Committee: Discipline
Decision Date: 07 Jun 2021
Summary:
On June 7, 2021, the Discipline Committee of the College heard, via videoconference, an allegation of Dr. Bell’s professional misconduct. Dr. Bell had issued 11 prescriptions for a family member, including some for narcotics, benzodiazepines, and opioid analgesics. Dr. Bell did not bill OHIP for services to this person, or keep medical records respecting them. An assessor retained by the College to review the matter opined that Dr. Bell contravened College policy by treating a family member in non-emergency situations. The assessor also opined that Dr. Bell failed to meet the standard of practice of the profession in his treatment of this person.
The hearing proceeded in the presence of Dr. Bell and his counsel, and counsel for the College. Dr. Bell admitted the facts and admitted that he had engaged in professional misconduct. On the basis of the Agreed Statement of Facts and Admission, the Committee found that Dr. Bell committed an act of professional misconduct under:
- paragraph 1(1)33 of Ontario Regulation 856/93 made under the Medicine Act, 1991 in that he engaged in an act or omission relevant to the practice of medicine that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.
- paragraph 1(1)2 of O.Reg. 856/93, in that he failed to maintain the standard of practice of the profession in his care of patients.
Disposition
Taking into account an Agreed Statement of Facts (Penalty) and the joint submission on penalty, the Discipline Committee ordered and directed that:
• Dr. Bell attend before the Committee to be reprimanded;
• The Registrar suspend Dr. Bell’s certificate of registration for three months
• The Registrar place terms, conditions and limitations on Dr. Bell’s certificate of registration, as set out in the Order
• Dr. Bell pay costs to the College of $6,000.
More detail can be found in the reasons for decision linked below.