The Colleges in several other provinces have mandated, or are considering, specific policies which mandate physicians to disclose adverse events and errors which occur in the course of patient care. Council considered whether such an initiative was necessary here. It was concluded that it was not. This is because it is Council's view that this was already an existing obligation on the part of physicians. In other words, patients remain entitled to have complete information regarding their care, including any adverse events. Council was furthermore of the view that it is improper for such an obligation to be interfered with by other parties. It is Council's view that early, candid, and full disclosure of adverse events to patients, and their families, will be of benefit to all concerned.
11/02
