ privacy legislation breaches and privacy complaints
▪▪ human rights complaints
When members face a medical-legal action, they are eligible for assistance in the form of
legal representation, and payment of legal costs, judgments, or settlements to compensate
patients where it is determined those patients have been harmed by negligent care (in Québec,
professional fault). The CMPA works with an independent general counsel and with selected
legal firms in each province (provincial counsel) to ensure that members have the support
necessary to achieve the best possible outcome.
The Canadian Medical Protective Association 1

Legal proceedings
The Canadian legal system
Generally speaking, activities are governed by two sources of law: the law created by statute,
either federally, provincially, or territorially; and the common law developed by judgments
rendered in legal actions that have proceeded through the courts. In Québec, a codified
system of civil law is used, though for the most part the underlying principles of medical-legal
jurisprudence are similar in common law provinces and territories.
There are also two types of legal actions: civil and criminal. A civil action involves the resolution
of disputes between two or more parties by resort to the litigation process. Today this often
includes mediation. Criminal actions involve the prosecution of an individual charged with
committing an offence as defined by statute, usually the federal Criminal Code.1 There are
also quasi-criminal offences set out in other federal statutes (e.g. the Controlled Drugs and
Substances Act2) as well as in several provincial and territorial statutes.
Civil and criminal actions are heard by much the same courts, although the jurisdiction of some
courts is split into civil and criminal divisions. The accused in a criminal action often has a right
to elect trial by jury. An absolute right to a jury is only available to plaintiffs in a civil action in
Saskatchewan.3 Jury trials in civil actions have been abolished in Québec. Traditionally, civil
actions in the remaining provinces and territories are heard by a judge alone, but in recent
years there has been an increasing trend toward jury trials.
A defendant in a civil action may be found liable if the essential elements of the claim are
established on a balance of probability, while the accused in a criminal action will not be found
guilty unless the charge is proven beyond a reasonable doubt. A defendant found liable in a civil
action must pay an amount of money awarded to the plaintiff in damages. The accused found
guilty in a criminal action may be fined, imprisoned, or both.
The plaintiff or defendant in a civil action, and the Crown or the accused in a criminal action,
may appeal any judgment rendered. The appellate court will not interfere with the decision,
however, unless the court is satisfied there has been an error in law or the decision is plainly
unreasonable and unjust when reviewing the evidence as a whole. While the accused in a
criminal action may appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada without permission (depending
on the circumstances), a party in a civil action must obtain the leave (permission) of the court
to appeal the judgment of a provincial or territorial Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court of
Canada.4 It is, however, becoming increasingly difficult to obtain such leave (permission); it
is only granted when one clearly demonstrates to the court that an aspect of the case is of
national importance.
1. RSC 1985, c C-46.

2. SC 1996, c 19.
3. The Jury Act, 1998, SS 1998, c J-4.2, s 18.
4. Supreme Court Act, RSC 1985, c S-26, s 40.

The litigation process
A number of events might alert the physician to impending litigation:
▪▪ A clear error is made (e.g. an operation on the wrong patient or on the wrong part of the body).
▪▪ A serious and unexpected mishap occurs in the course of treatment.
▪▪ The patient is dissatisfied. This should raise a red flag in the mind of the physician. Many legal
actions are commenced by disgruntled patients who feel their physician did not give them
enough time or attention; these patients may then attribute a result that is less than perfect to
the carelessness of the physician rather than being an acceptable complication or outcome.
▪▪ A complaint is made to the regulatory authority (College).
▪▪ A decision is made to hold an inquest or other investigation into the death of a patient.
The most common announcement of an impending legal action, however, is the receipt of a letter
from a lawyer on behalf of the patient. Some of these letters simply request copies of the medical
records and may include general questions for the physician about the treatment rendered, the
It is essential that complication that occurred, and the current prognosis for the patient. If the lawyer is forthright,
physicians notify the the letter will also advise that a legal action is being considered or has already been commenced
CMPA immediately against the physician, and suggest that the defence organization or insurance company should be
when served with contacted.
any legal document
Pleadings
pertaining to their
practice. Often there is no warning whatsoever about an impending legal action until the physician
is served with a notice of action or its equivalent. Service of the notice of action is usually
accomplished when a document is delivered personally to the defendant physician by a bailiff or
other process server. A notice of intent to defend or a notice of appearance must be filed into the
court on behalf of the defendant physician within strict time limits, so it is essential that physicians
notify the CMPA immediately when served with any legal document pertaining to their medical
practice.
In some provinces and territories, the legal action is initiated by a statement of claim, which is
again almost always served upon the defendant physician personally. In Québec, this document
is called a “Judicial application originating a proceeding” and follows a formal demand letter.5 In
the remaining jurisdictions, the statement of claim usually accompanies the notice of action. The
statement of claim sets out, in a concise manner, the facts and particulars upon which the plaintiff
is relying to establish a cause of action or alleged wrongdoing against the defendant. It is not
unusual for the statement of claim to include allegations that challenge the defendant physician’s
competence and reputation.
A statement of defence is the answer prepared on behalf of the defendant to the allegations set
out in the statement of claim. In essence, this response sets out the facts, allegations, and denials
upon which the defendant intends to rely in refuting the claim asserted by the plaintiff. While again
there are time limits for the filing of a statement of defence, an accommodation is almost always
reached between lawyers to allow time to obtain records and information necessary to prepare
the statment of defence. During this time, the defendant physician will be asked to provide legal
counsel with a narrative account and copies of the office records concerning the patient. Often
the defendant doctor will also find it valuable to meet with defence counsel to discuss the case.
On occasion, a cross-claim may be included in the statement of defence to raise the allegation or
argument that a co-defendant in the legal action is responsible in whole or in part for the claim
being asserted by the plaintiff; therefore, the defendant is entitled to contribution or indemnity
from the co-defendant respecting any damages that might be awarded. Similarly, a third-party
claim, or claim in warranty in Québec, may be initiated on behalf of the defendant against a person
5. Québec, Code of Civil Procedure, RLRQ 2014, c C-25.01, art 141.
4 Medical-legal handbook for physicians in Canada

or party not already named in the original action, again on the basis that this person or party is
responsible in whole or in part for the claim being asserted; therefore, the defendant is entitled to
contribution or indemnity for any damages awarded.
Countersuits
Upon receipt of a statement of claim, some physicians immediately seek to commence an action
in defamation or to initiate a countersuit against the plaintiff or the plaintiff’s lawyer or both.
However, allegations set out in a statement of claim are privileged and therefore cannot form the
basis of an action in defamation against the plaintiff or the lawyer.
The availability of a countersuit is also extremely limited. To succeed in a medical-legal
countersuit, the physician must prove the following:
▪▪ The patient and the patient’s lawyer had no basis whatsoever to commence or continue the
initial medical-legal action against the physician and that the action was brought without any
foundation or investigation whatsoever.
▪▪ The medical-legal action against the physician has been dismissed on its merits by the court Adopting a vigorous
in favour of the physician.
defence is a much
▪▪ The medical-legal action was instituted and continued with the malicious intent of the patient more effective and
or the lawyer to cause specific harm to the physician.
expeditious manner
▪▪ The physician did in fact sustain direct damage to the practice as the result of the medical- of dealing with
legal action. The loss of professional reputation, litigation expenses, the loss of income, and clearly unwarranted
other expenses while defending oneself do not qualify as damages in this regard.
legal claims.
These hurdles have prevented the countersuit from being an effective response to the frivolous
legal action.
Adopting a vigorous defence is a much more effective and expeditious manner of dealing with
clearly unwarranted legal claims, which are often quickly abandoned or concluded by means of a
dismissal order.
Litigation proceedings
Many legal actions seem to stall once pleadings have been exchanged; indeed, many are
simply abandoned at this stage. For those actions that proceed, the defence counsel carefully
investigates the claim by obtaining copies of all relevant hospital and medical records, discussing
the file thoroughly with the defendant physicians, and obtaining preliminary expert opinion. These
steps may take months, even a year or more.
Preliminary applications may be made to the court from time to time for directions or a
determination on a point of law. These usually proceed in the absence or even without the
knowledge of the physician.
One of the most important stages in the litigation process, and the next step in the legal
proceedings, is conducting examinations for discovery. This pre-trial examination allows legal
counsel to question each other’s client under oath before a court reporter who prepares a
transcript of the questions and answers.
In some jurisdictions, legal counsel may conduct an examination for discovery of individuals not
included in the legal action, such as another treating physician or an expert witness. In most
jurisdictions, however, such examinations for discovery or interviews of other treating physicians
may only take place, if at all, pursuant to a court order.
The individual being examined is usually subjected to detailed questioning as to any knowledge,
information, and belief concerning the facts and issues in dispute in the legal action. It is extremely
important that these examinations be taken seriously. The physician is expected to diligently
prepare by reviewing very carefully all the medical records pertaining to the patient. As well, the

physician must co-operate fully and be available to meet with legal counsel. It is extremely difficult
to back away at any subsequent trial from an answer given during examinations for discovery.
Legal actions are often won or lost at this stage.
Increasingly, mediation is being introduced into the litigation process. In Ontario, for example,
there are mandatory mediation requirements even before discoveries may be complete.6 Often
legal counsel for the parties simply agree to voluntarily participate in mediation. In a somewhat
similar vein, it is common in some jurisdictions to use pre-trial conferences with a judge, usually
one other than the judge who will preside at trial. Both mediation and pre-trial conferences
attempt to reach agreement on issues in dispute to facilitate resolution or at least shorten any trial.
The culmination of these legal proceedings, which can span 4 to 6 years, is the trial of the action.
In Québec, parties have 6 months to have the case ready for trial, although on complicated
matters this deadline is often extended.7 Several months, indeed even several years, can pass
between the time an action is ready for trial and the commencement of trial. As noted earlier, in
most provinces and territories trials are traditionally heard by a judge alone, without a jury. There
is, however, a trend on the part of lawyers acting for patients to seek a jury trial. In jurisdictions
The CMPA’s primary where juries are permissible, whether or not there should be a jury must be decided on the merits
and circumstances of each case, particularly the complexity of the points to be decided and the
interest and concern
medical or scientific evidence to be anticipated.
has always been,
and continues The trial of medical-legal actions seems to be taking longer and longer, often weeks or months.
It is, of course, necessary for the defendant physician to be in court for most, if not all, of this
to be, protecting
time, which produces considerable hardship. The trial judge almost always takes the case under
the professional advisement at the conclusion of the trial and the reasons for judgment are usually not delivered
integrity of its for some months. Each party may appeal the judgment. Again, there is a delay while the lawyers
member physicians. prepare factums and transcripts of the evidence adduced (introduced) at trial before the appeal is
heard. The physician may, but need not, be present at the hearing of the appeal. There may be an
additional delay while the appellate court deliberates before rendering judgment.
If a party is not satisfied with a judgment of a Court of Appeal, they may seek leave (permission) to
appeal the case to the Supreme Court of Canada. In the event the case is considered sufficiently
important that leave is granted, there will be additional delays before the appeal can be heard and
final judgment is rendered.
Settlements
The CMPA’s primary interest and concern has always been, and continues to be, protecting the
professional integrity of its member physicians. For this reason, a vigorous defence is always
mounted for a member who has not been careless or negligent and for whom a successful
defence is possible. It is a firm principle that no settlement will be reached on the basis of
economic expediency. However, when a review of the medical facts reveals that shortcomings
in a physician’s work have resulted in harm to a patient, the CMPA will arrange for a financial
settlement that is fair to all concerned. When the claim is clearly indefensible, a settlement
is negotiated as early as possible. For the most part, however, settlements are not effected
until after examinations for discovery to allow the evidence and credibility of the parties to be
assessed, and expert opinion to be obtained as to whether or not the work of the defendant
doctor is defensible.
To put this in perspective, over the past 10 years ending 2014, approximately 56% of all actions
commenced against physicians are dismissed or abandoned short of trial and approximately
34% of all cases are settled. The remainder proceed to trial and most are successfully defended.
6. Ontario, Rules of Civil Procedure, RRO 1990, Reg 194, r 24.1.

7. Québec, Code of Civil Procedure, RLRQ 2014, c C-25.01.

Statutes of limitation
At one time, the limitation period during which a civil action had to be initiated against a
physician commonly ran from the date of the termination of medical services giving rise to the
claim. Thus, the patient had 1 or 2 years from the date of last treatment to commence the action.
In the early 1970s, much was written about how this special interest legislation favoured the
medical profession and prejudiced the patient, particularly when the patient was unaware of the
potential negligence on the part of the physician within that time period.
Today, it is universal for the limitation provisions respecting actions against physicians to
incorporate a discovery principle, in which the time for commencing an action against a
physician does not start until the patient knew or ought to have known the facts upon which
the action is based. The discovery principle can extend the limitation period significantly,
particularly when the court is prepared to interpret the aspect of constructive knowledge to
require that the patient has received appropriate expert opinion.
All jurisdictions require that the running of the limitation period must be postponed when the
plaintiff is under a disability, either by being under the age of majority or mentally incompetent.
The result can, of course, extend the limitation period to upwards of 20 years, and longer for
patients suffering from a mental disability.
A number of provinces and territories have placed a cap on the length of time a patient may
have to initiate an action against a physician. The outside time limit in Prince Edward Island,
for example, is 6 years from the day the patient had a cause of action against the physician.8 In
Alberta9 and Newfoundland and Labrador,10 it is 10 years, and it is 15 years in British Columbia,11
Saskatchewan,12 New Brunswick,13 Ontario14 and Nova Scotia.15 These caps do not apply,
however, while a patient is below the age of majority or is suffering from a serious mental
disability.
The CMPA has vigorously argued that prolonged and uncertain limitation periods pose
problems for physicians in terms of the need to store records for long periods of time, the
availability of witnesses, and so on. It may be argued that this is true for any type of litigation, but
when actions involve medical matters, the problems are particularly difficult. Most important,
because of rapid changes in medical science, it becomes very difficult for courts to fairly assess
a physician’s work respecting the applicable standard of care if that work was done a decade or
more earlier.
8. Medical Act, RSPEI 1988, c M-5, s 49.

9. Limitations Act, RSA 2000, c L-12, s 3(1)(b).
10. Limitations Act, SNL 1995, c L-16.1, s 14(3).
11. Limitations Act, SBC 2012, c 13, s 21(1).
12. The Limitations Act, SS 2004, c L-16.1, s 7(1).
13. Limitation of Actions Act, SNB 2009, c L-8.5, s 5(1)(b).
14. Limitations Act, 2002, SO 2002, c 24, Sch B, s 15(1)(2).
15. Limitation of Actions Act, SNS 2014, c 35, s 8(1)(b).

The table below is a summary, by province and territory, of the limitation periods for commencing actions
against physicians (current to January 2016).
Province/Territory Basic limitation period Postponement for disability

(Infancy or mental incompetence)
BRITISH COLUMBIA16 Two years from knowledge of facts, but no Postponement until termination of disability
more than 15 years from cause of action
ALBERTA17 Two years from knowledge of facts, but no Postponement until termination of disability
more than 10 years after the claim arose
SASKATCHEWAN18 Two years from knowledge of facts, but no Postponement until termination of disability
MANITOBA19 Two years from termination of professional Postponement until termination of disability (up
services subject to discretion of the court to to 30 years maximum)
extend time up to 30 years
ONTARIO20 Two years from knowledge of facts, but no Postponement until termination of disability
QUÉBEC21 Three years from the date of fault or from Prescription does not run against persons if it is
date of knowledge of facts impossible for them to act by themselves or to
be represented by others
NEW BRUNSWICK22 Two years from knowledge of facts, but no Postponement until termination of disability,
more than 15 years from cause of action then action must be commenced within 1 year
NOVA SCOTIA23 Two years from knowledge of acts, subject Postponement until termination of disability,
to an additional 2 years at the discretion of again subject to additional 2 years at the
the court, but no more than 15 years from discretion of the court
cause of action
PRINCE EDWARD The longer of 2 years from the alleged Postponement until termination of disability,
ISLAND24 negligence or knowledge of facts, but no then action must be commenced within 2 years
more than 6 years from the termination of
treatment, except in the case of fraudulent
concealment or a retained foreign body
NEWFOUNDLAND Two years from knowledge of facts, but no Postponement until termination of disability,
AND LABRADOR25 more than 10 years from date of treatment then action must be commenced within 1 year
YUKON26 Two years from knowledge of facts Postponement until termination of disability
NORTHWEST27 Two years from knowledge of facts Postponement until termination of disability
TERRITORIES
NUNAVUT28 Two years from knowledge of facts Postponement until termination of disability
16171819202122232425262728
16. Limitation Act, SBC 2012, c 13, ss 3(1), 6, 21.

17. Limitations Act, RSA 2000, c L-12, ss 3(1), 5(1), 5.1.
18. The Limitations Act, SS 2004, c L-16.1, ss 5-8, 16.
19. Medical Act, CCSM c M90, s 61; The Limitation of Actions Act, CCSM c L150, ss 7(1)(2)(5), 8(1), 14(1)(4).
20. Limitations Act, 2002, SO 2002, c 24, Sch B, ss 4, 6, 7(1), 9(2), 15(1), (2).
21. arts 2904, 2925, 2926 CCQ.
22. Limitation of Actions Act, SNB 2009, c L-8.5, ss 5, 17-18.
23. Limitation of Actions Act, SNS 2014, c 35, s 8, 19(1).
24. Medical Act, RSPEI 1988, c M-5, s 49; Statute of Limitations, RSPEI 1988, c S-7, s 5.
25. Limitations Act, SNL 1995, c L-16.1, ss 5, 14(1) (3), 15.
26. Limitation of Actions Act, RSY 2002, c 139, ss 2(1)(d), 5.
27. Limitation of Actions Act, RSNWT 1988, c L-8, ss 2(1)(d), 2.1(3)(4), 5.
28. Limitation of Actions Act, RSNWT (Nu) 1988, c L-8, ss 2(1)(d), 2.1(3)(4), 5.

Cause of action
A cause of action refers to the set of facts or alleged faults that, if established, give rise to the
claim for damages. More than one cause of action can arise out of the same situation and may
be advanced under one or more of the following headings.
Assault and battery

The Supreme Court of Canada has restricted such a claim to those non-emergency situations
where the physician has carried out surgery or treatment on the plaintiff without consent, or has
gone well beyond, or departed from, the procedure for which consent was given.29 An assault
and battery may also be committed where fraud or misrepresentation is used to obtain consent.
These claims are, for the most part, now restricted to errors where the wrong operation is
performed on a patient or an operation is performed on the wrong patient.
False imprisonment
These claims arise when patients are restrained or confined against their will and without
reasonable cause or lawful authority. There have been very few actions for false imprisonment,
most of which are brought by patients against psychiatrists and psychiatric institutions.
Defamation or injury to reputation

This claim is based upon a statement, written or oral, that tends to bring the plaintiff into ridicule
or contempt or that causes the plaintiff to be shunned, avoided, or discredited. There have been
very few actions for defamation, yet physicians still fear such claims, particularly when required
to give critical comments about a colleague or patient. These concerns are unnecessary; not
only is the truth of the statement a full defence, in most instances the statement is probably also
protected by qualified privilege. The defence of qualified privilege protects a person whether or
not the words are in fact true provided that, in all of the circumstances, there was a duty upon
the individual to make the comments and in so doing the individual acted fairly. The duty may
only be a moral one and, to have acted fairly, it must be demonstrated that the individual made
the statement honestly and in good faith, without malice.
Breach of contract
In provinces and territories that are subject to common law, breach of contract claims are
made when it is alleged that the physician has breached an expressed or implied term of the
agreement that arises out of the physician-patient relationship, usually an allegation that the
physician failed to achieve the result guaranteed. This occurs most often in the context of
cosmetic surgery. A claim for breach of contract is also advanced when it is alleged that the
physician, or someone for whom the physician is responsible in law, has disclosed confidential
information about the patient without proper authorization and in the absence of being required
to disclose the information by law. In Québec, the concept of the medical contract has a more
general application when a direct physician-patient relationship has been established. The
existence of a medical contract in that province does not necessarily impose an obligation of
result to the physician, although the physician may have an obligation of means.
Informed consent
It is not unusual for a claim to be asserted on behalf of the plaintiff alleging that, in obtaining
consent, the physician failed to provide all the information about the nature and anticipated
effect of the proposed procedure, including the significant risks and possible alternatives that
a reasonable person would wish to know in determining whether to proceed. The notion of
informed consent is entrenched in many codes of ethics and in legislation, in particular in the
Civil Code of Québec.30 This notion, and more particularly, the switch to the reasonable patient
29. Reibl v. Hughes, [1980] 2 SCR 880, 1980 CanLII 23 (SCC).

30. art 10, 11 CCQ.

standard of disclosure was discussed by the Supreme Court of Canada in 1980.31 The new
standard was worrisome for physicians, creating great uncertainty about what was expected
of them. It would appear, however, that physicians have come to appreciate the need for more
detailed explanations to be given to their patients and are finding the requirements of informed
consent are not imposing as stringent a hardship as once feared. The successful defence of
such actions is assisted by the overriding requirement, also introduced by the Supreme Court
of Canada, that to succeed, the plaintiff must demonstrate that in the face of full disclosure, a
reasonable person in the patient’s place would have refused the procedure.32 It is this aspect
that defeats most claims alleging lack of informed consent.
Negligence or civil responsibility

The majority of legal actions brought against physicians are based on a claim for negligence (or,
in Québec, civil responsibility). These actions involve an allegation that the defendant physician
did not exercise a reasonable and acceptable standard of care, competence, and skill in
attending upon the patient and, as a result, the patient suffered harm or injury.
Fiduciary duty
Courts have long recognized that the physician-patient relationship is built on trust; this
relationship of trust is recognized in the concept of fiduciary duty. Physicians’ fiduciary duty
means they must act with good faith and loyalty toward the patient and never place their own
personal interests ahead of the patient’s. Claims of a breach of fiduciary duty are most often
brought when it is alleged that the physician has abused the trust within the physician-patient
relationship by having an inappropriate sexual relationship or committing sexual misconduct.
However, fiduciary duty may be asserted regarding any duty imposed by law arising from the
physician-patient relationship. The hallmarks of a fiduciary duty are: an imbalance of power
between the parties (often found by courts to exist between doctors and patients), an ability in the
stronger party to affect the weaker party’s financial or other interests, and a particular vulnerability
on the part of the weaker party.33 Plaintiffs who consider a legal right or remedy to be inadequate
or otherwise unavailable on the facts of the case increasingly allege fiduciary duties.
Professional misstatement
The court at times has allowed a claim of negligent misrepresentation against a physician
arising from a medical-legal report found to contain a professional misstatement or erroneous
opinion as to the patient’s prognosis. The elements of negligent misrepresentation, as
determined by the Supreme Court of Canada, include: a special or professional relationship
between the parties; the representation or opinion must be untrue, inaccurate, or
misleading due to the negligence of the professional; the receiver must have relied on the
misrepresentation or erroneous opinion; and, as a result of such reliance, the individual must
have suffered damages.34 When providing a medical-legal report or expert opinion, physicians
must take care to remain within their area of practice or specialty and avoid vague statements or
speculation as to prognosis.
Liability for the acts of others

Generally speaking, individuals are personally liable for negligent acts or professional faults they
commit. This is called direct liability. Individuals may also be held liable for the negligence or
civil responsibility of their employees or agents. This is called vicarious liability or liability based
on respondeat superior (let the principal answer).
31. Reibl v. Hughes, [1980] 2 SCR 880, 1980 CanLII 23 (SCC).

32. Ibid.
33. Norberg v. Wynrib, [1992] 2 SCR 226, 1992 CanLII 65 (SCC).
34. Hedley Byrne & Co. v. Heller & Partners Ltd., [1964] AC 465 (HL); Queen v. Cognos Inc., [1993] 1 SCR 87,
1993 CanLII 146 (SCC).

It follows that physicians may be held liable for the work of any health professional in their
employ. A physician who practises in a partnership is also jointly and severally liable for
negligent acts or professional faults committed by any partner in the course of the partnership
business.
In the hospital setting, the hospital is vicariously liable for the negligent acts or professional
faults of nurses, physiotherapists, and other healthcare providers it engages as employees
or agents of the hospital. Generally, physicians on the medical staff of a hospital are engaged
or granted privileges as independent contractors and not employees of the hospital. There
is therefore no vicarious liability on the hospital for the negligence or civil responsibility of
physicians on the medical staff.
Responsibilities of heads of departments and chiefs of staff

Physicians have expressed concern about potential liability they might incur when accepting
positions as head of a department or chief of staff. There have been very few legal actions to
date where the role of a physician as head of a department or chief of staff has been a focal
point in the litigation. This is not to say there is no risk of liability, rather it is to put the magnitude There have been
of the risk in perspective.
very few legal
As head of a department or chief of staff, physicians function as officers of the hospital. They actions to date
work hand-in-hand with the administration to help carry out the broad duties owed by the where the role of a
hospital to patients. Those duties extend to the selection, organization, and monitoring of
physician as head
both professional and non-professional staff, as well as the acquisition and maintenance of
appropriate facilities and equipment to reasonably ensure that patients receive adequate and of a department or
proper care. chief of staff has
The specific duties and responsibilities of heads of departments and chiefs of staff are often set
been a focal point in
out in the provincial or territorial hospitals act or its regulations (in Québec, An Act Respecting the litigation.
Health Services and Social Services35 ) and in the hospital’s by-laws. Generally, physicians in
these positions are expected to:
▪▪ Exercise responsibility for the general clinical organization of the hospital.
▪▪ Supervise all professional care given to all patients within the hospital.
▪▪ Report to the medical advisory committee (in Québec, the council of physicians, dentists,
and pharmacists) respecting medical diagnosis, care, and treatment provided to the
patients and outpatients of the hospital.
▪▪ Exercise responsibility for the organization and implementation of clinical review programs
and encourage continuing medical education.
▪▪ I ntervene in the management of the patient when becoming aware of a serious problem in
the diagnosis, care, or treatment, and appropriate steps are not being taken by the attending
physician.
▪▪ Participate in the appropriate committees of the hospital.
35. CQLR c S-4.2.

There is sometimes fear the head of a department or the chief of staff might be held responsible
for any mishap caused by any other member of the medical staff or any other healthcare
provider over whom it may be said they have administrative or supervisory responsibilities.
It is always difficult to speculate about the extent to which legal liability might devolve in any
hypothetical situation. Much depends on the circumstances of each case. Nevertheless, the
head of a department or the chief of staff is not expected to be a guarantor of the work of other
members of the medical staff or other healthcare providers.
More specifically, the liability of heads of departments or chiefs of staff does not extend to their
being held liable simply for the negligence or civil responsibility of some other member of the
medical staff or other healthcare providers, including medical students or residents. Liability
is only engaged if they fail to act reasonably in carrying out the duties assigned to them by
legislation and the by-laws of the hospital, or if they fail to intervene when they know, or ought to
know, that a patient may come to harm without intervention.
Damage awards
The head of a Damages are awarded to a patient as a result of either a successful legal action against the
department or defendant physician(s) or as a negotiated settlement of the claim.
the chief of staff
is not expected to Incidence
be a guarantor of Interestingly, in the last decade there has been a steady decrease in the number of legal actions
the work of other brought against physicians. This is thought to be due in part to better medical care resulting
in fewer patient safety incidents, increased awareness and understanding of patient safety
members of the
measures, and enhanced risk management procedures. It is useful, nevertheless, to review the
medical staff or factors that contribute to the commencement of a legal action against a physician, as follows:
other healthcare
▪▪ There has been a change in public attitude toward the fallibility of the physician. Patients
providers.
are no longer likely to consider that any complication or unsatisfactory result was simply
unavoidable in spite of the best efforts of the physician.
▪▪ Public awareness of recent advances in medicine often leads to unrealistic expectations
such that people equate complications and poor results with negligent treatment.
▪▪ There is a school of thought that the courts should place the burden of loss, particularly
when it is large or tragic, on the party most able to bear it: an insured hospital or a physician
with liability protection. The perception has developed that, at least in some cases, the
courts strain to find liability without apparent fault.
▪▪ Counsel for the patient may be encouraged to initiate or continue with some legal actions
due to an unrealistic standard of care advocated by expert consultants retained on behalf of
the patient.
▪▪ It is thought that the loss of more traditional areas of litigation (e.g. motor vehicle actions
to no-fault insurance) and the ever-increasing number of new lawyers may give rise to
increased litigation. Any such influence does not appear to be measurable, at least to date.
▪▪ The most frequent factor is a lack of adequate communication between the physician and
the patient. Patients are most likely to sue when they feel they have not been kept informed
about their progress or complications. Physicians are therefore encouraged to foster and
maintain good communication with their patients.

Size of awards
It is a concern that while the frequency of medical-legal actions has stabilized, there has been a
substantial increase over the same time frame in the court award of damages and in the amount
of settlements negotiated in favour of patients.
The reasons for this increase in damages are multi-factorial. Certainly, the more complex
medical and surgical treatment methods become, the greater the risk of more serious
complications. Advances in medicine have resulted in the resuscitation and long-term survival
of patients but with some of them, unfortunately, having severe and permanent disabilities.
Items of damages for cost of future care and loss of income therefore loom large, and in the
case of compromised babies, often amount to millions of dollars.
One of the major factors giving impetus to the rise in the size of awards was the decision of the
Supreme Court of Canada in 1978 that detailed the manner in which courts must proceed in
assessing damages.36 No longer could global sums be awarded recognizing in only a general
way the harm that may have been done to the plaintiff. The courts are now required to assess
each item of damages separately, with the total often adding up to a substantial figure. Individual
amounts must now be calculated for each of the following items: The courts are
now required to
▪▪ General or non-pecuniary damages
assess each item of
These are intended to compensate the injured party for pain and suffering, loss of damages separately,
amenities, and loss of enjoyment of life. The proper approach to this item is functional, in
with the total often
the sense of providing injured persons with reasonable solace for their misfortune.
adding up to a
In 1978, the Supreme Court of Canada established an upper cap of $100,000 for general substantial figure.
damages.37 With inflation, this upper limit now amounts to approximately $360,000 in 2014
dollars. This maximum award is to apply only in the most catastrophic of cases where the
individual has suffered severe injuries, such as quadriplegia, and is fully aware of the extent
of such injuries. Other claims are scaled down from this amount.
▪▪ Cost of past medical care and other special damages or pecuniary damages
These relate to expenditures incurred by or on behalf of the patient for medical expenses,
hospitalization, medical supplies, transportation costs, household assistance, and the like,
made reasonably necessary as a result of the harm or injuries sustained by the patient.
This item also includes any subrogated claim the provincial or territorial healthcare agency
may seek to advance for reimbursement of medical and hospital expenses incurred by the
province or territory on behalf of the patient.
▪▪ Future medical and hospital care
The calculation of these amounts can vary enormously depending on the nature of future
care needs for the injured patient and the anticipated duration of such care. The courts
have demonstrated a propensity, based on the opinion of rehabilitation experts, to favour
a home-care environment for the seriously disabled, including compromised babies. This
often necessitates home modification or even acquisition of a new home and employment
of specialized attendant care. The cost may well exceed $200,000 a year; with ever-
increasing life expectancies for the disabled, this lump sum amount for future care often
amounts to millions of dollars.
The calculation of the cost of future care is done on a self-extinguishing basis, such that the
entire amount of the capital sum set aside will be used up by the time the last payment for
future care is made. While the fund for future care is discounted to current values to reflect
the anticipated investment income it will generate over the years, the reality is that some of
this investment income will be lost through taxation. The argument is therefore made that
36. Andrews v. Grand & Toy Alberta Ltd., [1978] 2 SCR 229, 1978 CanLII 1 (SCC).
37. Ibid.

the fund will be exhausted too soon if the disabled patient is also required to use the money
to pay the income tax on investment earnings generated by the fund. The courts have been
persuaded that there must be a gross-up on the lump sum award to provide additional
funds to pay income tax. The calculation of this gross-up has at times increased the lump
sum award for future care by 50% or more.
▪▪ Loss of past or future income or loss of earning capacity
The amount of these claims varies according to the nature of work and the length of time
the patient is disabled or kept out of the workforce. In some instances the patient may
be too young to be working, or may be temporarily unemployed. In these cases, there is
no established loss of income but rather a loss of earning capacity. In calculating loss of
earning capacity the court will look to the patient’s level of education, and employment
experience or expectations. For injured infants, the courts will look to other factors including
the education and occupation of the parents and average wage statistics.
The Supreme Court of Canada has repeatedly held that the loss of income is to be
calculated using the gross amount of the patient’s income and not the net income the
While the majority patient receives after paying income taxes, even though the patient is not required to pay
of legal claims income tax on an award for loss of income.38
brought against Patients who are off work due to a medically related injury often continue to receive income
CMPA members through collateral sources such as employee benefits, disability insurance, unemployment
are successfully insurance, and welfare benefits. The Supreme Court of Canada has again held that no
defended, it is deduction is to be made to account for such collateral source payments when calculating
anticipated that the patient’s loss of income.39 Any change in these methods of calculating loss of income
damages awarded will require legislation.
to patients in ▪▪ Pre-judgment interest
a judgment or The patient is entitled to an award of interest calculated on all items of damages except
settlement will awards of future care and loss of income. Pre-judgment interest dates back to the
continue to rise. commencement of the action. Bearing in mind that many legal actions take 5 years or
more to proceed through the courts, this item can also serve to inflate damage awards
significantly.
▪▪ Claims on behalf of family members
These awards are intended to compensate for additional services performed and to
recognize the loss of guidance, care, and companionship other members of the patient’s
family suffered as a result of the disability of the patient.
As well, family members are entitled to claim for loss of financial support where the
patient has died as a result of the medical injury. These amounts are calculated on an
apportionment of the net after-tax income of the deceased that the family member might
have expected to receive.
▪▪ Exemplary and punitive damages
Patients will occasionally advance such a claim to punish the defendant physician. These
claims are almost never successful. Such an award will only be made where the misconduct
of the physician is so malicious, oppressive, and high-handed that exemplary or punitive
damages are necessary to serve as a deterrent. In Québec, the unlawful and intentional
infringement of rights protected under the Québec Charter can justify the award of
punitive damages.40
38. Ibid.
39. Cunningham v. Wheeler; Cooper v. Miller; Shanks v. McNee, [1994] 1 SCR 359, 1994 CanLII 120 (SCC).
40. Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, CQLR c C-12, s 49.

While the majority of legal claims brought against CMPA members are successfully defended,
it is anticipated that damages awarded to patients in a judgment or settlement will continue to
rise. The two aspects most responsible for this increase are the claims for loss of income and
earning capacity, and the cost of future care.
Structured settlements
Substantial savings may be achieved in the cost of future care through greater use of structured
settlements, whereby an annuity is purchased to provide a guaranteed tax-free stream of
payments to ensure the injured patient receives the necessary future care and attention for life.
The savings flow from favourable impaired life ratings often available for pricing annuities, as
well as the avoidance of a tax gross-up calculation on the capital amount awarded or allocated
for future care.
Structured settlements also benefit the patient. There is the certainty and stability of payments
into the future as the annuity is non-assignable. A capital amount or lump sum paid to the
patient is vulnerable to poor decisions concerning investments or misuse of the money and so
the capital may be dissipated well before the future monetary requirements to provide care to Physicians should
the patient are exhausted. A structure may also offer flexibility, with the annuity being tailored to
not fall into the trap
vary the stream of payments to take anticipated changes in economic conditions or the patient’s
circumstances into account. Finally, a structure provides security into the future, as the annuity of believing that only
payments are not attachable in bankruptcy. leading specialists
are qualified to act
Although there is encouragement within legislation or rules of court in several provinces and
territories to use structures, the courts are not generally empowered to require structured as experts.
payments when awarding damages for future care. Stricter legislation or rules are required to
forcefully take advantage of the benefits of structured settlements to plaintiffs and defendants.
The physician as an expert witness

The expert witness or consultant assists and advises the court through the expression of
expert opinion as to what constitutes a reasonable standard of conduct, skill, and knowledge
in the circumstances of a particular case. Above all else, the expert is expected to be impartial.
It is not the role of the expert to act as an advocate for any party. Indeed, physicians in British
Columbia 41, Ontario42, and Québec43 are required to formally acknowledge that their duty of
impartial assistance to the court prevails over any obligation owed to any party in the legal
proceedings.
There is no obligation on a physician to act as an expert at the request of legal counsel for the
patient/plaintiff or defendant in a legal action; physicians are free to do so as a matter of choice.
That said, the Canadian Medical Association’s (CMA) Code of Ethics states that physicians
should “recognize the profession’s responsibility to society in matters relating to…the need for
testimony at judicial proceedings.”44
Physicians asked to act as an expert must honestly self-evaluate whether they are appropriately
qualified to provide the necessary opinion in the circumstances of that case. The potential
expert may feel that another physician of greater or different experience, or another specialty,
is more suitable to assess the work of the defendant physician. Physicians should not fall
into the trap of believing that only leading specialists are qualified to act as experts. In fact,
an experienced general practitioner is best qualified to speak of the work of another general
practitioner.
41. British Columbia, Supreme Court Civil Rules, BC Reg 168/2009, r 11-2(2).
42. Ontario, Rules of Civil Procedure, RRO 1990, Reg 194, r 53.03(2.1).
43. Québec, Code of Civil Procedure, RLRQ 2014, c C-25.01, art 235.
44. The Canadian Medical Association, Code of Ethics, Ottawa: CMA, 2004,s 42
<https://www.cma.ca/En/Pages/code-of-ethics.aspx>.
Canadian Medical Protective Association 15

The expert must be guided by personal experience and what is perceived to be the usual or
acceptable practice of colleagues in similar circumstances. Careful consideration must also
be given to the education, experience, and other qualifications of the defendant physician,
as well as to the equipment, facilities, and other resources that were available. It has been
suggested that, as a final check, the expert should ask whether the complication or result may
have happened to any other physician even when being reasonably careful. If so, the defendant
physician should not be considered to have been in breach of the appropriate duty of care
toward the patient.
The expert should remember that, in formulating an opinion about the quality of past medical
care, it is a luxury to be able to review all the facts in retrospect. Allowances must be made
to adjust for this advantage. It is equally important for the expert to ensure the work of the
physician is assessed according to the standards of practice applicable at the time of the
event. The standards of practice change quickly and it would be unfair to review the work of the
physician in the light of later practice.
In recent years concerns have been raised about the emergence of a counsel of perfection
being advocated by some experts who are called to give evidence on behalf of the plaintiff.
The standard is not These experts seem to apply a textbook standard in assessing the work of the defendant
one of excellence physician. There is doubt whether these experts or, for that matter, physicians in general are
or perfection, but is able to adhere to these high standards on all occasions.
rather the level of The following are some of the possible reasons for this counsel of perfection:
care and skill that
▪▪ The term “expert” may be misinterpreted and cause consultants to prepare so thoroughly
could reasonably and to become so knowledgeable that they lose sight of the more moderate level of skill and
be expected of knowledge generally held by their colleagues.
a physician with
▪▪ The experts may be prompted by pride and fear that they may face criticism of their own
similar training practices unless they advocate an optimum standard of care and skill.
and in similar
▪▪ The expert may be influenced by a personal practice, which introduces a higher standard
circumstances
of care than is generally adhered to by members of that particular specialty or other type of
to those of the practice.
defendant physician.
The most common reason for unrealistic expert opinion appears to relate to the failure of many
experts to appreciate or understand their role in the legal process. It bears repeating that the
function of the expert is to advise the court as to the proper standard of care against which the
defendant physician is to be judged. The standard is not one of excellence or perfection, but is
rather the level of care and skill that could reasonably be expected of a physician with similar
training and in similar circumstances to those of the defendant physician.
Treating physicians as experts

On occasion, the attending physician may also be requested to act as an expert to provide an
opinion beyond the care and management of the patient that relates more to medical-legal
issues. There is no obligation to act as an expert in this expanded capacity. It is solely the
physician’s own personal choice and professional judgment whether to accept such a retainer.
Treating physicians are under a professional obligation to provide copies of a patient’s records
and, if requested, a report about the care and management of the patient. While generally
factual in nature and addressing clinical observations, diagnosis, and treatment given, the report
may also include comments and opinions about the underlying cause of the patient’s medical
condition and the clinical prognosis.
The expert report

Physicians assuming the role of an expert should ensure that legal counsel has provided all the
relevant documents for review so the physician is aware of all of the pertinent facts and issues

on which to base an opinion. These documents should include the legal pleadings, all relevant
medical records of the patient’s treatment, transcripts of the evidence from examinations for
discovery, and, where appropriate, the reports of other experts. The expert should always pay
careful attention to, and follow the directions of, the instructing legal counsel.
Experts should raise with the instructing lawyer, at the outset, the issue of payment for
reviewing documents and preparing the expert report. This discussion should extend to the
time the expert might be required to devote to prepare for an attendance at any trial of the
action. Following this discussion, the expert might write to the instructing lawyer setting out the
terms and conditions of the retainer and the payment arrangements.
Most legal counsel find it helpful if experts organize their report using key headings where
possible, for example:
▪▪ Address the report to the lawyer or individual who requested it, never “To Whom It May
Concern.”
▪▪ Refer to the purpose of the report. Indicate whether the expert has been retained to
provide an opinion on the standard of care or approved practice (“You have requested my
opinion as to whether the medical treatment rendered to the patient met the level expected
for standard care”), on the issue of causation (“You have asked me to comment on the
diagnosis of the medical condition and whether earlier treatment would have affected
the outcome”), or on the assessment of disability (“This report is prepared following my
independent medical examination of the patient”).
▪▪ State qualifications and experience. Although the expert will likely have to provide a
complete curriculum vitae to instructing counsel, it is helpful to include a paragraph
summarizing the most pertinent details. For example, “I am a (name of specialty) and
obtained my Fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
in (year). I have practised as a (name of specialty) in (name of city) for the last 30 years
and was, until recently, chief of surgery at the local hospital and former chairman of the
department of surgery at the faculty of medicine.”
▪▪ Include required information. In an increasing number of jurisdictions, experts are
being expressly required to include certain information in their legal reports, including
an acknowledgement of their duty to provide opinion evidence for the court that is fair,
objective, non-partisan, and related only to matters that are within the expert’s area of
expertise.
▪▪ Specify the documentation that was reviewed in preparing the report. This should be a
complete list of all the relevant materials received from the instructing lawyer and reviewed
in preparing the report. The dates of any medical examinations of the patient should also be
included in the list. Reference might also be included to any specific literature or research
data upon which the expert may have relied.
▪▪ Outline the relevant patient history. A narrative may have been provided by the instructing
lawyer, but the expert should prepare a personal medical summary of the chronology as
confirmed by the relevant medical records.
▪▪ State any assumptions used in preparing the report and include any photographs, diagrams,
calculations, or other research data used.
▪▪ Describe any medical examination or functional inquiry. Any medical examination,
diagnostic investigation, or functional assessment of the patient should be reviewed in
detail.
▪▪ Summarize and conclude. This will normally involve the analysis and opinion of the expert
on the issue in question. In a medical negligence claim, for example, the expert should
identify and comment on the failures, if any, in the medical care rendered and whether such
deficiencies caused any direct harm or injury to the patient. There is also a trend to require

experts to not only state their own opinion, but as well to comment on and distinguish
alternative or competing opinions relating to the issues being addressed.
Guidelines for giving evidence

A physician summoned or subpoenaed to give evidence in legal proceedings, including those
in any court or before any board or tribunal, must answer all questions asked when under oath.
Only communications between lawyers and their clients are fully privileged and protected from
disclosure, even in court.
A physician who refuses to answer questions asked under oath may be held in contempt of
court and fined or even sent to jail. The courts do have some discretion, however, particularly in
the areas of mental health and family relations, to excuse a physician from answering questions
where the potential harm caused by the disclosure of the confidential medical information may
be greater than any benefit to be gained by such disclosure.
Often physicians will be asked to give evidence as the attending physician who has first-hand
factual information about the care and management of the patient. Generally, such witnesses
If physicians are should not be asked questions intending to solicit an opinion about the work of others. If
called to give physicians are called to give evidence as experts, their testimony will be expected to include an
evidence as experts, opinion on issues relating to standard of care and causation.
their testimony will The following are some guidelines to consider prior to and while testifying:
be expected to
include an opinion Preparing
on issues relating to ▪▪ Review all pleadings, medical records, statements, and transcripts relevant to the
standard of care and proceedings.
causation. ▪▪ With the help of counsel, identify and become familiar with all exhibits that will be presented
to you during your testimony.
▪▪ Explore with your counsel the anticipated testimony of other witnesses to understand the
theory of the case and be prepared to explain any inconsistencies that might arise.
▪▪ Review with counsel the evidence you will be expected to provide.
▪▪ Confirm with counsel the exact date, time, and place you will be required to attend to give
evidence, and what records or other material you should bring with you.
Testifying
▪▪ Dress neatly.
▪▪ Be well rested; this will make it easier to stay in control and be attentive.
▪▪ Always tell the truth in a direct and straightforward manner.
▪▪ Listen carefully to every question and wait until the question is completed before you
answer. If you do not understand a question, ask counsel to repeat or rephrase the question.
▪▪ Answer only the question that is asked; do not speculate or volunteer information.
▪▪ Speak loudly and clearly, using positive and direct answers to each question; where
possible use your own words, in language that will be understood by the court or tribunal.
▪▪ Maintain your composure and do not lose your temper or argue with legal counsel
regardless of the vigour with which questions are asked.
▪▪ I f counsel objects to any question or answer, stop and wait for the court or tribunal to rule
on that objection.

These guidelines are, of necessity, quite general. If physicians have questions about the
procedure or the facts of any case, they should raise their concerns with legal counsel well in
advance of being called to give evidence.
Non-resident patients
From time to time, physicians practising in Canada are called on to provide professional
services to patients who are not ordinarily resident in Canada. Many such patients are visitors or
tourists who are in need of urgent or emergent care. At an increasing rate, however, these are
individuals, mostly United States residents, who have travelled to Canada specifically to receive
medical care and attention.
Non-resident patients who may be dissatisfied with the professional medical services they
received in Canada may consider bringing a medical-legal action against the Canadian
physician. In some cases, they may try to have the action launched in the foreign territory where
they reside. An issue will then arise as to whether the foreign court should accept jurisdiction or
defer it so the action must be brought in Canada. The more it appears that a non-resident was
encouraged or invited to attend in Canada for medical care or attention, the more it appears Before treating
that arrangements for such care or treatment were made while the patient was in the foreign
jurisdiction, the more the care or treatment provided was elective, or the more it appears that
a non-resident
foreign funding was involved, the greater the likelihood the foreign court will permit the legal patient (with
action to proceed in that jurisdiction. Canadian physicians who treat non-resident patients in the exception of
Canada may take steps to encourage any subsequent medical-legal actions to be brought in emergency cases),
Canada. Physicians can do this by requiring that those patients submit to the jurisdiction and all physicians should
law of the province in which the care or treatment is given. have those patients
Before treating non-resident patients (with the exception of emergency cases), all physicians sign the Governing
should make reasonable efforts, in the circumstances, to have those patients sign the Governing Law and Jurisdiction
Law and Jurisdiction Agreement (available on the CMPA website at www.cmpa-acpm.ca). There Agreement available
are occasional revisions to the form; when this occurs, CMPA members are advised.
on the CMPA
Obtaining a patient’s signature on this form is not an ironclad guarantee of preventing legal website.
action in a foreign jurisdiction, but remains a powerful argument in successfully restoring
jurisdiction to Canada.
If a patient refuses to sign the form, physicians put themselves at risk if they carry the
professional relationship any further.
For more information on this topic, refer to the CMPA article entitled “Treating non-residents of
Canada,” available on the CMPA website at www.cmpa.acpm.ca.

Medical-legal principles and duties
Negligence, civil responsibility, and the standard of care
It has often been said that medicine is not an exact science and that a physician does not
guarantee satisfactory results or the patient’s renewed good health. Untoward results may occur
in medical procedures even when the highest degrees of skill and care have been applied.
Taking for granted that the law does not demand perfection, what standard of care must a
physician exercise in order not to be considered negligent?
Consistently over the years, the majority of medical-legal actions brought against physicians
have been based on a claim for negligence or civil responsibility. Allegations of negligence or
civil responsibility extend not only to acts the physician is said to have committed in error, but
also to steps it is suggested the physician should have taken but failed to take. Indeed, this latter
category, the alleged omission on the part of the physician, constitutes the bulk of claims for
negligence or civil responsibility.
In jurisdictions subject to common law (all provinces and territories except Québec), four
elements must be established or proven for any legal action based upon a claim for negligence
to be successful:
1. There must be a duty of care owed to the patient.
2. There must be a breach of that duty of care.
3. The patient must have suffered some harm or injury.
4. The harm or injury must be directly related or caused by the breach of the duty of care.
In Québec, the elements required to evaluate the liability are derived from different sources, but
the issues to be decided by the court are similar.
Duty of care
In common law jurisdictions, it is established that the duty of care imposed on a physician
arises naturally out of the physician-patient relationship. In Québec, this duty arises out of the
principles of general civil liability. Accepting a patient creates a duty, an obligation, to attend
upon the patient as the situation requires and as circumstances reasonably permit. The
physician also has an obligation to make a diagnosis and to advise the patient of it. While this
may seem onerous, the physician is not expected to be correct every time, rather is merely
expected to exercise reasonable care, skill, and judgment in arriving at a diagnosis. It is
important to caution, however, that due regard be given to appropriate differential diagnoses
when warranted.
Another duty imposed by the physician-patient relationship requires the physician to properly
treat the patient in accordance with the current and accepted standards of practice. Further,
the physician has an obligation to refer the patient or to obtain consultation when unable to
diagnose the patient’s condition, when the patient is not responding to treatment, or when the
required treatment is beyond the competence or experience of the physician. In the same vein,
referral or coverage arrangements must be made when the physician will not be available to
continue to treat the patient. There is also a duty upon physicians to adequately instruct patients
about both active treatment and follow-up care. This applies not only to return appointments
and referrals for lab tests or consultations, but also to clinical signs and symptoms that might
signal a complication requiring the patient to seek immediate medical care.

Breach of duty
In determining whether a physician has breached a duty of care toward a patient, the courts
consider the standard of care and skill that might reasonably have been applied by a colleague
in similar circumstances. In this regard, the Ontario Court of Appeal stated that:
Every medical practitioner must bring to his task a reasonable degree of skill and
knowledge and must exercise a reasonable degree of care. He is bound to exercise
that degree of care and skill which could reasonably be expected of a normal, prudent
practitioner of the same experience and standing and, if he holds himself out as a
specialist, a higher degree of skill is required of him than one who does not profess to
be so qualified by special training and ability.45
The appropriate measure is therefore the level of reasonableness and not a standard of
perfection. The courts have also recognized that it is easy to be wise in hindsight, therefore
they must guard against judging a physician in retrospect. In addition, legal actions often take
years to arrive at trial and medical standards may change in the interim. It is important that the
appropriate standard be determined with reference to the circumstances and the reasonable
The appropriate standard of care as it applied at the time of the alleged negligence. The court ascertains this
measure is reasonable standard by means of expert evidence at trial.
therefore the level Given that the physician is to be judged according to the standards ordinarily met by physicians
of reasonableness of similar training and experience, it should not be surprising that any alleged breach of duty
and not a standard might be refuted where evidence is adduced (introduced) that the physician’s conduct was
of perfection. in conformity with the practice of colleagues. The Supreme Court of Canada has affirmed,
however, that in very limited circumstances of a non-technical nature, the court may make a
finding that the approved practice is itself unacceptable or negligent.46 A successful defence
might also be expected where there are alternative approaches available and if the care and
treatment provided were in keeping with that which might have been provided by at least a
respectable minority of competent physicians in the field.
It has long been held that physicians are not in breach of their duty toward a patient simply
because they have committed an honest error of judgment after a careful examination and
thoughtful analysis of a patient’s condition. The courts have attempted to distinguish an error of
judgment from an act of unskillfulness or carelessness due to a lack of knowledge. As stated by
Lord Denning (1899 – 1999), a highly-regarded British judge:
It is so easy to be wise after the event and to condemn as negligence that which was
only a misadventure. We ought always to be on our guard against it, especially in
cases against hospitals and doctors. Medical science has conferred great benefits on
mankind, but these benefits are attended by considerable risks. We cannot take the
benefits without taking the risks.47
Harm or injury
To establish negligence or civil responsibility, it is not enough for the patient to merely
demonstrate that the physician has breached a duty of care toward the patient in one way or
another. It must also be demonstrated that the patient has suffered some harm or injury. Many
occasions arise in medical practice when a breach of the standard of care occurs, but fortunately
no adverse result is suffered. An example might be a fracture that is perhaps missed at the time of
the initial review of the X-ray but is later detected before any harm resulted to the patient.
45. Sylvester v. Crits et al., 1956 CanLII 34 (ON CA), [1956] OR 132 aff’d [1956] SCR 991, 1956 CanLII 29 (SCC).
46. ter Neuzen v. Korn, [1995] 3 SCR 674, 1995 CanLII 72 (SCC).
47. Roe v Minister of Health, [1954] EWCA Civ 7.

Causal connection
The patient must also establish that there is a relationship, or causal connection, between the
alleged breach of duty and the stated harm or injury. This issue often becomes the crux of a
legal action. At one time, in provinces or territories subject to common law, when the cause of
the complication was not readily evident, counsel for the plaintiff would attempt to bridge the
gap by resorting to the maxim res ipsa loquitur or “the thing speaks for itself.”48 The Supreme
Court of Canada has now stated that using this maxim to establish causation is inappropriate.49
Medical science has not yet reached the stage where the law ought to presume that all
treatment afforded a patient must have a successful outcome and that anything less suggests
negligence or civil responsibility.
The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld that the traditional elements of a legal action in
negligence apply to professional liability cases and affirmed that the plaintiff must establish, on
a balance of probabilities, that but for the alleged breach of the standard of care the injury or
complication complained about would not have occurred.50 The Supreme Court has gone on to
state, however, that the trial judge is entitled to adopt a robust and pragmatic approach to the
facts so as to adopt a common sense inference of causation even in the absence of positive or Medical science
scientific proof being adduced (introduced) by the plaintiff.51
has not yet reached
On occasion, the plaintiff may be unable to establish a probable causal connection between an the stage where
alleged breach of duty and a complication sustained, as there may be other factors that could the law ought to
also have caused or contributed to the same result and for which the physician could not be
presume that all
faulted. The Supreme Court of Canada has held that where such multiple factors are distinct and
separate, such that each factor on its own was sufficient to cause the injury, the plaintiff must still treatment afforded a
attempt to comply with the traditional requirement to establish, on a balance of probability, that patient must have a
the physician’s breach of duty caused the outcome.52 The Court has held, however, that the successful outcome
plaintiff would not be held to such a strict standard where the Court is satisfied that the plaintiff and that anything
would otherwise be unjustly deprived of a remedy by reason of the inability to establish direct less suggests
causation. In such circumstances the plaintiff might succeed by establishing that the physician’s
negligence.
breach of the standard of care materially contributed, that is to say, contributed in more than a
de minimis manner, to the occurrence of the injury.53 Such situations will hopefully be rare and
the traditional balance of probability test for causation will continue to be used in the majority of
medical-legal actions.
Consent
There is a very basic proposition recognized by the courts that “every human being of adult years
and [of] sound mind has a right to determine what shall be done with his [or her] own body.”54
This general principle is that of the inviolability and integrity of the person in Québec.55 Therefore,
subject to certain exceptions, such as an emergency or a court order, a physician must obtain a
valid and informed consent before any treatment is administered to a patient.
An emergency nullifying the requirement to obtain consent only exists where there is imminent
and serious danger to the life or health of the patient and it is necessary to proceed immediately to
treat the patient. The concept of emergency treatment also extends to instances where the patient
requires treatment to alleviate severe suffering. The convenience of the physicians, the healthcare
team, and the hospital, however, must not be included as determining factors in declaring
proposed treatment to be emergent.
48. Snell v. Farrell, [1990] 2 SCR 311, 1990 CanLII 70 (SCC).

49. Clements v. Clements, 2012 SCC 32, [2012] 2 SCR 181.
50. Ibid.
51. Ibid.
52. Athey v. Leonati, [1996] 3 SCR 458, 1996 CanLII 183 (SCC).
53. Ibid.
54. Schloendorff v. Society of New York Hospital, (1914), 211 NY 125, 105 NE 92, aff’d Reibl v. Hughes, [1980] 2 SCR 880,
1980 CanLII 23 (SCC).
55. art 3 CCQ.

Consent plays such a major role in the physician-patient relationship that the CMPA has published
a booklet offering an overview of the law of consent as it pertains to medical management:
Consent: A guide for Canadian physicians.56 The booklet is published on the CMPA’s website at
www.cmpa-acpm.ca, and a print version is available on request.
The law on consent will continue to evolve, either through the refinement of future court decisions
or through legislation enacted by the provinces or territories. In the meantime, the following
suggestions may help physicians meet the legal standards applicable to the law of consent:
▪▪ Discuss with the patient the nature and anticipated effect of the proposed treatment or
investigation, including the significant risks and available alternatives.
▪▪ Give the patient the opportunity to ask questions.
▪▪ Tell the patient about the consequences of leaving the ailment untreated or not undergoing
the investigation. Although there should be no appearance of coercion by unduly
frightening patients who refuse to consent, the courts now recognize there is a positive
obligation to inform patients about the potential consequences of their refusal.
While it was once ▪▪ Be alert to and deal with each patient’s concerns about the proposed treatment or
thought that a investigation. It must be remembered that any patient’s special circumstances might require
patient had to be of disclosure of potential although uncommon hazards of the treatment or investigation when
the age of majority ordinarily these might not seem relevant.
to give consent, ▪▪ Exercise cautious discretion in accepting waivers, even if the patient waives all
age is no longer the explanations, has no questions, and may be prepared to submit to the treatment or
deciding factor. investigation whatever the risks.
Substitute consent
An individual who is able to understand the nature and anticipated effect of proposed treatment
and available alternatives including the consequences of no treatment is competent to give valid
consent. While it was once thought that a patient had to be of the age of majority to give consent,
age is no longer the deciding factor in common law jurisdictions. In Québec, however, the Civil
Code generally establishes the age of consent at 14 years.57
It is also well accepted that a person suffering from a mental disability may still retain sufficient
capacity to give valid consent to medical treatment. Again, it depends on whether the patient is
able to adequately appreciate the nature of the proposed treatment, its anticipated effect, and
the alternatives. Therefore, many individuals who are mentally disabled or who are in psychiatric
facilities continue to be capable of controlling and directing their own medical care, including the
right to refuse treatment.
There is legislation in several provinces and territories that provides a means to obtain substitute
consent when the patient is incapable of giving valid consent by reason of immaturity or mental
disability. Typically such legislation sets out and ranks a list of individuals, usually family members,
who are authorized to give or refuse consent to treatment on behalf of an incapable person. These
substitute decision-makers must act in compliance with any prior expressed wishes of the patient,
or in the absence of any expression of will, in accordance with the best interests of the patient.
In most provinces and territories, legislation specifically empowers a patient to execute an
advance directive as to future care in the event the patient later becomes incapacitated or unable
to communicate such wishes. An advance directive may contain explicit instructions about
consent or refusal of treatment in specified circumstances, sometimes referred to as a living will.
A substitute decision-maker cannot consent to medical assistance in dying on behalf of an
incapable patient, including a minor or incapable adult. Further, medical assistance in dying
56 The Canadian Medical Protective Association, Consent: A Guide for Canadian Physicians (May 2006)
57. art 14 CCQ.

cannot be requested by way of advance directives. For patients to be eligible to receive medical
assistance in dying they must be capable of consenting to the procedure themselves, at the time
the request is made and when assistance in dying is provided.
Age of majority
All jurisdictions have enacted legislation to establish an age of majority. In British Columbia, New
Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the territories, that age is 19 years. In
the remaining provinces, the age of majority is 18 years.58
It was once thought that patients had to reach the age of majority before they could give proper
consent to treatment. In more recent years, the patient’s ability to comprehend explanations
given, rather than the chronological age, has become the important determinant in obtaining valid
consent from young people. It is now widely recognized that many young patients reach the age of
discernment before the age of majority. This subject is explored in the CMPA booklet Consent: A
guide for Canadian physicians. The Civil Code of Québec generally establishes the age of consent
at 14 years, below which the consent of the parent or guardian, or of the court, is necessary for the
purposes of proposed treatment.59
Sterilization of the mentally incapable patient

In a judgment dated October 23, 1986, in the case of Eve the Supreme Court of Canada declared
that sterilization should never be authorized to be carried out on mentally incapable persons for
non-therapeutic purposes. “The irreversible and serious intrusion [of a sterilization procedure]
on the basic rights of the individual is simply too great to allow the court to act on the basis
of possible advantages which, from the standpoint of the individual, are highly debatable.”60 If
non-therapeutic sterilization of the mentally incapable patient is to be accepted as desirable
for any general social purposes, provincial and territorial governments must enact appropriate
legislation.61 This decision of the Court must be interpreted to also prohibit the capability of a
parent or guardian to consent to the sterilization of a mentally incapable child for non-therapeutic
reasons. In Québec, the authorization of the court is necessary to submit mentally incapable
persons of full age to care that is not required by their health condition and that could present
serious risks to their health or cause severe and permanent damage.62
The Court emphasized that utmost caution must be exercised in deciding when therapeutic
sterilization procedures might be appropriate for mentally incapable persons, even for medical
reasons.63 When medical benefits are marginal, they must be weighed carefully against what is
seen as a grave intrusion on the physical and mental integrity of the mentally incapable patient.
The Court referred to a case in British Columbia where a hysterectomy was ordered performed on
a seriously mentally incapable child because the child’s phobic aversion to blood might seriously
affect her when menstruation began.64 The court noted that this case was at best dangerously
close to the limits in justifying a therapeutic sterilization. It is wise for physicians asked to sterilize a
mentally incapable person to consult with a psychiatrist to assess the mental status of the patient,
including the prognosis, and in questionable cases, to consult with a colleague. It is very important
to document and record all these discussions and consultations so the rationale for the procedure
can be confirmed at a later date.
58. Age of Majority Act, RSBC 1996, c 7, s 1; Age of Majority Act, RSA 2000, c A-6, s 1; The Age of Majority Act, RSS 1978, c
A-6, s 2; The Age of Majority Act, CCSM c A7, s 1; Age of Majority and Accountability Act, RSO 1990, c A.7, s 1; art 153
CCQ; Age of Majority Act, RSNB 2011, c 103, s 1(1); Age of Majority Act, RSNS 1989, c 4, s 2(1); Age of Majority Act, RSPEI
1988, c A-8, s 1; Age of Majority Act, SNL 1995, c A-4.2, s 2; Age of Majority Act, RSNWT 1988, c A-2, s 2; Age of Majority
Act, RSY 2002, c 2, s 1; Age of Majority Act, RSNWT (Nu) 1988, c A-2, s 2.
59. art 14 CCQ.
60. E. (Mrs.) v. Eve, [1986] 2 SCR 388, 1986 CanLII 36 (SCC).
61. Ibid.
62. art 18 CCQ.
63. E. (Mrs.) v. Eve, [1986] 2 SCR 388, 1986 CanLII 36 (SCC).
64. K v. Public Trustee, 1985 CanLII 766 (BC CA), 63 BCLR 145.

Refusal of treatment (blood transfusions)
It is a basic principle of medical practice that physicians may do nothing to or for a patient without
valid consent. In particular, doctors cannot substitute their will for that of patients despite the
best of intentions or the reasonableness of the proposed treatment. It has also been generally
accepted that a person of sound mind has the right to refuse treatment even though refusal may
well lead to an avoidable death. It has even been suggested that the right of a competent patient
to refuse treatment may well be protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.65
An Ontario action, affirmed on appeal, dealt with circumstances where the doctor administered
blood transfusions to an unconscious adult Jehovah’s Witness who carried a card prohibiting
blood transfusion.66 The physician considered the transfusions necessary to save the patient’s life.
The court held that the physician should have respected the wishes of the patient as affirmed by
the family members in attendance at the time.
It is clear, however, that parents do not have the authority to refuse needed treatment on behalf
of their children. Provincial and territorial child welfare legislation generally defines a child to be
in need of protection to include situations when the parent or person having charge of the child
refuses to consent to medical treatment required to cure, prevent, or alleviate physical harm
or suffering on the part of the child. This section is invoked when parents who are Jehovah’s
Witnesses refuse to consent to blood transfusions being administered to their child. The
procedure in such instances is to report the situation to the child welfare authorities who will then
arrange for a hearing to have the child declared in need of protection and placed in their custody
so they might consent to the proposed treatment over the objections of the parents, or to obtain
authorization from the court.
It is of interest that in other recent cases the courts have upheld parental refusal to consent to
chemotherapy that may have had limited success in prolonging the life of their child.67
End-of-life decisions
It is the traditional role, even legal duty, of physicians to provide medical care and treatment to
patients. However, the medical profession accepts that there are conditions of ill health and
of impending inevitable death for which continued treatment might be considered entirely
inappropriate. The experience of many physicians, however, is that these treatment decisions
become particularly difficult in the context of end-of-life care, as ethical factors and clinical
judgment often collide with the wishes of patients or their families. Indeed, it is not uncommon
for controversy to arise in situations where a physician believes a certain treatment should
be withheld or withdrawn on the basis of medical futility, yet the patient, family members, or
substitute decision-maker demand such treatment. These situations usually arise in when the
attending physicians are of the opinion that continued attempts to treat the terminal patient would
be completely ineffective and therefore life-sustaining treatment should be withheld or withdrawn.
▪▪ Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders
Competent patients have the absolute right to make decisions about their treatment. This
extends to decisions not to resuscitate; therefore, physicians contemplating such an order
should discuss this with the patient. When the patient is not competent, the appropriate
substitute decision-maker and, where permitted, the appropriate members of the patient’s
family should be included in the process leading to a decision to issue a DNR order.
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) states that there is no obligation to offer a person
medically futile or non-beneficial interventions.68 It is important that the basis of any decision
65. Part I of the Constitution Act, 1982, being Schedule B to the Canada Act 1982 (UK), 1982, c 11.
66. Malette v. Shulman (Ont. C.A.), 1990 CanLII 6868 (ON CA), 37 OAC 281.
67. Re L.D.K. (An Infant), 1985 CanLII 2907 (ON CJ), 48 RFL (2d) 164; A.C. v. Manitoba (Director of Child and Family Services),
[2009] 2 SCR 181, 2009 SCC 30 (CanLII).
68. The Canadian Medical Association, CMA Statement on life-saving and -sustaining interventions, Ottawa: CMA 2013,
< https://www.cma.ca/Assets/assets-library/document/en/advocacy/policy-research/CMA_Policy_CMA_Statement_on_Life-
Saving_and_Sustaining_Interventions_Update_December_2013_PD14-01-e.pdf#search=life%2Dsaving%20interventions>.

to issue a DNR order not be, or even be seen to be, arbitrary. The reasoning and criteria
to be applied by the physician should be sufficiently firm and clear so any decision can be
effectively supported should it later be subject to question. While there need not be unanimity
among colleagues, there must be at least a substantial body of opinion in the medical
profession that would support both the reasoning and criteria applied and the decision made
by the physician. Where appropriate, it is prudent for the attending physician to consult with
colleagues for support of the DNR order. The CMA has issued a statement on life-saving and
life-sustaining interventions that outlines a protocol for healthcare professionals regarding
resuscitated intervention for the terminally ill.69 Hospitals and health authorities also often
have policies on DNR orders that should be considered.
▪▪ Withholding/withdrawal of medical treatment
While it is undisputed that a physician must respect any known wishes of a patient not
to receive a particular procedure or treatment, it is less clear whether a patient (or the
appropriate substitute decision-maker) has a positive right to demand that a specific form of
treatment be given or continued, even though the physician may disagree. Recent case law
demonstrates a trend to give greater weight to the views of the patient and the substitute It is well established
decision-maker (usually the family) regarding end-of-life decisions. Thus, for example, cultural that the wishes
and religious considerations of the family may well influence treatment decisions, or at least
the timing of same.
and best interests
of the patient are
It is well established that the wishes and best interests of the patient are paramount when
paramount when
making end-of-life decisions. Physicians should also be familiar with the recommendation
and requirements contained in any relevant College policies regarding end-of-life care and
making end-of-life
withholding or withdrawing life sustaining treatment. decisions.
Where conflict arises in respect of these complex decisions, physicians should attempt to
reach some form of consensus with the patient, the family, or substitute decision-maker about
the goals of continued treatments and what is likely to be achieved. Often these discussions
may include religious and other family advisors, as well as involvement and consultation with
physician colleagues. In those rare circumstances where consensus is still not achieved, it
may well be necessary to make an application to the court (or another administrative body
such as the Consent and Capacity Board in Ontario70) for directions.
The 2013 Supreme Court of Canada decision in the case of Cuthbertson v. Rasouli clarifies
the law in Ontario on whether physicians need consent to withdraw life-sustaining treatment
that they believe has no medical benefit for a patient.71 In Rasouli, the patient’s substitute
decision-maker refused to consent to the withdrawal of life support recommended by her
husband’s treating physicians. She obtained a court order which specified that withdrawal of
life support was “treatment” as defined by the Ontario Health Care Consent Act72 and consent
was therefore required before physicians could withdraw life support.
The decision was upheld by the Ontario Court of Appeal and later by the Supreme Court
of Canada. In making its decision, the Supreme Court clarified that when the patient’s
substitute decision-maker and physician(s) disagree on whether to discontinue life support,
the physician may challenge the decision of the substitute decision-maker by applying to the
Consent and Capacity Board.73
It is important to emphasize that the case was decided strictly on an interpretation of Ontario
legislation and the particular facts of the case. The effect of this decision on consent for
withdrawal of treatment is therefore uncertain at this time in those provinces and territories
that do not have comparable legislation.
69. Ibid.
70. Health Care Consent Act, 1996, SO 1996, c 2, Sch A.
71. Cuthbertson v. Rasouli, [2013] 3 SCR 341, 2013 SCC 53 (CanLII).
72. 1996, SO 1996, c 2, Sch A, s 2.
73. Cuthbertson v. Rasouli, [2013] 3 SCR 341, 2013 SCC 53 (CanLII).

In every case, members are encouraged to contact the CMPA for specific advice whenever
there is a disagreement with a patient, family member, or substitute decision-maker about
recommended treatment decisions for end-of-life care.
▪▪ Medical assistance in dying
In its February 6, 2015 decision in Carter v. Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada struck
down as unconstitutional the criminal prohibition on physician-assisted dying to the extent
that it prevents physician-assisted death for mentally competent, adult patients who clearly
consent and suffer from an irremediable medical condition that is intolerable.74 In particular
the Court set out the following test:
Section 241(b) [which says that everyone who aids or abets a person in committing
suicide commits an indictable offence] and s. 14 [which says that no person may
consent to death being inflicted on them] of the Criminal Code unjustifiably infringe
s. 7 of the Charter and are no force or effect to the extent that they prohibit physician-
assisted death for a competent adult person who (1) clearly consents to the termination
of life and (2) has a grievous and irremediable medical condition (including an illness,
disease or disability) that causes enduring suffering that is intolerable to the individual
in the circumstances of his or her condition.75
On June 17, 2016, amendments to the Criminal Code came into force rendering medical
assistance in dying (MAID) legal everywhere in Canada provided certain conditions are met.76
The Criminal Code now provides an exception to the criminal prohibition against assistance
in dying for individuals who are eligible for health services funded by a government in Canada,
who are at least 18 years of age and capable of making decisions about their health, have a
grievous and irremediable medical condition, have made a voluntary request for MAID, and
provide informed consent. Individuals have a “grievous and irremediable medical condition”
if they have a serious and incurable illness, disease, or disability, are in an advanced state
of irreversible decline in capability, and their condition causes them enduring physical
or psychological suffering that is intolerable to them and that cannot be relieved under
conditions they consider acceptable. In addition, the medical condition must be such that the
patient’s natural death has become reasonably foreseeable, taking into account all of their
medical circumstances, without a prognosis necessarily having been made as to the specific
length of time they have remaining. In those circumstances, only a medical practitioner or
nurse practitioner can provide assistance in dying.
The Criminal Code also provides for a number of safeguards, including the requirement that
the request be made in writing, signed, and dated by the patient before two independent
witnesses, that another independent medical or nurse practitioner has provided a written
opinion confirming that the patient meets all of the eligibility criteria, that the patient has been
given the opportunity to withdraw the request, and that the patient benefited from a reflection
period of 10 clear days between the day the request was made and the day assistance
in dying is provided. Further safeguards have also been adopted in the form of reporting
obligations. Provincial legislation, and regulatory authority (College) and hospital policies may
supplement the safeguards provided in the Criminal Code.
In Québec, legislation addressing end-of-life care, including MAID in specific circumstances,
came into effect on December 10, 2015.77 The Québec end-of-life legislation provides for
its own eligibility criteria and safeguards that are similar to those set out in the Criminal
Code. One notable difference is that under the Québec legislation, only physicians can
administer aid in dying; it is not possible for a physician to prescribe the medication to be self-
74. Carter v. Canada (Attorney General), 2015 SCC 5, 2015 SCC 5 (CanLII), para 127.
75. Ibid, para 127.
76. An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying) (formerly
Bill C-14), 1st Sess, 42nd Leg, Canada, 2016 (assented to June 17, 2016).
77. An Act Respecting End-of-Life Care, RSQ 2014, c S-32.0001.

administered by the patient, and nurse practitioners could not administer aid in dying. Helpful
guidelines on end-of-life care were also issued by the College in Québec.78
Given the emergent nature and evolving legal landscape surrounding medical assistance
in dying, physicians are encouraged to contact the Association for advice when receiving
requests from patients seeking this care.
Informed discharge
Although not strictly an element of the pre-operative consent process, the courts have
elaborated on the duty or obligation of physicians to properly inform patients in the post-
operative or post-discharge period. Thus, a physician must conduct a full discussion with a
patient of the post-treatment risks or complications, even statistically remote ones that are of
a serious nature. The purpose is to inform the patient of clinical signs and symptoms that may
indicate the need for immediate treatment such that the patient will know to visit the physician
or return to the hospital or facility.
Confidentiality
Communications between a patient and a physician are confidential and must be protected
against improper disclosure. Physicians are therefore under restraint not to volunteer
information about the condition of their patients, or any professional services provided, without
the consent or authorization of the patient or as otherwise may be required or permitted by law.
Any improper disclosure of confidential information about a patient renders the physician
vulnerable to disciplinary proceedings before the College or other authority in the province or
territory as well as to a potential civil action that may be commenced on behalf of the plaintiff
for damages. Complaints or claims for breach of confidence most often originate with the
inadvertent, even the best-intentioned, release of medical information to a friend or relative
of the patient without proper authorization, or unguarded discussion between healthcare
providers in an elevator or other public place. Breaches may be more of a risk with the use of
social media or information technology.
Consent to disclose information

There are situations where a physician may properly divulge confidential information about a
patient. These exceptions are examined below.
Express consent
A physician may clearly disclose confidential information when authorized or directed by the
patient to do so. The physician should obtain the written authorization of the patient when
the information to be released may be sensitive in nature or where the information is to be
forwarded to a third party such as the patient’s employer or insurer, or legal counsel retained by
or on behalf of the patient.
It is particularly important that there be a clear understanding between the physician and
the patient about the release of medical information when the patient is being examined at
the request of another person, such as a prospective employer or insurer. The patient must
understand, and should acknowledge in writing, that a report of the examination will be
forwarded to this other party, perhaps without a copy being made available to the patient.
78. Collège des médecins du Québec. Practice Guide: Medical aid in dying [Internet]. Montréal (QC): le Collège; September
2015 [cited 2015 Dec 24]. Available from: http://www.cmq.org/publications-pdf/p-1-2015-09-10-en-aide-medicale-a-
mourir.pdf?t=1450967914917. Please note that this guide is only available in the secured website of the CMQ.

Implied consent
The patient’s authorization for the release of information may be reasonably implied in certain
circumstances. Such implied consent is often relied upon for consultations or discussions among
members of the healthcare team and for discussion with family members. If there is a later
dispute, the onus is on the physician to demonstrate there was a reasonable basis for assuming
implied consent.
Duty to warn
There are occasions when physicians’ duty to society may outweigh the obligation of physician-
patient confidentiality, thereby justifying the voluntary disclosure of information about a patient
to the appropriate authority. In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of Canada confirmed
the existence of a public safety exception to physician-patient confidentiality.79 The Court held
that, in appropriate circumstances, danger to public safety can provide a justification for the
disclosure of privileged or confidential information. Courts are to consider the following factors
in determining if physician-patient confidentiality should be displaced:
The fundamental ▪▪ There is a clear risk to an identifiable person or group of persons.
principle of all ▪▪ The risk is one of serious bodily harm or death.
privacy legislation
▪▪ The danger is imminent.
is an individual’s
right of control over The Supreme Court of Canada stated that these factors will often overlap and vary in
the collection, use, importance and significance depending on the circumstances of each case, but they all
must be considered. The test appears to be objective. Therefore, the question is whether a
and distribution
reasonable person, given all the facts, would consider the potential danger to be clear, serious,
of their personal and imminent.80
information,
In this case, the Court was only required to state that disclosure in the public interest is
including health permissible for public safety, and expressly avoided the issue of whether there exists an
information. actual duty to warn. The principle arising out of the decision by the Supreme Court of Canada,
which is also recognized in certain legislative texts, permits physicians to disclose otherwise
confidential physician-patient information to the relevant authorities in the interest of public
safety. This disclosure should be limited to information necessary to protect public safety.
Physicians are encouraged in individual situations to seek specific advice and counsel as to the
appropriateness and scope of disclosure of information relevant to public safety.
Privacy
In addition to the long-standing obligations of confidentiality in the provision of patient care, a
physician must now also comply with obligations established under privacy legislation. While
the various statutes contain minor differences, privacy legislation governing the collection,
use, and disclosure of personal information (including health information) is now applicable in
each jurisdiction across Canada. Physicians should become aware of the privacy legislation
applicable in their province or territory and accommodate it within their type of practice. In
some provinces and territories, physicians working in hospitals have different obligations than
physicians working in private practice.
The fundamental principle of all privacy legislation is an individual’s right of control over the
collection, use, and distribution of their personal information, including health information.
Consent is the cornerstone of an individual’s control and, subject to certain legislated exceptions,
personal health information should not be collected, used, or disclosed without the individual’s
consent. While the method of obtaining a patient’s consent may be implicit or explicit, it must
always be informed and voluntary, and may be amended or withdrawn at any time.
79. Smith v. Jones, [1999] 1 SCR 455, 1999 CanLII 674 (SCC).
80. Ibid.

Most often, personal health information is collected for the purposes of treating an individual’s
injury or illness. Generally, when a patient seeks treatment, a physician may reasonably assume
that implied consent has been provided by the patient for the collection and use of personal
health information for the purpose of treatment. Further, unless the individual has expressly
withheld or withdrawn consent, it is permissible for the physician to rely upon this implied consent
to share the personal health information with other healthcare professionals involved in treating
the same injury or illness.
If circumstances are such that implied consent cannot be reasonably assumed, then physicians
are obligated to discuss with their patients the purpose for which personal information is being
collected and how such information is to be used or disclosed to others. Physicians should always
obtain and document new and specific consent if they intend to use or disclose an individual’s
personal information for any purpose other than that for which the information was first collected.
Most privacy statutes provide a list of exceptions where personal information may be collected,
used, or disclosed without the individual’s consent. While the exceptions vary, most statutes
permit collection, use, and disclosure without consent where the information is required:
▪▪ for use in legal proceedings
▪▪ to prevent a risk of serious harm to the health and safety of the individual or others
▪▪ to contact an individual’s relatives or next of kin
▪▪ to comply with a subpoena or a provision of another statute
In a number of privacy statutes, there are also special provisions relating to the use of personal
health information for research purposes.
Privacy legislation reinforces patients’ existing right of access to personal information contained
in their medical records. While a fee may be charged for such access requests, physicians should
be aware that the amount of the fee may be governed by statute, regulation, or College guidelines.
Physicians should be clear on whether the fee is pre-set and what it is. Patients may also be
permitted to challenge the accuracy of factual information contained in their medical records. The
opinions of treating or consulting physicians are not subject to amendment. In circumstances
where corrections are made, it may prove prudent to not delete any aspect of the existing record
but rather append the correct information to the record with a clear note of explanation. There are
limited circumstances where a physician can deny an individual’s request for access, including
when disclosure may present a risk of harm to the individual or reveals personal information about
a third party.
Most privacy statutes provide for the appointment of an enforcement officer, such as an
information and privacy commissioner. Enforcement officers may have the power to investigate
complaints, initiate investigations, and make recommendations and orders regarding an
organization’s privacy compliance. In some cases, breaches of privacy legislation may result in
penalties and fines.
Physicians should become aware of the applicable administrative duties regarding personal
information management. It may be necessary to designate an employee to act as a privacy
officer to monitor compliance with privacy legislation. The privacy officer may also be charged
with responding to access requests and complaints. While the CMPA will provide advice and
assistance with many privacy matters, it will not assist physicians with becoming compliant in
their practice environment. The CMA and some provincial medical associations, however, have
excellent toolkits to assist physicians with privacy compliance.
Search warrants and court orders

Generally, there is no obligation to provide the police with clinical or personal information
about a patient suspected of committing a crime. In fact, to comply with the requirements of
confidentiality physicians should respond to routine police inquiries about a patient by asking

the police to obtain a search warrant for the production of the patient’s record. Physician and
hospital administrators must comply with the demands of a search warrant. Before producing
the original record to the police, steps should be taken to copy the patient’s record so that it is
available for the purpose of treating the patient.
There is also no general obligation to report patients suspected of having committed a
crime (see “Duty to warn” section, above). Many jurisdictions (British Columbia81, Alberta82,
Saskatchewan83, Manitoba84, Ontario85, Québec86, Nova Scotia87, Newfoundland and Labrador88,
and Northwest Territories89) have now enacted legislation requiring all hospitals and healthcare
facilities that treat a person for a gunshot wound to disclose that information to the local police
service. The legislation may also extend the reporting obligation to stab wounds (e.g. British
Columbia90, Alberta91, Saskatchewan92, Manitoba93, Newfoundland and Labrador94, and
Northwest Territories95). Of particular interest, the legislation in Québec96 also permits, but does
not oblige, physicians to report to police suspicious behaviour of patients whom they reasonably
believe may endanger their own safety or the safety of another person by the use of a firearm.
The information to be disclosed should be limited to that which is necessary to facilitate police
intervention.
Physicians often receive requests for copies of the patient’s office record from a third party.
Physicians should not comply with such requests unless they have the written authorization of
the patient or are provided with a court order requiring the release of such records.
Statutory requirements
There are statutes in every province and territory as well as federal statutes that permit or
require physicians to divulge information obtained through the physician-patient relationship.
In many instances where physicians are required to report confidential information to a
public authority, they may be prosecuted, fined, or imprisoned for failing to fulfil this statutory
obligation.
The most notable examples pertain to the reporting of suspected child abuse, patients who are
unfit to drive, and patients suffering from designated diseases, as well as reports to workers’
compensation boards, and the completion of certificates under the vital statistics acts.
Medical records
Access to medical records
In June 1992, the Supreme Court of Canada rendered a judgment on a patient’s right to access
the medical records compiled in the office of a physician.97
81. Gunshot and Stab Wound Disclosure Act, SBC 2010, c 7, ss 1-3, 5.
82. Gunshot and Stab Wound Mandatory Disclosure Act, SA 2009, c G-12, ss 1-4.
83. Gunshot and Stab Wounds Mandatory Reporting Act, SS 2007, c G-9.1, ss 2-3, 5; The Gunshot and Stab Wounds
Mandatory Reporting Regulations, RRS c G-9.1 Reg 1, ss 2(2), 4.
84. Gunshot and Stab Wounds Mandatory Reporting Act, CCSM c G125, ss 1, 2, 4; Gunshot and Stab Wounds Mandatory
Reporting Regulation, Man Reg 177/2008, ss 3, 4.
85. Mandatory Gunshot Wounds Reporting Act, 2005, SO 2005, c 9, ss 1, 2, 4.
86. An Act to Protect Persons With Regard to Activities Involving Firearms, CQLR c P-38.0001, ss 8 9.
87. Gunshot Wounds Mandatory Reporting Act, SNS 2007, c 30, ss 3-5; Gunshot Wounds Mandatory Reporting Regulations,
NS Reg 423/2008, s 3.
88. Gunshot and Stab Wound Reporting Act, SNL 2011, c G-7.1, ss 2-4.
89. Gunshot and Stab Wound Mandatory Disclosure Act, SNWT 2013, c 19, ss 1-3.
90. Gunshot and Stab Wound Disclosure Act, SBC 2010, c 7, ss 1-3, 5.
91. Gunshot and Stab Wound Mandatory Disclosure Act, SA 2009, c G-12, ss 1-4.
92. Gunshot and Stab Wounds Mandatory Reporting Act, SS 2007, c G-9.1, ss 2-3, 5; The Gunshot and Stab Wounds
Mandatory Reporting Regulations, RRS c G-9.1 Reg 1, ss 2(2), 4.
93. Gunshot and Stab Wounds Mandatory Reporting Act, CCSM c G125, ss 1, 2, 4; Gunshot and Stab Wounds Mandatory
Reporting Regulation, Man Reg 177/2008, ss 3, 4.
94. Gunshot and Stab Wound Reporting Act, SNL 2011, c G-7.1, ss 2-4.
95. Gunshot and Stab Wound Mandatory Disclosure Act, SNWT 2013, c 19, ss 1-3.
96. An Act to Protect Persons With Regard to Activities Involving Firearms, CQLR c P-38.0001, ss 8 9.
97. McInerney v. MacDonald, [1992] 2 SCR 138, 1992 CanLII 57 (SCC).

The Court concluded that the medical record maintained by the physician is, in the physical
sense, owned by that physician. The Court also affirmed the well-recognized duty of physicians
to hold the information in the medical record confidential, unless otherwise directed by the
patient or authorized by law.98
The remaining and more controversial issue, however, was whether the patient had the right
to examine and obtain copies of all documents in the physical medical record. Mr. Justice
La Forest examined the fiduciary aspect of the physician-patient relationship and concluded
that the information about the patient was held by the physician in a trust-like manner. He
considered that the information in the record remained in a fundamental way the patient’s own.
The patient has a basic and controlling interest in such information.99
The Court held that the significant beneficial interest of the patient in the medical record was
sufficient to extend the fiduciary duty of the physician to grant the patient direct access to the
medical record. The crucial aspects of the judgment are as follows:
▪▪ The physical medical records held in a physician’s office are the property of the physician.
▪▪ A patient is entitled, upon request, to examine and receive a copy of the complete medical Because patients
records compiled by the physician in administering advice or treatment to the patient,
usually do not keep
including records prepared by other physicians that the physician may have received.
concurrent notes
▪▪ The patient is not entitled to examine or receive copies of any information or material of the events, the
received or compiled by the doctor outside of the physician-patient relationship.
physician’s notes, if
▪▪ A patient’s general right of access to medical records is not absolute. Physicians may reasonably detailed
exercise discretion not to disclose any information they reasonably believe is likely to cause and made at the
a substantial adverse effect on the physical, mental, or emotional health of the patient or
harm to a third party. The court stated that patients should have access to the medical
time or shortly after
records in all but a small number of circumstances. each visit, are often
considered to be the
▪▪ A patient should have access to the medical record in the ordinary course unless there are
compelling reasons for non-disclosure. The onus is on the physician to justify a denial of
most accurate and
access to the information or records. reliable record of a
consultation.
▪▪ A patient may apply to the court for a review of any refusal by a physician to disclose all
or part of the medical record. If the court is not satisfied that the physician acted in good
faith, it may not only order production, but also grant the patient appropriate relief by way of
costs.100
This judgment represented a significant departure from the previously held view that the patient’s
right to information in the medical record was limited to a summary report of the care and
management afforded the patient by the physician. Privacy legislation has now reinforced patients’
common law right of access to personal information contained in their medical records.
Retention of records
Physicians and healthcare institutions are required by law in each province and territory to
maintain a treatment record for each patient. In most jurisdictions, the legislation specifically
details the information to be recorded in the patient’s record. This legislative requirement is
premised on the understanding that maintaining complete and accurate medical records is
necessary to ensure a consistent treatment plan for the patient. Records are also invaluable
to the physician who is the subject of a complaint or civil action by a patient. Because patients
usually do not keep concurrent notes of the events, the physician’s notes, if reasonably detailed
and made at the time or shortly after each visit, are often considered to be the most accurate
and reliable record of a consultation.
98. Ibid.
99. Ibid.
100. Ibid.

This table is a summary, by province and territory, of the minimum legislative requirements or
recommendations respecting the retention of records (current to January 2016).
Province/Territory Physicians Hospitals

BRITISH COLUMBIA Sixteen years from date of last entry, Primary documents*: 10 years from most recent day
or the age of majority (19), whichever of discharge.
is the latest.101 Secondary documents**: 6 years from date of
discharge.
Transitory documents***: 1 year from date of final
completion of patient’s record.102
ALBERTA Ten years following date of last Ten years from date of discharge, or 2 years past age
service, or in the case of a minor, of majority (18) if minor; 5 years for X-ray films; where
10 years or 2 years past age of microfilming employed, originals may be destroyed
majority (18), whichever is longer.103 after 1 year.104
SASKATCHEWAN Six years following date of last entry, Ten years from date of discharge, or if minor, until age
or 2 years past age of majority of majority (19), whichever is longer. Period may be
(18), or 6 years after date last seen, extended as deemed necessary by hospital. Where
whichever is later.105 microfilming employed, paper copy of records must
still be retained for 6 years, and microfilm for further
4 years.106
MANITOBA Ten years following date of last entry, Each health authority/hospital required to set a
or 10 years past age of majority (18) in retention period.108 Verify with health authority/
case of minor.107 hospital.
ONTARIO Ten years after date of last entry, or Ten years from date of last visit, or 10 years past age
if minor, until 10 years after patient of majority (18) if minor.
reaches or would have reached Five years from date record created or 5 years past
age of majority (18).109 College age of majority (18) for diagnostic imaging records
recommends 15 years from date of other than of breast.
last entry, or 15 years after day on
which patient reached or would have Ten years from date of record created or 10 years
reached age of majority (18).110 past age of majority for diagnostic imaging records of
breast.111
QUÉBEC Five years following date of last Each establishment/hospital required to set a
entry; any document older than 5 retention schedule.113 Verify with health authority/
years contained in an active file can hospital.
be destroyed, with the exception of
operative and anesthetic reports for
major surgeries, anatomopathology
reports and endoscopy reports,
which must be kept as long as the file
is active.112
NEW BRUNSWICK Ten years after date of last entry, or Six years after date of discharge, or if minor, for 6
2 years past age of majority (19) years or until age 21, whichever is longer.115
if minor, or 2 years after death of
patient.114
NOVA SCOTIA Ten years after date of last visit, or Each health authority/hospital required to set a
10 years past age of majority (19) if retention period.117 Verify with health authority/
minor.116 hospital.

Province/Territory Physicians Hospitals
PRINCE EDWARD Ten years after date of last entry, or 10 Twenty years following date of discharge, or 5
ISLAND years past age of majority (18) if minor.118 years from death of patient, or 20 years past age of
majority (18) if minor. Five years from date record
created or 5 years past age of majority (18) for
diagnostic imaging record other than of breast
(diagnostic imaging records of breast to be retained
for 10 years after creation, or 10 years past the age
of majority of a minor).119
NEWFOUNDLAND Ten years after date of last entry, or Each health authority/hospital required to set a
AND LABRADOR 2 years past age of majority (19), retention period.121 Verify with health authority/
whichever is longer.120 hospital.
YUKON Not less than 6 years from date of Primary documents*: 10 years from most recent day
last entry (Medical Professions Act on which patient discharged.
Regulation). Yukon Medical Council Secondary documents**: 6 years.
(YMC) recommends 7 years, or where
minor, later of 2 years past age of Transitory documents***: the period ending on
majority (19) or 7 years since date last the day following the final completion of the
seen.122 patient’s medical record by the attending medical
practitioner, or by the attending medical practitioner
and dentist where both attend. 123
101102103104105106107108109110111112113114115116117118119120121122123 TO BE CHANGED TO WHITE - FOOTNOTES
101. College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia, Bylaws, revised January 1, 2016, Part 3-Records, Section B -
Registrant Records, Storage and retention of medical practice records, s 3-6(2)
<https://www.cpsbc.ca/files/pdf/HPA-Bylaws.pdf>; College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia, Professional
Standards and Guidelines, Medical Records, September 2014 <https://www.cpsbc.ca/files/pdf/PSG-Medical-Records.pdf >.
102. Hospital Act Regulation, BC Reg 121/97, s 14(1).
103. College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, Standards of Practice, Administration of Practice, Patient Records
Retention, Reissued January, 2016 <http://www.cpsa.ca/standardspractice/patient-record-retent/>.
104. Operation of Approved Hospitals Regulation, Alta Reg 247/1990, s 15.
105. College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan, Regulatory Bylaws, Part 6 Practice Standards, Bylaw 23.1- Medical
Records, effective November 20, 2015.
<http://www.cps.sk.ca/Documents/Legislation/Legislation/Regulatory%20Bylaws%20-%20November%202015.pdf>.
106. Hospital Standards Regulations, 1980, Sask Reg 331/79, s 15.
107. College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, By-law #11, Patient Records, Section C. Record Retention and Security,
art 29 (1), updated to December 14, 2015 <http://cpsm.mb.ca/cjj39alckF30a/wp-content/uploads/ByLaws/By-law%2011.
pdf>.
108. Personal Health Information Act, CCSM c P33.5, s 17(1).
109. General Regulation, O Reg 114/94, s 19(1).
110. College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, Policy #4-12, Medical Records, updated May 2012
<http://www.cpso.on.ca/policies-publications/policy/medical-records>.
111. Hospital Management, RRO 1990, Reg 965, s 20.
112. Règlement sur les dossiers, les lieux d’exercice et la cessation d’exercice d’un médecin, RLRQ c M-9, r 20.3, ss 12, 13.
113. Archives Act, CQLR c A-21.1, s 7.
114. College of Physicians and Surgeons of New-Brunswick, Guidelines, The Patient Medical Record, updated to June 2010
<http://www.cpsnb.org/english/Guidelines/guidelines-7.html>.
115. General Regulation, NB Reg 92-84, s 23.
116. College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, Guidelines on Responsibilities when Permanently or Temporarily
Closing a Medical Practice, re-approved December 13, 2013
<http://www.cpsns.ns.ca/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?PortalId=0&TabId=129&EntryId=45 >.
117. Personal Health Information Act, SNS 2010, c 41, s 50(1).
118. College of Physicians and Surgeons of Prince Edward Island, Guidelines, Legal and Ethical Considerations when leaving
a Medical Practice, Approved June 21,1995 <http://cpspei.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/G-Legal-and-Ethical-
Considerations-when-leaving-a-Medical-Practice-June-1995.doc.pdf >.
119. Hospital Management Regulations, PEI Reg EC49/11, s 18.
120. College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador, By-Law 6: Medical Records, s 21, effective April 30,
2012 <https://www.cpsnl.ca/default.asp?com=Bylaws&m=292&y=&id=9>.
121. Personal Health Information Act, SNL 2008, c P-7.01, s 13.
122. Medical Profession Regulation, YOIC 1980/206, s 3; Yukon Medical Council, Standards of Practice, Administration of
Practice, Records Management, s. (4), effective September 2015
<http://www.yukonmedicalcouncil.ca/pdfs/Records_Management.pdf>.
123. Hospital Standards (Yukon Hospital Corporation) Regulation, YOIC 1994/227, ss 13, 14.

Province/ Territory Physicians Hospitals
NORTHWEST Ten years, or no less than 2 years past Verify with health authority/hospital.125
TERRITORIES age of majority (19).124
NUNAVUT Ten years, or no less than 2 years past Verify with health authority/hospital.
age of majority (19).126
* Primary documents: documents signed by physicians that are of value for the continuing care of a patient (e.g. history, physical examination,
operative reports, etc.).
** Secondary documents: documents that are important at the time of care, but are not of vital medical importance for future care (e.g. nurses’
notes, vital signs records, consent, etc.).
***Transitory documents: documents of no medical importance once patient discharged (e.g. diet reports, departmental checklists, graphic
charts, etc.).
How long should medical records be kept to ensure their availability in the event of litigation or
a complaint by the patient? The most prudent approach is to retain the medical records until the
anticipated expiry of the limitation period to commence an action (see “Statutes of limitation”
section, above).
Physicians should also be aware of the minimum legislative requirements respecting the
retention of medical and hospital records in their province or territory. In the absence of
legislative requirements, some jurisdictions have issued recommendations about the retention
of records that are considered to adequately protect both patients and physicians. For medical-
legal purposes, it is recommended that the physician’s records about patients be kept secure
and intact for a period of at least 10 years (16 years in British Columbia) from when the age of
majority is reached.
Once the retention period has expired, records should be destroyed in a manner that maintains
confidentiality. Destruction should ensure that the record cannot be reconstructed in any way.
For example, it is recommended that paper records be shredded, pulverized, or incinerated.
Effective destruction of electronic records requires that the records be permanently deleted
or irreversibly erased. When destroying information, physicians must consider whether it is
necessary to destroy the original records and any copies including back-up files. Physicians
should be aware of any specific obligations imposed on them by their medical regulatory
authority (College) or relevant privacy legislation when destroying clinical records.
Before destroying records, it is recommended that a list be made of the names of the patients
whose records are to be destroyed. This list should be kept permanently in a secure location.
The purpose is to be able to later determine at a glance that a medical record has been
destroyed and has not simply been lost or misplaced.
Electronic records
Many physicians are now moving from storing patient information in traditional paper-based
records to an electronic version of the record (electronic medical records or EMRs). EMRs may
be simple office-based systems or shared records that connect health professionals through a
network. Many hospitals and health authorities have also implemented electronic health record
systems (or EHRs) in their institutions. EHRs are generally a compilation of core health data
from multiple sources and may be comprised of many different records submitted by numerous
providers and organizations. 124125126 to be changed to white - footnotes
124. Adoption of College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, standard: CPSA, Standards of Practice, Administration of
Practice, Patient Records Retention, Reissued January 2016
<http://www.cpsa.ca/standardspractice/patient-record-retent/>.
125. Health Information Act, SNWT 2014, c 2 , s 195 (z.15)(z.16)(z.17). The Information and Privacy Commissioner is expected to
make regulations respecting the retention of records.
126. Adoption of College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta standard: CPSA, Standards of Practice, Administration of
Practice, Patient Records Retention, Reissued January 2016 <http://www.cpsa.ca/standardspractice/patient-record-
retent/>.

There are a number of important factors to be considered in the transition from paper-based
patient records to an electronic version of such medical records:
▪▪ The selection of an appropriate system and software program is the crucial first step, both
as to suitability to the needs of the physician’s practice, and as well for compatibility with
the systems of other healthcare providers and healthcare institutions and facilities.
▪▪ Physicians are encouraged to consult widely with colleagues and to seek professional
assistance from a variety of sources, including qualified service providers; information
technology experts; provincial, territorial, or national medical associations/federations; and
any local physician technology support programs.
▪▪ Physicians should consult personal legal counsel and seek advice from provincial, territorial,
and national medical associations before entering into any formal agreement to purchase
or lease hardware equipment and to obtain an appropriate software licence to operate the
system.
While all physicians generally understand the rules surrounding the use of paper records, the
rules are less clear when dealing with electronic records systems. From a medical liability
perspective, the key issues that must be considered in the context of electronic records are
ownership and stewardship of data, privacy and consent, access to and accuracy of information,
and secondary use and evidentiary requirements. Physicians should refer to the CMPA’s
Electronic Records Handbook127 (available on the CMPA website, www.cmpa-acpm.ca) for a
more comprehensive overview of the technological and medical-legal issues associated with
the implementation and use of electronic records.
Electronic communications
Increasingly, physicians are relying on electronic communication channels to deliver care to
their patients. There are 3 main digital communication channels available to physicians —
email and texting, web or patient portals, and social media platforms. These methods can be
accessed from a number of devices, with mobile tools such as smartphones and tablets seeing
the greatest growth.
Physicians who communicate via email, text, social media, or web portals need to be mindful
that they are governed by the same legal and professional standards as would apply in other
professional settings (e.g. a hospital, family practice, or clinic).
Physicians using new technologies to communicate with patients need to be aware of and
follow the privacy legislation that applies to their practice and jurisdiction, as well as any
requirements from their College.
Consideration should be given to security measures and procedures that should be adopted to
reduce the risk of privacy breaches. This includes the use of appropriate protection and privacy
settings to avoid the communication of personal health information. As with email, a patient’s
informed consent to e-communications should be obtained and documented, either through a
notation in the patient’s health record or by a signed consent form or terms of use agreement.
Physicians need to keep abreast of advances and inform themselves about privacy and security
issues related to their jurisdiction and practice environment.
Physicians should refer to CMPA publications for more detailed information about the privacy
and medical-legal liability risks associated with electronic communications.
127. The Canadian Medical Protective Association, Electronic Records Handbook (2014)

Important legislation
Provincial and territorial legislation plays an important role in medical practice. Here are
highlights of some of the most important aspects of such legislation.
Reporting patients unfit to drive

There is a statutory duty in all jurisdictions related to reporting patients unfit to drive. The
relevant legislation in Alberta,128 Québec,129 and Nova Scotia130 is discretionary such that
physicians are permitted to breach confidence and report a patient who they believe may have
a medical condition that renders the person unable to operate a motor vehicle. Conversely,
the legislation in Saskatchewan,131 Manitoba,132 Ontario,133 New Brunswick,134 Prince Edward
Island,135 Newfoundland and Labrador,136 and the territories137 is mandatory and requires
physicians to report any patient who, in their opinion, has a medical condition that may make
it dangerous for the person to drive. Indeed, failure to report in these latter jurisdictions Physicians have
constitutes an offence.
been found liable
In British Columbia, physicians are required to report only a patient who, in their opinion, has a for failing to
medical condition that makes it dangerous to drive and the patient continues to drive after being
report, notably in
warned of the danger by the physician.138 Legislation was passed in 2010 to change British
Columbia’s reporting requirement to one that is a hybrid mandatory-discretionary rule but this those provinces
amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act139 has not been brought into force. and territories
with mandatory
Physicians have been involved in several actions brought on behalf of an injured party in a motor
vehicle accident alleged to have been caused in part by the medical disability of another person requirements.
who should not have been allowed to continue driving. Physicians have been found liable for
failing to report, notably in those provinces and territories with mandatory requirements.
It is therefore important for physicians to fulfil their statutory duties in a diligent yet sensible
manner, reporting those patients who they believe have a medical condition that might
reasonably make it dangerous to drive. In the cases to date, the courts have been greatly
influenced by the Canadian Medical Association booklet CMA Driver’s Guide, Determining
Medical Fitness to Operate Motor Vehicles.140 Physicians are encouraged to be familiar with
and use these guidelines when assessing a patient’s fitness to operate a motor vehicle and in
deciding about the need to report a patient.
128. Traffic Safety Act, RSA 2000, c T-6, ss 60, 60.1.

129. Highway Safety Code, CQLR, c C-24.2, s 603.
130. Motor Vehicle Act, RSNS 1989, c 293, s 279(7).
131. The Traffic Safety Act, SS 2004, c T-18.1, s 283. The Traffic Safety Act, SS 2004, c T-18.1, s 283.
132. The Highway Traffic Act, CCSM, c H60, Part 1, s 157.
133. Highway Traffic Act, RSO 1990, c H.8, s 203.
134. Motor Vehicle Act, RSNB 1973, c M-17, s 309.1.
135. Highway Traffic Act, RSPEI 1988, c H-5, s 233.
136. Highway Traffic Act, RSNL 1990, c H-3, s 174.1.
137. Motor Vehicles Act, RSNWT 1988, c M-16, s 103; Motor Vehicles Act, RSY 2002, c 153, s 17(3); Motor Vehicles Act, RSNWT
(Nu) 1988, c M-16, s 103.
138. Motor Vehicle Act, RSBC 1996, c 318, Part 4, s 230.
139. Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2010, SBC 2010, c 14, s 21.
140. Canadian Medical Association, CMA Driver’s Guide, Determining Medical Fitness to Operate Motor Vehicles, Eighth
edition. Accessed Dec. 2015 at: https://www.cma.ca/En/Pages/drivers-guide.aspx

Reporting child abuse
Every province and territory has enacted legislation requiring physicians to report children in
need of protection, including instances of suspected child abuse, to the child welfare authorities
or the equivalent in the province and territory. For most jurisdictions, the duty to report applies
to children under 16 years of age, but in Alberta,141 Manitoba142 and Québec143 it is 18 years. It is
also 18 years of age for the reporting of sexual abuse in Saskatchewan.144 The age is 19 years in
British Columbia145 and Yukon146 for all purposes. The duty to report is mandatory even though
the information reported may be confidential. Failure to report constitutes an offence. Physicians
are protected against legal action for making the required report, provided the report was not
made maliciously or without reasonable cause.
Blood alcohol samples

The Criminal Code allows for the taking of blood samples in certain situations. The police may
request a person to provide a blood sample when they believe, on reasonable and probable
grounds, that the person has operated a car, boat, railway equipment or aircraft while impaired
during the preceding 3 hours and the person is incapable, by reason of a physical condition, of
providing a breath sample or it would be impractical to obtain such a sample.147 The Criminal
Code also allows a court to require that an offender or a person under a peace bond provide a
sample of a bodily substance on the demand of peace officers, probation officers, supervisors
or designated persons. Such orders can be made to enforce compliance with a prohibition on
consuming drugs or alcohol imposed in a probation order, a conditional sentence order, or a
peace bond.148
In the above instances, if the individual refuses to comply without reasonable excuse, the
individual commits an offence. Physicians should not attempt to obtain a blood sample from a
patient in these situations without the patient’s consent.
A blood sample may also be taken from a person on the basis of a warrant issued by a Justice
of the Peace in appropriate circumstances. These warrants may be issued where the Justice
of the Peace is satisfied there are reasonable grounds to believe the person has been driving
while impaired within the previous 4 hours and was involved in an accident resulting in death
or bodily harm to any person. The Justice of the Peace must also be satisfied on the basis of
medical opinion that the person is unable to consent to the taking of the sample by reason of
any physical or mental condition resulting from the consumption of alcohol, the accident or any
other occurrence associated with the accident, and that taking the sample will not endanger
the life or health of the person.149 All this information may be relayed by telephone to the Justice
of the Peace, who may instruct that a facsimile warrant be completed by the police. In these
situations, the physician takes the blood sample on the basis of the warrant and not on the basis
of consent by the patient.
Physicians are not obliged to comply with the police request to take a blood sample. However,
any physician who assists the police in taking a blood sample, either by consent or pursuant to a
warrant, is protected from criminal or civil liability for anything necessarily done with reasonable
care and skill in taking the sample.
141. Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act, RSA 2000, c C-12.
142. The Child and Family Services Act, CCSM c C80.
143. Youth Protection Act, CQLR c P-34.1.
144. The Emergency Protection for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Act, SS 2002, c E-8.2.
145. Child, Family and Community Service Act, RSBC 1996, c 46.
146. Child and Family Services Act, SY 2008, c 1.
147. Criminal Code, RSC 1985, c C-46, s 254.
148. Ibid, s 810(3.02), 810.01(4.1), 810.1(3.02), 810.2 (4.1).
149. Criminal Code, RSC 1985, c C-46, s 256.

Mental health legislation — Involuntary admission
There is legislation in all jurisdictions governing mental health that provides specifically for
involuntary confinement in, or admission to, a psychiatric institution. Generally, a physician may
complete an application for an individual to be conveyed to a psychiatric facility for assessment
if the physician has recently (within days) examined the person and the physician is satisfied
that the stated criteria warranting such assessment have been met. The legislation further
provides that, once at the psychiatric facility, the individual must be examined by one or more
psychiatrists, again within a strict time frame, usually measured in hours. If the mental disorder
and the appropriate criteria are confirmed, a certificate of involuntary admission is issued. These
certificates are usually valid for a number of days and must be renewed periodically following
appropriate examinations of the patient. The legislation in some jurisdictions also provides for
procedures whereby the patient may apply to a review board to consider if the certificate of
involuntary admission or its renewal was proper and necessary.
At one time, the criteria for psychiatric assessment and involuntary admission were extremely
broad, relating solely to the issue of whether or not the individual suffered a mental disorder.
Gradually the criteria were made more restrictive and required that the individual not only suffer There is legislation
from a mental disorder but also present a danger or safety risk of self-harm or harm to others. in all jurisdictions
Generally speaking, these remain as part of the criteria in most jurisdictions.
governing mental
In some jurisdictions, the criteria for psychiatric assessment and involuntary admission of health that provides
individuals were further narrowed by adding the elements of urgency and the need for a higher specifically
degree of the potential danger. Ontario was the first jurisdiction to enact serious harm and
imminence criteria for involuntary admission, although it subsequently amended the Mental
for involuntary
Health Act150 to repeal the imminence criterion. The New Brunswick legislation requires the confinement in,
recent behaviour of the individual to represent “a substantial risk for imminent physical or or admission
psychological harm to himself or others” before a patient can be involuntarily admitted.151 to, a psychiatric
Similarly, the Northwest Territories152 and Nunavut153 require “serious bodily harm” or “imminent institution.
and serious physical impairment,” the Yukon154 lists “serious mental or physical impairment,” and
Manitoba155 uses “serious harm” as criteria to warrant a patient’s involuntary admission.
More recently, some provinces have broadened the involuntary admission process by
providing alternatives to the harm criterion. Where a patient does not meet the harm criterion,
but the attending physician is of the opinion that the patient is likely to suffer deterioration in
psychological health without treatment, this deterioration is sufficient to justify the patient’s
involuntary admission. The Mental Health Services Act156 in Saskatchewan requires a patient
to be suffering from a mental disorder likely to cause harm to the person or others, or to be
suffering substantial mental or physical deterioration before being detained as an involuntary
patient. British Columbia and Manitoba have enacted similar alternative criteria to involuntary
admission.157 Ontario’s Mental Health Act allows for the involuntary admission of patients who
have a history of successful treatment and who are at risk of suffering mental deterioration.158
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms159 has enshrined the security of the person
and the right for an individual not to be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned or to be subjected to
cruel and unusual treatment. Legislative enactments, in particular the mental health acts, are
scrutinized to determine if their involuntary admission provisions, which deprive individuals of
their liberty, may be justified in a free and democratic society.
150. Mental Health Act, RSO 1990, c M.7 s 20.

151. Mental Health Act, RSNB 1973, c M-10, s 7.1.
152. Mental Health Act, RSNWT 1988, c M-10, ss 7, 13-15; Mental Health Act, SNWT 2015, c. 26, not yet proclaimed..
153. Mental Health Act, RSNWT (Nu) 1988, c M-10, ss 7, 13-15.
154. Mental Health Act, RSY 2002, c 150, s 13.
155. Mental Health Act, CCSM c M110, s 17.
156. Mental Health Services Act, SS 1984-85-86, c M-13.1, s 24.
157. Mental Health Act, RSBC 1996, c 288, s 22; Mental Health Act, CCSM c M110, s 17.
158. Mental Health Act, RSO 1990, c M.7, s 20.
159. Part 1 of the Constitution Act, 1982, being Schedule B to the Canada Act 1982 (UK), 1982, c 11, ss 8, 9.

The tendency of the courts is to interpret the legislation strictly. Yet, psychiatry is not an exact
science, therefore it can be difficult to form the definite or precise opinion demanded by the
criteria in mental health acts before an individual may be subjected to involuntary admission. It
can be suggested only that physicians continue to exercise their judgment and opinion honestly
and in the best interests of the patient and others. When in doubt as to whether the appropriate
criteria have been met for involuntary admission, the physician should seek a consultation with
a colleague.
It has been CMPA’s experience that, while the courts have from time to time set aside a
certificate of involuntary admission, they have been very reluctant to find liability against the
physician who has acted reasonably and in good faith. Physicians should be cautious to not only
comply with the requirements and criteria set out in the relevant legislation when certifying a
patient for involuntary admission, but also to document the clinical findings and rationale for the
certification in the patient record.
Medical certificates
It can be suggested Physicians are often asked to provide certificates of medical fitness for their patients in many
only that physicians different settings. Examples include work-related issues, applications for insurance coverage
continue to exercise or other benefits, the ability to participate in a specified activity, etc. There is a legal obligation
their judgment and on physicians to complete such certificates for their patients; in fact, most provinces have
legislation that makes it an act of professional misconduct to fail to complete them. For example,
opinion honestly
in Ontario, regulations under the Medicine Act, 1991, contain, as one of the definitions of
and in the best professional misconduct, the following:
interests of the
Failing without reasonable cause to provide a report or certificate relating to an
patient and others.
examination or treatment performed by the member to the patient or his or her
authorized representative within a reasonable time after the patient or his or her
authorized representative has requested such a report or certificate.160
It is important for physicians to appreciate that the completion of the certificates for patients
is a medical act and therefore invokes all the same legal responsibilities and requirements
that apply to medical treatment generally. Physicians must therefore adhere to the appropriate
standard of care in completing the medical certificates. In addition, physicians must appreciate
that a third party will rely on the representations made by the physician in the medical certificate
and therefore any erroneous or unfounded opinion expressed by the physician may be subject
to liability related not only to the patient, but also the third party. It is recommended that, when
completing medical certificates, physicians keep in mind the intent and purpose of the form, as
well as the following:
▪▪ The express written consent of the patient should be obtained and care should be taken not
to disclose more information than is covered by the patient’s authorization.
▪▪ If the medical clearance is to be directed towards some form of employment or leisure
activity, the physician should have some knowledge of the particulars of that job or activity.
▪▪ The medical record of the patient should be carefully reviewed to ensure that any
statements made are, to the best knowledge and belief of the physician, accurate and
based upon current clinical information.
▪▪ n occasion, it may be necessary to carry out an independent medical evaluation — an
O
examination or assessment of the patient — to obtain the information or to form the belief
necessary to complete the certificate.
160. Professional Misconduct, O Reg, 856/93, s 1(17).

▪▪ Physicians may be requested by patients to complete medical certificates or forms to
enable the patient to exercise a right or obtain a benefit pursuant to some federal or
provincial legislation. For the most part, physicians should treat these requests in the same
manner as for any other medical certificate.
Concern has been expressed regarding the scope of certain medical certificates, particularly in
connection with the federal Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR)161
and the federal Firearms Act.162 In both instances, the danger is that the medical certificate or
forms may require physicians to provide an opinion or assessment that may well be outside their
knowledge or expertise.
Regulations to access marijuana

The Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) came into force
on August 24, 2016, repealing the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations.163
Physicians should be familiar with the new regulations, and should know and abide by
applicable College policies.
The aim of the ACMPR is to treat marijuana as much as possible like other narcotics used for
medical purposes. Under the regulations, a patient must consult with a prescribed healthcare
practitioner, a physician or a qualified nurse practitioner, and obtain a signed “medical
document.” Patients then submit the medical document directly to a licensed commercial
producer to obtain the medical marijuana or register with Health Canada to produce a limited
amount of marijuana for their own medical purposes, or designate someone else to produce it
for them. Alternatively, arrangements can be made for the producer to transfer the drug to the
healthcare practitioner who signed the medical document, and the patient can obtain it from
the healthcare practitioner.
All Colleges have been critical of the regime to access marijuana for medical purposes. Many
Colleges have issued guidelines or policies, which impose additional obligations over those
set out in the regulations. Although there are some common themes expressed in the College
policies and guidelines, there are some notable variances.
Some of the common themes include:
• Physicians are under no obligation to provide patients with a medical document to access
the drug.
• Physicians should obtain informed consent before completing the medical document and
should record the consent discussion in the medical record.
• Physicians should evaluate the patient’s clinical condition regularly to assess the benefits
and risks of marijuana use. Some of the variations include:
-- In Québec, physicians are prohibited from providing a medical document to access
medical marijuana unless the patient is enrolled in a recognized research study and
only for specified conditions.164
-- In Saskatchewan, physicians must obtain a signed, written treatment agreement from
patients that spells out the patients’ obligations, including using the marijuana as
prescribed.165
161 SOR/2016-230.
162 SC 1995, c 39
163 SOR/2013-119 [Repealed SOR/2016-230, s. 281].
164 Collège des médecins du Québec, Guidelines concerning the prescription of dried cannabis for medical purposes,
April 2014 (Updated May 1st 2015) http://www.cmq.org/page/en/cannabis-a-des-fins-medicales.aspx
165 College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan, Regulatory Bylaws, November 20, 2015, Standards for Prescribing
Marihuana, s. 19.2 (d) < http://www.cps.sk.ca/Documents/Legislation/Legislation/Regulatory%20Bylaws%20-%20
November%202015.pdf >.

-- In British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, physicians must avoid using
telemedicine to complete the medical document.166
-- In Nova Scotia and Ontario, physicians are prohibited from charging fees related to
the completion of the medical document.167
Physicians who choose to complete a medical document should always rely on sound medical
judgment and comply with their College’s relevant guideline or policy. The CMPA website
(www.cmpa-acpm.ca) includes up-to-date information on this evolving topic. Members can
also call the CMPA for advice.
Firearms Act
Section 5 of the Firearms Act describes the criteria for eligibility to acquire a licence to possess
a firearm and includes the factors as to whether the applicant “has been treated for a mental
illness ... that was associated with violence or threatened or attempted violence ... against
any person; or has a history of behaviour that includes violence or threatened or attempted
violence ... against any person.”168 In consideration of these factors, the provincial firearms office
is authorized to make inquiry of anyone who may provide relevant information as to whether
the applicant is eligible to possess or acquire a firearm. Often this process includes a medical
certificate or form that a physician is requested to complete on behalf of a patient who has
applied for a firearms licence.
Although there is no statutory format, the certificate or declaration typically includes a question
requesting the physician to provide an opinion as to whether the patient has a medical condition
or exhibits violent tendencies that should prevent the purchase or possession of firearms.
More pointedly, physicians are often asked to provide an opinion as to whether there is a risk
to the patient or public safety by the patient having the ability to lawfully possess or purchase
firearms. Many physicians may not feel qualified or capable of providing an opinion on these
issues, recognizing the reliance that might be placed on the certificate and the potential
exposure to liability should the opinion later be found to be unwarranted and harm results to
the patient or others. Such physicians should simply decline to provide an opinion in response
to these questions. The physician may, however, be able to complete other aspects of the
certificate or declaration related to any medical diagnosis or condition of the patient.
The CMPA articles on independent medical evaluations, medical marijuana, and firearms are
available on the Association’s website at www.cmpa-acpm.ca.
166 College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia, Professional Standards and Guidelines, Telemedicine,
March 2015 ; CPSBC, Marijuana for Medical Purposes, May 5, 2015 (revised July 30, 2015) ; College of Physicians
and Surgeons of Prince Edward Island, Policies, Prescribing of Medical Marijuana, Approved May 26, 2014,
amended September 2014
167 College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, Policy regarding the authorization of marijuana for medical
purposes, June 26, 2014. ; College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, Marijuana for Medical Purposes, last
updated March 2015
168. Firearms Act, SC 1995, c 39, s 5(2)(b).

Safe Medical Care
Disclosure and reporting of harm
from healthcare delivery
Physicians are encouraged to consult the
CMPA booklet, Disclosing harm from healthcare
delivery: Open and honest communication with
patients,169 which provides extensive advice
on communicating with patients when an
unanticipated poor clinical outcome or patient
safety incident has occurred during care.
The CMPA has historically advised physicians
about communications with patients concerning
the disclosure of harm stemming from healthcare
delivery. Indeed, physicians have an ethical,
professional, and legal obligation to disclose
such information to patients. The CMPA generally
relies on terminology developed by the World
Health Organization (WHO) and promoted by the
Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI), which
defines a patient safety incident as an event or
circumstance which could have resulted, or did
result, in unnecessary harm to a patient.170
Disclosure is a process typically requiring several
discussions at each of two general stages called
initial and post-analysis.
The information provided at the initial disclosure
stage should be limited to the known facts at that
time, e.g. the clinical information about what has
happened and the clinical nature of the patient’s
condition as it now exists. Physicians should
not speculate or blame others, or comment on
the care provided by others. At every disclosure
meeting, a statement of being sorry for the
circumstances or the condition of the patient is
important and appropriate.
If a careful analysis determines the harm
was related to system failures or provider
performance, an apology should be considered
by the organization responsible or the provider
responsible. In these circumstances, it is
appropriate to acknowledge responsibility for
the harm and to apologize. The use of words that express or imply legal responsibility (such
as negligence or fault), or reference to failing to meet the standard of care, should be avoided.
Legal responsibility is not usually clear, and courts and medical regulatory authorities (Colleges)
169. The Canadian Medical Protective Association, Disclosing harm from healthcare delivery: Open and honest
communication with patients, Second edition, Ottawa ON, 2015.
170. Disclosure Working Group, Canadian disclosure guidelines: being open and honest with patients and families, Edmonton,
AB: Canadian Patient Safety Institute; 2011 http://www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca/English/toolsResources/disclosure/
Documents/CPSI%20Canadian%20Disclosure%20Guidelines.pdf.

TERMINOLOGY are mandated to make these complex determinations.
This protects patients, providers, and organizations. If
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides practising within a hospital or institution, physicians
terminology to facilitate the sharing and learning of will also likely have an obligation to report patient
patient safety information globally.171 The Canadian safety incidents to a designated person or committee.
Patient Safety Institute has adopted some of these Most healthcare institutions have policies guiding the
terms.172 To support clarity and consistency in reporting of patient safety incidents or near misses.
patient safety discussions, the CMPA now uses It is important to recognize that disclosing patient
these terms: safety incidents to patients and reporting such
• Patient safety incident: An event or incidents to third parties (e.g. hospital administration
circumstance which could have resulted, or did or quality improvement committee) are separate and
distinct processes. While the disclosure of information
result, in unnecessary harm to the patient.
to patients is an integral part of individual patient care,
• Harmful incident: A patient safety incident the reporting of patient safety incidents is generally part
that resulted in harm to the patient. Replaces of a much broader quality improvement initiative aimed
the terms “adverse event” and “sentinel event.” at identifying and addressing systemic problems in
• No harm incident: A patient safety incident care. The CMPA generally advises physicians to ensure
which reached the patient but no discernible that any reporting takes place under the auspices of a
properly constituted quality improvement committee
harm resulted.
so that the information generated through the quality
• Near miss: A patient safety incident that did improvement process will be protected, to the extent
not reach the patient. Replaces the term “close possible, from being used in subsequent legal,
call.” regulatory, or other proceedings. 171172173174
A complementary position paper by the CMPA,
Terms in Québec
Reporting and responding to adverse events:
In Québec, the terms “accident” and “incident” A medical liability perspective,175 addresses
are defined in the applicable legislation. Neither policy issues associated with the reporting of, and
term corresponds exactly to the WHO terminology. response to, patient safety incidents (available at
An “accident” in Quebec means “an action www.cmpa-acpm.ca).
or situation where a risk event occurs which
has or could have consequences for the state Interprofessional (collaborative) care
of health or welfare of the user, a personnel In response to the considerable resource problems
member, an involved professional, or a third facing the Canadian healthcare system, it is becoming
person.”173 The term “incident,” on the other hand, increasingly common for healthcare to be delivered
is defined as “an action or situation that does through interprofessional (collaborative) practice
not have consequences for the state of health teams. Today’s reality is that physicians are increasingly
or welfare of a user, a personnel member, an working with — and relying on — other healthcare
involved professional or a third person, but the professionals when treating patients. Evolving
models for healthcare delivery mean that other health
outcome of which is unusual and could have had
professionals are playing an increasingly significant
consequences under different circumstances.”174
and valuable role in the care of patients. While
As the CMPA interprets the Québec legislation, the interprofessional care is an important contributor to
term “accident” would align with the WHO term improving patient access to healthcare, physicians
“harmful incident” whereas the term “incident” should be aware of the unique liability risks associated
would include the WHO terms “no harm incident” with this type of healthcare model. As discussed in the
CMPA publication, Collaborative care: A medical liability
and “near miss.”
171. World Health Organization, The Conceptual Framework for the
International Classification for Patient Safety, January 2009.
172. Disclosure Working Group. Canadian Disclosure Guidelines:
being open and honest with patients and families. Edmonton, AB:
Canadian Patient Safety Institute, 2011, p.11
173. Québec, An Act Respecting Health Services and Social Services,
CQLR c S-4.2, art. 8
174. Québec, An Act Respecting Health Services and Social Services,
CQLR c S-4.2, art. 183.2
175. The Canadian Medical Protective Association, Reporting and
responding to adverse events: A medical liability perspective (2009)

perspective,176 these risks can be mitigated by delineating the roles and expectations of each
health professional and when all health professionals have adequate liability protection.
The concern over adequate liability protection stems from the potential application of joint
and several liability in circumstances where a legal action is commenced by a patient against
numerous members of the interprofessional care team. In most Canadian jurisdictions, the
principle of joint and several liability permits a plaintiff to pursue any one defendant for the full
amount of the award, even though there may be other co-defendants found liable in the action.
Although the court may assign fault in varying degrees between the co-defendants, the plaintiff
is entitled to seek full recovery of damages from one of those defendants — even if only found to
be 1% responsible for the harm caused the patient, for example. It is then up to that defendant
to pursue the other defendants for their respective share of the damages awarded to the patient.
This task is greatly facilitated if all of the members of the interprofessional care team have
adequate medical-legal protection or insurance. Adequate liability protection also ensures that
patients will receive appropriate compensation in the event of a finding of negligence against any
single member of the interprofessional care team.
Clearly delineated roles and expectations will also allow the interprofessional care team
to effectively and efficiently deliver quality healthcare to patients. Written policies should
be established for each member of the team on issues such as the role of each member,
documentation and communication between members of the team, responsibility for follow-up
care, and ultimate authority on treatment decisions in particular instances. Distinctly defined
scopes of practice for each team member will also assist in minimizing the accountability risks
within interprofessional care.
Scarcity of resources
The courts have yet to fully address how the scarcity of healthcare resources will affect the
standard of care expected of physicians. To date, the courts appear more willing to consider
the scarcity of resources when evaluating whether the facilities and staffing were reasonable in
the circumstances. The courts, however, appear less ready to accept an economic defence to
justify withholding treatment or services from a patient for reasons of overall resource or cost
containment.
Duty of hospital
Generally speaking, it is the responsibility or duty of hospitals to ensure adequate staffing and
co-ordination of personnel and other resources.177 Hospitals will be directly liable to the patient
for damages sustained as a result of improper protocols or lack of adequate facilities and
paramedical personnel.
The courts have, however, given favourable recognition toward economic realities in making
allowances for the scarcity of resources when determining whether the facilities and staffing
were adequate under the circumstances. For example, a 1991 decision of the New Brunswick
Court of Queen’s Bench, affirmed on appeal, the “non-availability of trained and experienced
personnel, to say nothing of the problems of collateral resource allocation” were considered
when evaluating what community standard was to be expected of the hospital that staffed
its emergency department with general practitioners due to the unavailability of emergency
physicians.178
Resources were also considered in a Nova Scotia judgment in determining whether the
standard of care was met by the hospital.179 In that case, it was stated that a hospital was not
negligent in its system of anaesthesia coverage of a cardiovascular intensive care unit. The
court, in making this determination, examined the coverage available in other intensive care
176. The Canadian Medical Protective Association, Collaborative care: A medical liability perspective (2006)
177. Baynham v. Robertson (1993), 18 CCLT (2d) 15 (Ont Gen Div).
178. Bateman v. Doiron (1991), 8 CCLT (2d) 284, aff’d (1993), 18 CCLT (2d) 1 (NB CA), leave to appeal to SCC refused (1994), 20
CCLT (2d) 320n (SCC).
179. Thompson et al. v. Byrne et al., 1992 CanLII 4529 (NS SC), 1992 4529 (NS SC).

units in Canada and stated that “no hospital could afford to have anaesthesia residents always
at hand, waiting around without other responsibilities until such time as a patient might have
occasion to require their services.” This case demonstrates that not only might the fact of scarce
resources be considered by a court, but so will the custom in other similar hospitals respecting
staffing.
Interestingly, the British Court of Appeal addressed the issue of insufficient resources leading
to inadequate care in a 1993 case and came to a different conclusion.180 The infant plaintiff had
suffered brain damage as a result of the hospital’s alleged inadequate system for providing
emergency obstetrical care. The case considered the liability of a hospital with two separate
facilities or campuses and the organization of services between them. The emergency services
were available only at one site and the health authority argued it could not be expected to
do more with the limited resources available. The court rejected this aspect of the hospital’s
defence, stating, “…it was not necessarily an answer to allegations of unsafety that there were
insufficient resources to do everything that they would like to do.”
If a Canadian court were to adopt this approach, a hospital might not be successful in raising as
The courts have a defence that it was doing its best with limited resources and that it should not be faulted for
providing some service rather than none under such circumstances.
given favourable
recognition toward Duty of physicians
economic realities in
Restructuring, funding cutbacks, and cost containment have resulted in physicians facing
making allowances the dilemma of being asked to meet the standard of care toward their patients with fewer
for the scarcity of and often inadequate resources. Once a physician-patient relationship has been established,
resources when the physician owes a duty to do what is in the patient’s best interest. In the event of a choice
determining between a physician’s duty to a patient and that owed to the medical care system, the duty to
whether the facilities the patient must prevail. To date, the courts appear unwilling to accept a defence based solely
on cost containment to justify withholding treatment or services from a patient. In a British
and staffing were
Columbia case relating to the alleged failure of the physicians to have diagnosed the patient’s
adequate under aneurysm earlier, the court commented:
the circumstances.
I understand that there are budgetary problems confronting the health care system...
I respectfully say it is something to be considered by those who are responsible for
the provision of medical care and those who are responsible for financing it. I also say
that if it comes to a choice between a physician’s responsibility to his or her individual
patient and his or her responsibility to the medicare system overall, the former must
take precedence in a case such as this. The severity of the harm that may occur to the
patient who was permitted to go undiagnosed is far greater than the financial harm
that will occur to the Medicare system if one more CT scan procedure only shows the
patient is not suffering from a serious medical condition.181
A similar issue relating to the alleged delay in ordering a CT scan was considered in a
case in Newfoundland and Labrador.182 The court refused to give way to arguments of cost
effectiveness in the absence of detailed and convincing evidence that the cost in routinely
carrying out CT scans in the particular circumstances was prohibitive.
While the courts do not appear willing to apply a lower standard of care for physicians based on
cost considerations alone, some relief has been afforded physicians in circumstances where,
for economic or other reasons, clinical resources are simply not available. Thus, in a recent case
involving the alleged breach of the standard of care for failing to conduct further investigations
180. Bull v. Devon Area Health Authority, [1993] 4 Med. LR 117 (Eng. CA).
181. Law Estate v. Simice, 1994 CanLII 3068 (BC SC), 21 CCLT (2d) 228 (BC SC), aff’d 1995 CanLII 3251 (BC CA), [1996] 4 WWR 672.
182. McLean v. Carr Estate, 1994 CanLII 10343 (NL SCTD), (1994), 3636 A.P.R 271 (NL TD).

before discharging the patient who later died due to a dissected aortic aneurysm, the court
stated:
The court must take into account the availability and cost of procedures, medication,
and equipment to the attending physician at the time when the cause of action arose.
This consideration will affect the standard of care in that a doctor cannot reasonably
be expected to provide care which is unavailable or impracticable due to scarcity of
resources.183
It is to be expected that the courts will continue to address resource issues to better define the
appropriate standards of care for physicians. In the meantime, physicians who are left to grapple
daily with increasing pressure from government officials and hospital administrators to ration
the use of healthcare resources might consider the following advice:
In keeping with the CMA Code of Ethics184 to collaborate with others in promoting fair access
to healthcare, physicians should participate in establishing guidelines and criteria regarding
the allocation or rationing of limited resources. As in other matters, the standard of care
expected of a physician is determined by reference to the reasonable conduct of peers in similar
circumstances. Physicians should therefore seek a consensus among colleagues and, where
appropriate, seek advice from specialty organizations as to what might constitute appropriate
guidelines or criteria for prioritizing patients.
Physicians might also discuss with the patient, as part of the consent process, limitations in
availability of healthcare resources and the reasonable alternatives available to the patient,
including seeking treatment elsewhere.
Finally, if physicians have concerns about lack of resources or protocols in their hospital that
might adversely affect patient care, they should make every effort to draw those concerns to the
attention of the appropriate authorities and to work toward resolution of the problem.
All such efforts and discussions should be appropriately documented.
183. Mathura v. Scarborough General Hospital, [1999] OJ No. 47, 85 OTC 328 aff’d 2000 CanLII 16852 (ON CA), [2000] OJ No. 3536.
184. Canadian Medical Association, CMA Code of Ethics, 2004. Accessed Dec. 2015 from
https://www.cma.ca/Assets/assets-library/document/en/advocacy/policy-research/CMA_Policy_Code_of_ethics_of_the_
Canadian_Medical_Association_Update_2004_PD04-06-e.pdf

Future considerations
Several studies have been conducted on professional liability, with resultant reports calling for
reorganization of the courts and introduction of mechanisms for alternative dispute resolution.
Perhaps the most comprehensive is the 1990 Federal, Provincial, Territorial Review on Liability
and Compensation Issues in Healthcare chaired by J. Robert S. Prichard, then Dean of Law at
the University of Toronto.185 There are three principal recommendations in the resultant report:
1. Tort actions against healthcare providers should be maintained and enforced.
2. Responsibility of healthcare institutions for the quality of care provided in and

by them should be increased.
3. An alternative to the no-fault compensation system might be considered for

avoidable healthcare incidents that cause serious personal injuries.
There is an increasing need for tort reforms, either by legislation or through the courts, to
stabilize the issues of liability and, in particular, quantum in professional liability cases.
At the moment, there is very little enthusiasm to introduce even a limited no-fault compensation
plan given concerns that the costs of implementing such a plan in Canada would represent
a significant increase over those of the current system. There are, however, several initiatives
being pursued to amend the present judicial system to improve case management, explore
alternative means of resolving legal actions, and ensure proportionality in the adjudication
of disputes. In an attempt to stem escalating damages, extensive submissions continue to
be made as part of the CMPA’s commitment to an effective and sustainable medical liability
system.
The changing nature of medical practice challenges the law in many ways, particularly related
to the use of technology. Early forays into telemedicine were primarily designed as pilot projects
to address the extraordinary needs of very remote communities. Telemedicine or telehealth
initiatives are now much broader in scope and may change the way medicine is practised.
Technology has also raised concerns about security and privacy, electronic medical records,
healthcare information networks, and even the nature of the physician-patient relationship.
The use of information in communication technologies, particularly related to the Internet, has
raised questions about risk and possible new areas of liability for physicians. One example is
vulnerability to legal actions in the multiple foreign jurisdictions where individuals (patients)
accessing medical information or advice via the Internet might reside. Many questions remain
unanswered, as the law has not had sufficient opportunity to formulate answers to these new
and novel issues.
The CMPA is keeping a close watch on the changing face of medical practice and the law so
it can identify areas of potential risk and work with appropriate partners to develop strategies
physicians can use to reduce adverse outcomes for themselves and their patients.
The CMPA offers its members timely advice on current and emerging issues in its regular
publications and on its website. Members who are in doubt about any medical-legal issue are
encouraged to contact the CMPA for assistance.
185. Conference of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Deputy Ministers of Health, Federal, Provincial, Territorial Review on Liability
and Compensation Issues in Healthcare/ J. Robert S. Prichard, Chairman, (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1990).

Focus on mutuality
When the CMPA was established more than 110 years ago, it was based on the tenet of mutuality — for doctors by
doctors. The underlying principle of mutuality is that members agree to collectively share the risks and associated costs
amongst themselves. In light of the changing healthcare environment, this core value has never been more important
than today and it is a cornerstone of the CMPA’s 2015-2019 Strategic Plan.
In keeping with its core value of mutuality, the CMPA provides medical liability protection to its members, and in turn,
members are responsible to their colleagues and to the CMPA to practise in a manner consistent with the values of the
medical profession. Members are also expected to act in accordance with the existing obligations of the CMPA By-law
and other obligations determined by the Association’s member-elected council.
The CMPA remains committed to mutuality and the great majority of members have indicated they agree with
this approach. As mutuality is a two-way street, it is important to focus not only on what the Association does for
its members, but also on members’ obligations to support their colleagues, the profession, and the CMPA. As the
complex healthcare environment evolves, the Association will continue to assist member physicians in medical liability
issues arising from the professional practice of medicine and looks to members to act in a manner that meets their
professional responsibilities.
The Canadian Medical Protective Association www.cmpa-acpm.ca

P.O. Box 8225, Station T, Ottawa ON K1G 3H7 | T 613-725-2000, 1-800-267-6522 | F 613-725-1300, 1-877-763-1300 06/16

CMPA Handbook For Physicians

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Medical-legal

This handbook provides insight into basic

Medical-legal handbook for physicians in Canada

MEDICAL-LEGAL PRINCIPLES AND DUTIES 21

SAFE MEDICAL CARE 45

The Canadian Medical Protective Association

The Canadian Medical Protective Association 1

1. RSC 1985, c C-46.

The Canadian Medical Protective Association 3

5. Québec, Code of Civil Procedure, RLRQ 2014, c C-25.01, art 141.

4 Medical-legal handbook for physicians in Canada

The Canadian Medical Protective Association 5

6. Ontario, Rules of Civil Procedure, RRO 1990, Reg 194, r 24.1.

6 Medical-legal handbook for physicians in Canada

8. Medical Act, RSPEI 1988, c M-5, s 49.

The Canadian Medical Protective Association 7

Province/Territory Basic limitation period Postponement for disability

16. Limitation Act, SBC 2012, c 13, ss 3(1), 6, 21.

8 Medical-legal handbook for physicians in Canada

Assault and battery

Defamation or injury to reputation

29. Reibl v. Hughes, [1980] 2 SCR 880, 1980 CanLII 23 (SCC).

The Canadian Medical Protective Association 9

Negligence or civil responsibility

Liability for the acts of others

31. Reibl v. Hughes, [1980] 2 SCR 880, 1980 CanLII 23 (SCC).

10 Medical-legal handbook for physicians in Canada

Responsibilities of heads of departments and chiefs of staff

35. CQLR c S-4.2.

The Canadian Medical Protective Association 11

12 Medical-legal handbook for physicians in Canada

The Canadian Medical Protective Association 13

14 Medical-legal handbook for physicians in Canada

The physician as an expert witness

Canadian Medical Protective Association 15

Treating physicians as experts

The expert report

16 Medical-legal handbook for physicians in Canada

The Canadian Medical Protective Association 17

Guidelines for giving evidence

18 Medical-legal handbook for physicians in Canada

The Canadian Medical Protective Association 19

The Canadian Medical Protective Association 21

22 Medical-legal handbook for physicians in Canada

48. Snell v. Farrell, [1990] 2 SCR 311, 1990 CanLII 70 (SCC).

The Canadian Medical Protective Association 23

24 Medical-legal handbook for physicians in Canada

Sterilization of the mentally incapable patient

The Canadian Medical Protective Association 25

26 Medical-legal handbook for physicians in Canada

The Canadian Medical Protective Association 27

28 Medical-legal handbook for physicians in Canada

Consent to disclose information

The Canadian Medical Protective Association 29

30 Medical-legal handbook for physicians in Canada

Search warrants and court orders

The Canadian Medical Protective Association 31

32 Medical-legal handbook for physicians in Canada