CPSA to have more public representation on councils, tribunals and committees

By Medicine Hat News on July 8, 2020.

The provincial government has announced amendments to the Health Professions Act that will require the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta to have a higher representation of members of the public on it’s council.

CPSA’s councils, hearing tribunals and complaint review committees will have to consist of 50 per cent members of the public. The change will take effect on April 1, 2021.

“Moving towards greater public representation is a trend we’re seeing amongst regulatory bodies across Canada and around the world” said Dr. Scott McLeod, registrar, in a press release. “This change gives CPSA the opportunity to give Albertans a stronger voice through the public members of our Council, who provide meaningful insight to our regulation of physicians.”

Currently CPSA is only required to have 25 per cent of its council members from the general public with 75 per cent being physicians.