Home / Health / Saskatchewan Cracks Down on Unlicensed Medical Practice
Saskatchewan Cracks Down on Unlicensed Medical Practice
28 Apr
Summary
- Saskatchewan's College of Physicians and Surgeons gains new investigative powers.
- Financial penalties for unlicensed medical practice are significantly increased.
- New legislation follows controversy surrounding a Moose Jaw health clinic.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CPSS) is poised to receive expanded authority to investigate individuals practicing medicine without a license. Amendments to The Medical Profession Act, expected to pass in the coming weeks, address concerns previously raised by the CPSS regarding the lack of effective tools against unlicensed practitioners.
Financial penalties for first-time offenses of practicing medicine without a license will rise from a maximum of $5,000 to $25,000 for individuals, with subsequent offenses facing up to $50,000. For corporations, penalties will increase from $5,000 to $50,000 for a first offense and $100,000 for subsequent offenses. These substantial increases are intended to provide a more significant financial disincentive.
The legislative changes follow a disagreement between the CPSS and the provincial government regarding the investigation of a controversial clinic in Moose Jaw. This clinic, the Dr. Goodenowe Restorative Health Center, operated by Dayan Goodenowe, has claimed success in treating ALS, despite not being a regulated medical facility. Both the CPSS and the Health Minister have indicated that reporting on this situation highlighted a potential gap in existing regulations, prompting the proposed amendments.
