POLICY MATTERS
“The primary consideration must be the best interests of the patient”
For more information, please read the policy on our website at www.cpso.on.ca.
What factors come into play in the decision to
delegate?
In every instance of delegation, the primary consideration must be the best interests of the patient. In
making the decision to delegate controlled acts, the
physician must consider how to achieve an appropriate
balance of patient need, quality and access. Controlled
acts must not be delegated solely for monetary or convenience reasons and quality patient care must not be
compromised by the delegation.
The quality assurance criteria for delegation include:
identifying the potential harm associated with the
performance of the delegated act and being satisfied
that delegating the act does not increase the risk to the
patient; ensuring the appropriate resources and equipment are on site; providing the appropriate level of
supervision to ensure that the act is performed properly
and safely; ensuring ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the act being performed; and ensuring that all
documen ][ۈ\