Care of Patients Who Have Received Treatment Outside Canada

Professional Standard Regarding Care of Patients Who Have Received Treatment Outside Canada

Preamble

Physicians have an obligation to treat patients with whom they have an existing physician-patient relationship. In discussing with a patient their desire to seek treatment outside of Canada, a physician may wish to discuss any potential risks and benefits. Physicians are expected to respectfully communicate with due regard for patients’ concerns. Physicians should respect patients’ autonomy in seeking out-of-country procedures. This may include managing complications arising from treatments received elsewhere.

Professional Standard

Physicians must deliver the appropriate and professional standard of care to all patients including when treating a patient who has received care outside of Canada.

Physicians are not obligated to provide non-indicated or experimental procedures or treatments that do not meet accepted Canadian standards.