This resource map should help guide physicians to a better understanding of best practices and legal considerations with regards to medical ethics and professionalism, with a particular focus on consent, confidentiality, and medical assistance in dying (MAID).
Professional standards are established by the medical regulatory colleges organized provincially and territorially. Please refer to the respective provincial or territorial websites for further information, as there will be regional differences in legislation and professional standards.
The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) Examination Objectives describe the attributes expected of medical graduates entering residency in Canada. This resource map is associated with the following Objective:
This objective reflects the main themes in this resource map and is not exhaustive.
Some of the resources listed below are specific to particular provinces or regions and are not always generalizable to all of Canada. We encourage you to seek out specific resources for your own needs.
International medical graduates resources
These resources have been curated for international medical graduates (IMGs) who are new to practice in Canada. These resources are also applicable to all members and are accessible throughout the website. We recommend studying and paying close attention to all the good practices under the CMPA, including disclosure, confidentiality, informed consent, etc., as they are all essential to physicians practicing in Canada.
CMA code of ethics and professionalism
The Code of Ethics and Professionalism articulates the ethical and professional commitments and responsibilities of the medical profession. The Code provides standards of ethical practice to guide physicians in fulfilling their obligation to provide the highest standard of care and to foster patient and public trust in physicians and the profession.
Read the policy document (approx. 11 min).
Model Practice Standard for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)
Medical assistance in dying (MAID) has been legal in Québec since 2015 and in the rest of Canada since 2016. Since then, the law with respect to eligibility for MAID has continued to evolve. This Standard reflects the current state of Canadian law with respect to MAID (as established by the Criminal Code).
Read the reoport (approx. 30 min).
Consent: A guide for Canadian physicians
It is important that physicians be aware of their legal obligations in obtaining consent from patients. This booklet will assist in strengthening this awareness. It is not intended as a legal treatise on the subject of consent but rather as a practical guide for physicians in their day-to-day dealings with patients.
Read the guide (approx. 40 min).
Other resources you may want to explore:
Medico-Legal Handbook for Physicians in Canada, Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA).
The Doctor Who Helped Me Understand My Mom’s Choice to Die, The New York Times The Interview – YouTube video personal story.
