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Inquiries into the health status of registrants may vary. The health monitoring department seeks different types of fitness to practise assessments, including independent medical evaluations.

Not every registrant with a health condition requires a formal independent medical evaluation.

Examples of fitness to practise assessments

Below are examples of evaluations that represent points on a spectrum rather than distinct categories. Many evaluations lie somewhere between these points.

• One-time fitness to practise confirmation from a relevant treating physician(s). This is often a registrant’s own primary care provider or family physician. This could include specialists such as psychiatrists, neurologists, oncologists, etc.
• A more detailed evaluation of the medical condition’s current status by a relevant care provider. This will often be a psychiatrist, neurologist or other specialist
• An independent medical evaluation by an objective clinical expert who does not provide primary care for the registrant. This often will be by an addictions specialist or a psychiatrist.

Independent medical evaluations

An IME must be performed by a care provider approved by the College. The care provider performing the IME has certain expertise, qualifications, and experience, which varies according to discipline and specialty of the monitored registrant.

In addition to conducting a detailed history and physical exam and ordering relevant investigations, the approved care provider must also review collateral information. The report must meet all the College’s requirements and answer specific questions from the College pertaining to fitness to practise.

Who covers the cost of the IME?

Monitored registrants generally pay for the cost of the independent medical evaluation.

Costs and payment must be clearly discussed and arranged with the care provider prior to the evaluation.