Executive Committee Election: Council has three new officers on its 2015 Executive Committee:
- Dr. Thomas-A. Noël, President
- Dr. Pooya Hemami Vice-President
- Ms. Irene Moore, Treasurer
They will be working with the four members, public and professional, who comprise the balance of the committee:
- Dr. Areef Nurani, Member
- Dr. Dennis Ruskin, Member
- Mr. Ira Teich, Public Member
- Mr. John Van Bastelaar, Public Member
Congratulations to Dr. Noël and the Executive Committee.
Quality Assurance Regulation: Council approved submission of the draft regulation amendment to O.Reg. 119/94 Part IX, Quality Assurance, to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for its approval. At its September meeting, Council had approved, for circulation, amendments to the Quality Assurance Regulation. These amendments allow for more flexibility in the Quality Assurance program, including practice assessments, and make it consistent with the Registration Regulation and the RHPA. After considering feedback received, the QA Committee recommended moving forward with the proposals.
Risk Management Presentation: Council heard a presentation by health regulatory law specialist Richard Steinecke on risk management for regulators. Mr. Steinecke touched on some core concepts of risk management, speaking about its origins and its importance for an organization like the College, whose mandate is public protection. Council learned how it might identify, assess, treat, and monitor risk, as well as how to incorporate some key strategies into its organization.
Ontario Superior Court of Justice Decision: On January 5, 2015, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice of Ontario issued its decision in the matter of James McLean and the Attorney General of Ontario. Mr. McLean is an optician who sought the court’s permission to use an Eyelogic machine at his store to arrive at refractive results that he would then send to a remote prescriber, who would write the prescription to be dispensed by Mr. McLean. The Court denied Mr. Mclean’s request. Both the College of Optometrists and the College of Opticians were intervenors in the case. To view the court’s complete decision and a summary of the case, please click here.
Transparency: College Registrar Dr. Paula Garshowitz updated Council on developments in ongoing transparency initiatives. Council approved Phase One by-law amendments to add certain information to the College’s public register, including complete notice of hearing in discipline matters; notation of and date of referral to Fitness to Practise; bail conditions (where relevant to practise); and criminal findings of guilt (where relevant to practise). Further proposed changes, including disclosure to the public of some ICRC outcomes, will be sent to a subcommittee of the College for further consideration before returning to Council for approval to circulate to members for comment.
OPR Updates: Two revised documents were approved for publication in the Optometric Practice Reference (OPR). The revised documents are: 4.1 Clinical Equipment and 7.6 Cycloplegic Refraction. The OPR will be updated soon to reflect these changes.
The next Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at the College office, 65 St. Clair Ave. E., Suite 900, Toronto. Council meetings are open to the public, and members are welcome to attend.