The evolution of our approach to physician health

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CPSA’s Health & Practice Conditions Monitoring program is here to help

As shared in previous issues of The Messenger, our approach to physician health has changed. Formerly the Physician Health Monitoring Program (PHMP), CPSA’s Health & Practice Conditions Monitoring (HPCM) program has two primary functions: health monitoring and practice conditions monitoring.

Health monitoring

When a regulated member has a health condition that negatively impacts or is likely to negatively impact their work, HPCM will connect them with an independent medical examiner if required, who will objectively determine whether the health condition may impact the regulated member’s fitness to practise and their ability to offer patients safe, high-quality care.

Practice conditions monitoring

Under the Health Professions Act, CPSA can place conditions on a regulated member’s practice permit as a protective measure. Depending on the circumstances, conditions can be applied by our Registration, Professional Conduct or Continuing Competence teams (of which HPCM is part of).

Learn more about HPCM

For a better understanding of HPCM’s new role and how our team works with regulated members and third-party service providers to ensure patient safety, we have updated our website with new information, including:

• How to report a health condition to HPCM
• What to expect once HPCM learns of your health condition
• What it means to take health leave from your practice
• The types of conditions CPSA can place on a physician’s practice permit to ensure safe patient care
• Resources for physicians who need additional support

Find out more about HPCM

Do you provide monitoring, or independent medical examinations?

HPCM works with independent third parties who provide independent medical examinations (IMEs), health monitoring and biological monitoring. Individual physicians and organizations who provide these services and are interested in working with HPCM are invited to reach out.

Find out more about becoming a service provider with HPCM

Questions? Visit our website or email physicianhealth@cpsa.ab.ca for confidential assistance.