Physician Health Monitoring Program (PHMP)

We encourage physicians, medical students and residents with health conditions to seek medical attention early in order to minimize the impact on their practice.

If you have a physical, cognitive, mental and/or emotional condition that is negatively impacting your work, or is reasonably likely to negatively impact your work in the future, you must report this to CPSA.

Although both programs are confidential, offering support to physicians, residents and medical students with health conditions, there are some differences.

CPSA’s Physician Health Monitoring Program (PHMP):

• Is available for health conditions affecting medical practice
• Will connect with physicians directly and may ask for more information from treating practitioners
• Will refer physicians for an assessment, if needed (fitness to practice)
• Will administer monitoring when recommended by assessors

The Alberta Medical Association’s Physician and Family Support Program (PFSP): 

• Voluntary program offering support for health and wellness concerns
• Offers a 24/7 assistance line for physicians and eligible family members
• Provides confidential support and access to qualified therapists
• Case Coordination (CC) services are available for more complex health concerns
• May provide financial assistance to CC clients for assessments or treatment

However, with your consent, both PHMP and PFSP can work together to provide you the best support possible.

Yes, if your health providers confirm that you are effectively managing your health condition and able to provide safe patient care.

If you have concerns about a colleague who may have a health condition affecting safe patient care, please contact PHMP. You can remain anonymous and your conversation will always be confidential.

In some circumstances, it is your duty to report another physician, for example:

• You must report another physician to CPSA when you reasonably believe their conduct puts patients at risk, or is considered unprofessional conduct under the Health Professions Act.
• You also have a duty to report to CPSA if you’re treating a physician who has a health condition that may impact the safety of their patients.

Taking a physician’s permit away is rare and a last resort. We may ask you to temporarily withdraw from practice until your health is stable, or until we get assurance from your health providers that you can practise safely.

On rare occasions, we may have to refer a matter to the Complaints Director under Section 118 of the Health Professions Act. This only happens if a physician will not voluntarily withdraw from practice and there is reason to believe patient safety is at risk.