Word from the Chair
The College undertakes regular reviews of all its policies. The Telemedicine policy is currently under review and a Policy Working Group has been struck to undertake this work. As part of the review, the Working Group will consider the following key issues:
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Quality of care
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Establishment of doctor/patient relationship
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Privacy and security of patient information
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Motivating factors
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Intersection with other CPSO policies
It is anticipated that a revised Telemedicine policy will be considered by Council next year. I encourage members to review the draft policy when it is released for consultation and provide feedback to the Working Group. All College policies are posted on the College website for consultation before they are finalized by Council. See policy consultations.
The current Telemedicine policy articulates expectations for physicians practising telemedicine. This includes the expectation that physicians
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use technology that is of sufficient quality to enable the physician to provide quality care, and
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ensure that patient information remains confidential.
One way to meet these expectations is by conducting telemedicine sessions within a facility accredited by the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN). Current information suggests that other technologies, such as Skype, do not provide information security features that would protect the confidentiality of patient information. For this reason, methadone prescribers who delegate methadone administration to another regulated health professional are encouraged to use the OTN when assessing/treating patients remotely.
Patient Forum highlights issues of particular interest to methadone patients.
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