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Physician Health Monitoring Program (PHMP)

A confidential and collaborative approach to maintaining your health condition and its impact on your practice, outside of CPSA’s complaints process.

About PHMP

If you develop a health condition that affects your work and patient care, we can set up monitoring so you can manage your health safely and effectively.

Our goal is to ensure you are able to balance your health and clinical responsibilities.

When possible, we’ll work with your health providers and the Alberta Medical Association’s Physician and Family Support Program (PFSP). By working with others, we’re able to ensure you have access to more resources when you need them most.

Most physicians manage their conditions with minimal impact on their practice & patient care

Get help early

We encourage all physicians, residents and medical students who presently have a health condition (including physical and mental health conditions, and substance use disorders) to seek medical attention early for their own health and to minimize the impact on their practice. You can reach out to our program, PFSP or Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA).

More than 80% of physicians involved in PHMP are currently in practice

Here's what people are asking

Looking for more PHMP FAQs? Visit our FAQ page and filter by "Physician Health Monitoring Program"

All FAQs

When should I contact PHMP to report a health condition?

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.

What is the difference between PHMP and PFSP?

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.

Can I continue to practise while involved in PHMP?

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

Who should I contact if I have concerns about another physician?

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.

Will I lose my practice permit if my health condition is reported?

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.

Reach out to our team

Questions?

Confidential inquiries: 780-969-5021
Confidential fax: 780-441-1616
Confidential email: PhysicianHealth@cpsa.ab.ca
Toll-free: 1-800-320-8624 (in Canada)

When you contact us, we keep all your health-related information confidential and manage your health information independent from other CPSA departments.

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