REGINA – The provincial government has introduced amendments to The Medical Profession Act aimed at cracking down on those offering health services without a license.
According to the government, the changes will expand the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan's (CPSS) investigative powers, and clarify that the College of Physicians and Surgeons will have clear responsibility to prosecute offences under the Act.
It will also increase fines for offences. Maximum fines for individuals would be $25,000 for a first offence and $50,000 for subsequent offences. The maximum fine for corporations would go up to $50,000 for a first offence and $100,000 for subsequent offences.
As well, the College of Physicians and Surgeons will have the authority and ability to seek an injunction to prohibit a person from practicing medicine without a licence.
The changes come following controversy at the Legislature over the past year regarding the Dr. Goodenowe Restorative Health Centre in Moose Jaw, a privately run wellness centre that caters to those afflicted by ALS.
Critics at the Legislature have accused it of providing care without a proper medical license; there were also concerns raised that the College of Physicians and Surgeons did not have the power under the current legislation to investigate or levy penalties on those operating outside their profession.
In speaking to reporters Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill did not address the Moose Jaw situation directly, but he did say the legislative changes were about “just ensuring that the College of Physicians and Surgeons has the necessary tools to, really, to investigate anybody that they feel is practicing medical, practicing physician-type services without a license with the CPSS.”
“So obviously, I mean, we've spoken here in this in this rotunda… about different situations in the past. And, you know, this is about ensuring that the regulatory bodies, regulatory bodies play a very key role in the province, making sure that they have the right tools.”
The minister adds that they anticipate if there are investigations that the CPSS decides to undertake, that “there may be some resourcing required for that the CPSS needs. And certainly, we're open to working with the team at the CPSS to understand the need potentially and, you know, certainly help and somewhat supporting that.”
Cockrill said the hope is to get the legislation amendments passed by the end of the spring sitting.
In speaking to reporters, NDP Rural and Remote Health Critic Jared Clarke welcomed the action taken by the government with the legislation.
“We’re pleased to see the government finally responding to these issues,” said Clarke.
“We’re going to take some time to look through this bill and see that it is meeting the mark and it is sufficient to protect Saskatchewan people.”
