Committee: Discipline
Decision Date: 20 Jun 2011
Summary:
On June 20, 2011, the Discipline Committee found that Dr. Brian Sheffield has committed an act of professional misconduct, in that he has failed to maintain the standard of practice of the profession.
Consistent and concerning patterns were discovered in Dr. Sheffield's assessment, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care of patients, particularly with respect to his prescribing habits. Dr. Sheffield prescribed extremely excessive amounts of opioid medications, did not seem to pick up drug seeking behaviour, and was not making use of recommendations from pain specialists. For many of the patients reviewed by the College, they came seeking relief for pain and in the process developed a serious drug dependency. In May 2010, Dr. Sheffield successfully completed the College's prescribing course.
The Discipline Committee ordered and directed that:
1. The Registrar impose the following terms, conditions and limitations on Dr. Sheffield's
Certificate of Registration:
(a) Dr. Sheffield shall not prescribe any drug that is:
(i) Narcotic Drugs (from the Narcotic Control Regulations made under the
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, S.C., 1996, c. 19);
(ii) Narcotic Preparations (from the Narcotic Control Regulations made under
the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, S.C., 1996, c. 19);
(iii)Controlled Drugs (from Schedule G of the Regulations under the Food and
Drugs Act, S.C., 1985, c. F-27); or
(iv) Benzodiazepines/Other Targeted Substances (from the Benzodiazepines
and Other Targeted Substances Regulations made under the Controlled
Drugs and Substances Act., S.C., 1996, c. 19)
(A summary of the above-named drugs [from Appendix I to the Compendium of
Pharmaceuticals and Specialties] is attached [to the Order] as Schedule "A"; and the current regulatory lists are attached [to the Order] as Schedule "B")
(b) Dr. Sheffield shall post a sign that is clearly visible upon entering his office(s) in the form set out at Schedule "C" [to the Order]. For further clarity, this sign shall state as follows: "Dr. Sheffield is prohibited from prescribing Narcotic Drugs, Narcotic Preparations, Controlled Drugs, Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances"; and
(c) Dr. Sheffield shall cooperate with unannounced inspections of his practice and patient charts and such other steps as the College may take for the purpose of monitoring and enforcing his compliance with the terms of the Order.
2. Dr. Sheffield pay costs to the College in the amount of $3,650.00 within thirty (30) days from the date of this Order.
3. Dr. Sheffield appear before it to be reprimanded.