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The Government of Saskatchewan is trying to make changes to a provincial piece of legislation in order to “protect Saskatchewan patients.”
Amendments to The Medical Profession Act – “an act respecting the medical profession,” according to the province’s website – were introduced by Saskatchewan Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill on Wed, April 15.
“These changes are about putting patients first and ensuring the College of Physicians and Surgeons has the authority it needs to protect the public,” Cockrill said in a news release from the province.
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“Patients deserve to know that they are receiving safe and high quality care from a regulated health care professional,” Cockrill stated.
The changes proposed for the Act include expanding the investigative powers of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan, clarify the clear responsibility of that organization to prosecute offences under the Act, and increase fines for offences.
Specifically, the changes will give the governing body the power and ability to seek an injunction that can prohibit someone from practising medicine without a license.
“Increasing the maximum fines means tougher consequences for individuals and corporations practicing unlawfully under the Act,” the province’s release said.
Those fines, under the new amendments, would see the maximum increased to $25,000 for a first offence and $50,000 for any further offences. For corporations, the maximum fine would increase to $50,000 for a first offence and double to $100,000 for any further offences.
The amendments are expected to pass in the Legislative Assembly this spring, according to the provincial release.
