All physicians need to have
adequate protection against medico-legal difficulties that can arise from their
professional work. Provincial/territorial medical regulatory authorities require that all licensed physicians
be a member of the Canadian Medical Protective Association, or carry a policy of
professional liability insurance of at least $10,000,000.
The Canadian Medical Protective
Association (CMPA) is a mutual defence organization, not an insurance company. Its
purpose is to protect its members’ integrity through legal defence, indemnification,
risk management, educational programs and general advice. Annual membership fees and
income from an investment fund contribute to a reserve to handle the costs of future
judgments, settlements, legal expenses and administration for claims. CMPA protection also
ensures that compensation is available for injured patients when they are eligible to
receive a settlement or court award.
Excerpted and adapted from CMPA. |
