Site Search
Skip to main content

Physician-Assisted Dying Panel Discussion

The Moral and Professional Implications of the Supreme Court Decision on Physician-Assisted Dying “

The panel addressed ethical issues associated with physician-assisted dying and shed light on circumstances where a physician’s beliefs might run counter to the desires of the patient.

The panel was monitored by Dr. Gus Grant, Registrar and CEO of the College, and included panelists: Jocelyn Downie. Dr. Rocco Gerace, Dr. Jeff Kirby and Dr. Nuala Patricia Kenny.

Back to Top

Physician’s Duty To Report

As outlined in the Nova Scotia Medical Act , physicians have the duty to report the following to the College regardless of the jurisdiction in which it occurs:

  • if you have been charged with, pled guilty to, been convicted or found guilty of an offence that is inconsistent with the proper professional behaviour of a member;
  • if you have been found guilty of a disciplinary action or if you have had a licensing sanction imposed;
  • if you are the subject of an investigation or disciplinary process;
  • if you have been found to lack capacity to practice medicine;
  • if your hospital privileges have been revoked, withdrawn, suspended, varied or not renewed as a result of your conduct, competence or capacity; or,
  • if you have provided inaccurate or incorrect information for an application for registration, for a license or for the renewal of a licence.

For further details please review Section 68 of the Nova Scotia Medical Act .

Back to Top

Nurse Practitioner Discharge And Registered Nurse Assess, Treat And Release: FAQs

Changes to the regulations under the Hospital Act of Nova Scotia now allow Nurse Practitioners in a collaborative practice to independently discharge a patient from a provincially funded facility.

Registered Nurses in an Emergency Department or Collaborative Emergency Center (CEC) can now release a patient after minor treatment according to protocols or to direct a patient to the primary care component of a CEC.

FAQs – Nurse Practitioner Discharge and Registered Nurse Assess Treat and Release (PDF)

Back to Top

2015 Atlantic Pain Conference

Date: Friday, October 16, 2015
Location: World Trade & Convention Centre
1800 Argyle Street, Halifax NS

Registration is now available.

Topics Include:

  • Chronic Cardiac Pain
  • How Can Social and Electronic Media Be Used Towards Better Care for Patients with Pain?
  • Update on Management of Neuropathic Pain
  • Chronic Visceral Pain Update
  • Pain Self-Management Stanford Program
  • Optimizing Care for People with Chronic Pain: The Nurses Role in Pain Management
  • The Evolving Role of Pharmacists in Pain Management
  • Navigating the Vocational Jungle in Pain Management
  • Cognitive Behavioural Strategies in Pain Management
Back to Top

Strategic Plan 2015-2016

The College is pleased to share its 2015-2016 Strategic Plan (PDF).

The plan focuses on five strategic themes:

  • A Focus on the College’s Responsibility Regarding Monitored Prescription Drugs
  • A Focus on Physician Performance
  • A Focus on Transparency
  • A Focus on Consultation (particularly with respect to physician-assisted dying)
  • A Focus on Collaboration (particularly with respect to an effective relationship with the Health Authorities)
Back to Top

Dr. Gus Grant Elected President Of FMRAC

Dr. Gus Grant, Registrar and CEO of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, has been elected President of the Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FMRAC).

FMRAC is a national organization with the provincial and territorial medical regulatory authorities as its members. FMRAC develops positions and policies on issues relating to the regulation of medicine in Canada.

Back to Top

Medical Marijuana Policy

The College directs physicians not to charge the patient for prescribing medical marijuana. In prescribing medical marijuana, the ethical physician is expected not to receive any payment from medical marijuana supplier companies.

Policy Regarding the Authorization of Marijuana for Medical Purposes (PDF)

Back to Top

Physician Perceptions On Opioid Therapy For Chronic Pain: New Study

According to a recent study released by the Boston University School of Medicine, only 1 in 4 physicians who prescribe Opioids say they are very confident managing the patients they prescribe them to.

Physician Perceptions on Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Report on Prescribing Practices and the Role of Continuing Education on Opioids (PDF)

Back to Top

© 2024 College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia