Toronto – Ontario’s Physicians and Surgeons are relaxing themselves in their policy against doctors, along with family members and people close to the college province.
Doctors were previously allowed to treat relatives and others, which they have in emergency or under minor conditions, if no other qualified health care professional was easily available.
Now, doctors can provide other medical care – Ordering tests and treating diseases and injuries-there is no other option, such as virtual care, or an alternative health care provider within a proper distance.
The college states on its website that the updated policy responds to “current access to challenges in Ontario”, and believes that patients from small communities, including indigenous communities, can only have access to a doctor who belongs or close to them.
However, it also says that doctors cannot provide treatment to themselves or friends and family On the ongoing basis.
Doctors also cannot conduct intimate exams or write drugs to people close to them, except for emergency.
This policy appears to be updated on the college website in May and changes were published in the June issue of its digital publication.
In an email response, a spokesman for Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones stated that the CPSO is “an independent regulatory body, which is independently responsible for establishing rules and regulations in Ontario that doctors need to follow.”
He also said that the provincial government “is investing $ 2.1 billion to connect every person in the province to primary care – and it will be our attention.”
CPSO did not immediately respond to the remarks request.
-Files from Lisan Jones
This report of Canadian Press was first published on 11 July 2025.
Canadian press health coverage receive support through partnership with Canadian Medical Association. CP is completely responsible for this material.
Nicole Ireland, Canadian Press
