Role of the College
About CPSM
Established in 1871, CPSM is the medical regulatory body that oversees the practice of medicine in Manitoba. We are guided by our responsibility to protect the public by promoting the safe and ethical delivery of quality medical care by physicians in the province. We follow the framework in The Regulated Health Professions Act.
Who we regulate
CPSM Membership is mandatory for all physicians, clinical assistants, physician assistants, medical residents, and medical students and physician assistant students seeking to practice medicine in Manitoba.
Self-Regulation of the medical profession
Every registrant of the medical profession shares the responsibility of self-governance and ensuring that appropriate standards of clinical practice and ethical conduct are followed.
CPSM promotes safety and protects the public through three core functions:
1. REGISTRATION ensures everyone registered to practice medicine in Manitoba is competent to practice and meets all the established registration requirements.
2. QUALITY monitors the professional competency of practice and promotes safe care through ongoing education and quality improvement initiatives.
3. COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS addresses concerns regarding the care provided by, or the professional conduct of registrants
Funding for these core functions comes almost entirely from fees paid by registrants. CPSM is separate and distinct from professional associations of physicians.
CPSM’S ROLE
CPSM’s role is to protect the public as consumers of medical care and promote the safe and ethical delivery of quality medical care by physicians in Manitoba. This is achieved through the following goals:
SAFE AND ETHICAL MEDICAL CARE
CPSM establishes registration and licensure requirements to ensure all registrants are competent to practice. Standards of professional conduct and clinical practice are established by a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice; these are used to measure registrants' performance. CPSM has the authority to take action when registrants practice in a manner that is ethically or clinically unacceptable.
LEADERSHIP FOR QUALITY CARE
CPSM provides leadership for quality medical care by performing its core functions and by proactively engaging registrants in quality improvement programs, practice audits, reviewing physicians' practices, and promoting regional equality in standards of physician care. As an active member of The Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FMRAC), CPSM plays an active role in issues relating to quality medical care nationwide. CPSM participates in interdisciplinary initiatives to advance patient safety and quality of care.
PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
Responding appropriately to complaints from the public is essential. CPSM considers the doctor-patient relationship the cornerstone of quality medical care and strives to assist the patient, preserving that relationship where possible. CPSM has the authority to formally investigate complaints and discipline its registrants as part of our mandate to protect the public.
PROVISION OF RESOURCES TO PHYSICIANS FOR ADVICE ON ETHICS, STANDARDS AND QUALITY ISSUES
CPSM issues Standards of Practice, Practice Directions and upholds a Code of Ethics and Professionalism that all registrants must adhere to while practising medicine in Manitoba.
CPSM carries out its mandate, duties and powers and governs its registrants in a manner that serves and protects the public interest.
LEGISLATION AND POLICIES
The Regulated Health Professions Act, establishes and governs CPSM, including:
Standards of Practice of Medicine;
Code of Ethics and Professionalism; and
MANDATE OF THE COLLEGE
CPSM has the following mandate (excerpt from the Regulated Health Professions Act Section 10):
(a) to regulate the practice of the health profession and govern its members in accordance with this Act and the regulations and by-laws;
(b) to develop, establish and maintain standards of academic or technical achievement and qualification required for registration as a member and monitor compliance with and enforce those standards;
(c) to develop, establish and maintain standards of practice to enhance the quality of practice by members and monitor compliance with and enforce those standards;
(d) to develop, establish and maintain a continuing competency program for members to promote high standards of knowledge and skill;
(e) to promote the ability of members to respond to changes in practice environments, advances in technology and other emerging issues;
(f) to work in consultation with the minister towards achieving access for the people of Manitoba to adequate numbers of qualified and competent members of the regulated health profession;
(g) to develop, establish and maintain programs that provide information about the health profession, and that assist persons in exercising their rights under this Act and the regulations, by-laws and code of ethics;
(h) to promote and enhance the college's relations with its members, other colleges, key stakeholders and the public;
(i) to promote inter-professional collaboration with other colleges;
(j) to administer the college's affairs and perform its duties and carry out its powers in accordance with this Act and the regulations and by-laws.