Physician Licensing and Privileges
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association urge the Provincial Government to increase its efforts in recruiting physicians to rural Alberta, especially Canadian trained physicians; work with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta to shorten the assessment period; and/or allow assessments to occur in the recruiting community; and ensure that Alberta Health Services review and streamline its assessment process for granting privileges.
WHEREAS it is becoming more difficult to recruit and retain physicians in rural Alberta such that municipalities are now forced to expend resources to supplement the Provincial Government’s responsibility and efforts to recruit and retain physicians in rural Alberta;
WHEREAS many successfully recruited physicians, unless trained in Canada, are required to complete lengthy assessments in locations other than where the physician was recruited prior to being licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta; and to complete an assessment prior to receiving privileges to perform specialist services from Alberta Health Services;
WHEREAS this assessment period may be financially difficult for physicians with families as they may have to keep a residence in the recruitment municipality and in the assessment municipality while only receiving a stipend during part of the assessment process; and
HEREAS these physicians may become connected to the first community in which they reside, which would be the assessment community, and choose to remain there to practice resulting in wasted recruitment efforts and frustration to the recruiting municipality.
Apr. 10/13—Health
The province facilitates the integration of internationally educated doctors into the provincial health system. The through assessment of international medical graduates is critical to keeping Albertans safe by registering only competent physicians. AHS sets its own criteria for granting privileges to physicians to maximize human and financial resources.
Nov. 7 /13 – AHS
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) is responsible for the licensing of physicians in Alberta but responsibility for privileging of physicians within AHS facilities falls under the purview of AHS. As per the AHS Medical Staff Bylaws and Rules, this process must occur within a 90 day timeframe. The privileging process is in place to ensure quality and safe care is provided by physicians. AHS is working diligently to strike the appropriate balance between access to the system and quality and safety issues.
Jun. 27/14 - CPSA
The recruitment and retention of physicians in rural Alberta is a significant issue as they are competing with urban centres. A concerted effort is required by all stakeholders including AHS, Alberta Health, Faculties of Medicine and RPAP.
AUMA rejects this response.