College’s Position
- The decision to end a patient-physician relationship should be based on a thoughtful review of the reasons for doing so and having given the patient reasonable notice of the decision.
- Communicate your decision and the reasons for your decision clearly and non- judgmentally to the patient, preferably in person.
- Follow the initial communication with a registered letter confirming your decision, ensure that the reasons for your decision and a copy of the letter are documented in the medical record.
- Give the patient a reasonable amount of time to find another physician. This time will vary according to the context of the patient’s medical condition and the availability of other physicians to provide care, but a minimum of one month is advised.
- Where possible and reasonable, assist the patient in finding another physician.
- Consider providing the patient with a copy of their medical record without a fee.