Professional Standards & Guidelines
Professional Standards & Guidelines
The College’s professional standards define the expectations for the conduct of medical practice by our physicians. The development of standards is led by the Professional Standards Committee, composed of public members and practicing physicians. Physicians are obliged to be aware of, and adhere to, professional standards and guidelines. These documents are available on the College’s website and are the lens through which the College assesses physician practice.
The committee aims to ensure that standards are evidence-based, concise, in alignment with national standards and in keeping with the expectations of the public and profession. Consultation is central to the development of standards. Before important standards are approved, the committee ensures consultation is undertaken with stakeholders such as the Nova Scotia Health Authority, Doctors Nova Scotia, and the Canadian Medical Protective Association, as well as with clinical experts and with Nova Scotia physicians.
In 2019, much of the committee’s work was focused on revising the College’s standards to provide guidance on such matters as physician responsibilities when working in walk-in-clinics, professional sexual misconduct, and prescribing. This work is now before Council and pending approval.
As well in 2019, the committee received approval on the following documents:
- Professional Standards Regarding Referral and Consultation for Patients with a Family Physician
- Professional Standards and Guidelines Regarding Duty to Report Health Professionals
The Council also endorsed the Canadian Medical Association’s Code of Ethics and Professionalism.