The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario is relaxing its policy against doctors treating themselves, family members and others close to them amid the province’s primary care crisis.
Doctors were previously only allowed to treat relatives and other people close to them in emergencies or for minor conditions if no other qualified health-care professional was readily available.
Now, doctors can provide other medical care—including ordering tests and treating illnesses and injuries—if there isn’t another option, such as virtual care, or an alternate health-care provider within a reasonable distance.
The college says on its website the updated policy responds to “current access to care challenges in Ontario,” and recognizes that patients in smaller communities, including indigenous communities, may only have access to a doctor who is related to them or close to them….