Article Figures & Tables
Tables
- Table 1:
Examples of questions about physician health on medical licensure applications in Canada
Alignment with consensus-based guidance Jurisdiction Question Aligned: questions are limited to current impairment Newfoundland “Do you have a physical, cognitive, and/or mental health issue which may reasonably pose a risk of harm to patients?” (23) Not aligned: questions include past impairment, or any illness in the absence of impairment British Columbia “Have you ever had, or been advised by a health-care professional that you have had a physical, cognitive or mental health condition that, were it to recur, would be reasonable likely to negatively impact your medical practice in the future?” (24) Ontario “Have you ever had any medical condition that has affected or could affect your ability to practise medicine?” (25) Nunavut “Have you ever had, or have you ever been advised that you had, a physical, cognitive, mental and/or emotional condition which in any way may, should it reoccur, reasonably be expected to pose a risk of harm to patient or negatively impact your work as a physician?” (26) Not aligned: questions distinguish between physical and mental health Quebec “Do you have or have ever had a chronic mental health problem (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar illness)?” (27) “Do you have or have ever had an active mental health problem (e.g. depression) imposing a restriction or a limitation of professional activities?” (27) “Do you have or have ever had a problem of dependence or substance abuse (including alcoholism)?” (27) New Brunswick Have you ever been treated for alcohol or drug abuse? (28) Yukon “Are you now abusing, dependent on, or addicted to alcohol or a drug?” (29) “Are you being treated for abuse of, dependence on, or addiction to alcohol or a drug?” (29) “Have you ever abused, been dependent on, or addicted to alcohol or a drug?” (29) “Have you ever been treated for abuse of, dependence on, addiction to alcohol or a drug?” (29) - Table 2:
Characteristics of questions related to impairment, medical conditions and leaves of absence in Canadian medical licensure applications, by jurisdiction
Medical regulatory authority Aligned (questions limited to current impairment) Not aligned (questions ask about past impairment, or any illness or treatment-seeking) Not aligned (questions ask about mental illness or addictions regardless of impairment) Questions require disclosure and explanation of leaves of absence College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia X Leaves ≥ 3 mo College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta X Any gaps in practice or training (any duration) College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan X NA College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba X NA College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario X X Any medical leave (of any duration); nonmedical leaves ≥ 6 mo Collège des médecins du Québec X X NA College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick X X Any premature termination or interruption of training or practice College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia X Leaves ≥ 3 mo College of Physicians and Surgeons of Prince Edward Island X Leaves ≥ 3 mo College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador X Leaves ≥ 3 mo Yukon Medical Council X X Any medical leave (of any duration); nonmedical leaves ≥ 6 mo Government of Northwest Territories X X Interruptions in training (any duration) Health Professions Department of Health, Government of Nunavut X Leaves ≥ 3 mo Note: NA = not applicable.