Committee: Discipline
Decision Date: 12 Apr 1994
Summary:
In September 1993, Dr. Beresford pleaded guilty to a charge of professional misconduct, as defined in Ontario Regulation 448/80, as amended, in that he failed to maintain the standard of practice of the profession, contrary to s. 27(21); in that he committed sexual impropriety with a patient, contrary to s. 27(29); and in that he engaged in conduct or an act relevant to the practice of medicine that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional, contrary to s. 27(32). The Discipline Committee accepted this plea, and found Dr. Beresford guilty of professional misconduct. Consequently, in April 1994 the Committee ordered that Dr. Beresford be reprimanded, with the fact of the reprimand to be recorded on the Register. In addition, the Committee ruled that the Doctor's practice be restricted to male patients; that he be required to attend sessions with a psychiatrist at least every three weeks for at least three months and thereafter no less frequently than every four weeks; that the psychiatrist must be acceptable to the Registrar; that the psychiatrist must submit quarterly reports to the Registrar stating that Dr. Beresford was compliant and stable; and that the psychiatrist must report immediately any deviation that might jeopardize the public.