Amendments Proposed for the Medical Act

Health Minister Jim Smith introduced a bill today to amend the Medical Act.

The proposed amendment would make it mandatory for a hospital to report to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia a change in a physician's hospital privileges.

Specifically, the amendment would mean a hospital must report in writing to the Registrar of the College any restriction, revocation or other change in the hospital privileges of a member or associate member of the College.

The reporting procedure would not include circumstances where there is an expansion of privileges, or when the suspension of privileges is due to a member or associate member not completing a health record within the appropriate time frame.

"We believe this change will benefit the public," said Dr. Smith. "The amendment to the act will allow the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia to better monitor their membership, and, as a result, help fulfil its public safety objective."

The Department of Health has been working with the college, and the Medical Society of Nova Scotia to bring this proposed amendment forward.

<b>Text of Medical Act (Amended) (Bill No. 89)</b>