CPSO Council issues statement on cosmetic procedures

October 17, 2007 - The Council of the College of Physician and Surgeons of Ontario approved a four-point plan to address concerns about doctors who perform cosmetic procedures who are not registered as specialists in Ontario.

These included:

1. To assess physicians performing high-risk cosmetic surgical procedures where there is no evidence of adequate training.
2. To review the College’s Change in Scope of Practice policy to determine the best way to ensure compliance.
3. To evaluate and propose different approaches that could be used to oversee out-of-hospital facilities/clinics.
4. To develop a public information initiative to inform the public about cosmetic procedures, including their risks.

The CPSO has now identified members who perform cosmetic procedures through a variety of sources and they will be receiving a letter with a detailed questionnaire to complete about the cosmetic procedures they are providing to patients. This will help them understand where they practice, the services provided in their facility or facilities and the formal training and continuing professional development that has been completed. An explanatory letter and the questionnaire were sent to these physicians by mail on October 17, 2007. The Questionnaire must be returned by November 5, 2007.

A copy of the letter and the questionnaire are at: http://www.cpso.on.ca/Info_physicians/CL_Questionnaire.pdf

and

http://www.cpso.on.ca/Info_physicians/Questionnaire_cosmetic.pdf

Completion is mandatory for physicians performing cosmetic procedures.

The College is committed to having complete information about all physicians working in this field and ensuring that members are practicing only in areas where they have the knowledge, skills and training generally but in particular for medical procedures that involve significant risk.

The CPSO intends to assess all physicians who are performing high-risk cosmetic procedures where there may not have been adequate training. In addition, Council has approved the development of an implementation plan to require members to comply with the policy to report a change in scope of practice or re-entry to practice.

Dr. Jeff Turnbull, MD, FRCPC, the president of the CPSO said that this action is an extremely high priority for the College and he would appreciate the cooperation of the members of the College. He said that he would keep members informed of any new initiatives particularly after our Council meeting in November when additional measures will be considered to ensure adequate oversight of high risk procedures in out-of-hospital facilities.