College News & Announcements
Benzodiazepine Prescribers Must Register with the NSPMP
October 17, 2018
Unregistered physicians prescribing benzodiazepines must now register with the Nova Scotia Prescription Monitoring Program (NSPMP). Effective Saturday October 20th, the NSPMP will integrate benzodiazepines prescribing data into its monitoring. Benzodiazepines prescriptions will continue to be written on regular prescription pads (duplicate pads are not required).
If you are one of the few physicians not yet registered, your prescriptions for benzodiazepines will be held, to the detriment and inconvenience of your patients. Please register today.
Real-time data on your patients’ use of benzodiazepines and other controlled substances available through the NSPMP portal will inform your prescribing decisions. Many are aware that the opioid crisis is misnamed. It is, in fact, an overdose crisis. The majority of overdose deaths in Nova Scotia involve benzodiazepines, usually in combination with opioids. Read More
Council Approves New and Revised Professional Standards and Guidelines
October 17, 2018
At its October meeting, the Council of the College approved the following new professional standards and guidelines:
- Professional Standards and Guidelines Reducing the Size of a Medical Practice
- Professional Standards and Guidelines Regarding Physician Use of Social Media
- Professional Standards and Guidelines Regarding Duty to Report Health Professionals
Disciplinary Decisions & Interim Licence Sanctions
College Announces Decision Regarding Dr. Richard Heinrichs
September 25, 2018
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia hereby gives notice that as a result of a complaint made by the Registrar Dr. D.A. (Gus) Grant and pursuant to the Nova Scotia Medical Act, Dr. Richard Heinrichs has agreed to a reprimand issued by the College.
