To help remove unintended barriers and to mitigate the risk of infection to vulnerable populations, the NSHA has recommended temporary changes regarding Medical Assistance in Dying. At its March 27, 2020 meeting, the Council of the College of Physicians and Surgeons endorsed the NSHA’s recommendations and have approved temporary amendments to its Professional Standard Regarding Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD).
Recently retired Nova Scotia physicians can apply for a restricted licence to help in the pandemic response at no cost. This restricted licence is time-limited and specific to addressing the response to COVID-19 as directed by NSHA and IWK. Basic Criteria To be eligible you must: Have had a full licence at the time of retirement in Nova Scotia (not provisional or restricted)Have practised in Nova Scotia within the last 3 yearsPlan to work within your [...]
NSHA - Virtual Appointment Practice Guidelines & Implementation Guide In response to the global pandemic declaration by the World Health Organization, implementation of these guidelines when providing care via telephone in your clinics is necessary: Use professional judgement to determine whether patient consult via telephone is appropriate in a particular case.Ensure the physical setting in which the care is provided provides for confidentiality.Ensure patient safety by being aware of patient’s location and proximity of servicesRequest patient’s next of kin or alternate support [...]
Due to the evolving circumstances around COVID-19, and to ensure adequate participation in the election, the deadline for receipt of ballots for the election to Council for District 5 has been extended to Thursday, April 9, 2020, at 8:30 a.m. Physicians in this district will be contacted by email.
Last week, Health Canada’s Office of Controlled Substances issued a short-term exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in the public interest, made necessary by the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to take effect in Nova Scotia, the directive of Health Canada required coordinated action from government, the NSPMP, and the regulatory colleges. The necessary steps have been taken.
The College recognizes the growing role of telemedicine or virtual medicine in our pandemic response. As such, the College wishes physicians to be aware of the following: For physicians licensed in Nova Scotia, there is no requirement for College approval for this field of practice.Any physician licensed in Canada may deliver telemedicine services in Nova Scotia, unless specifically restricted from doing so by their licensing body;The regulation of the medical services you provide into Nova Scotia rests with your licensing college.All physicians delivering telemedicine services in Nova Scotia should refer to the College’[...]
These are extraordinary times, giving rise to many questions from physicians about their ongoing responsibilities. We wish to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of physicians around the province. We encourage physicians to review CMPA’S COVID-19 guidance which provides a succinct outline of the CMPA’s expectations of physicians, including: “Despite the challenging conditions of a pandemic/catastrophic event, physicians will be expected to continue to act professionally on behalf of their patients.”
The College is following public health recommendations and as such our office location is closed. All essential services are being provided remotely by College staff. Essential services include: licensing physicians, addressing complaints, and responding to imminent patient safety concerns. We are monitoring phone messages and email inquiries. We appreciate your patience in responding to your inquiry. For updated information from the College follow us on Twitter or check the College’s news section.
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