TORONTO – The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) is easing its restrictions on physicians treating themselves, family members, and close friends in response to the ongoing primary care crisis in the province. Previously, physicians were limited to treating relatives or close contacts only in emergencies or for minor health issues when no other healthcare professional was readily available.
Under the updated policy, physicians are now permitted to provide a broader range of medical care, including ordering tests and treating various illnesses and injuries, as long as there are no viable alternatives, such as available virtual care or accessible healthcare providers nearby. This change aims to address the "current access to care challenges in Ontario," particularly for patients residing in small or Indigenous communities where they may have no option but to seek care from a doctor who is closely related to them.
Despite this relaxation of rules, the CPSO maintains that physicians cannot provide continuous treatment for themselves or for family and friends. Additionally, they are prohibited from conducting intimate examinations or prescribing narcotics to close contacts, except during emergencies.
The updates to the policy were made available on the CPSO's website in May and were subsequently featured in the June issue of the organization's digital publication. In a response via email, a spokesperson for Ontario's Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones, noted that the CPSO operates as an independent regulatory body, taking full responsibility for establishing the regulations and guidelines that physicians must follow in Ontario.
Jones also highlighted the provincial government's efforts to connect every resident in Ontario to primary care services, mentioning an investment of $2.1 billion directed towards this goal. This initiative is part of the province's broader strategy to address the primary care crisis that has been affecting many communities.
As the healthcare landscape in Ontario continues to evolve, the CPSO's updated policy represents a significant shift in how physicians can engage with their personal networks. The relaxation of previous restrictions may help mitigate some of the access problems in areas where healthcare options are limited. However, the emphasis on maintaining boundaries for certain types of care underscores the ongoing commitment to patient safety and professional standards within the medical community.
The CPSO has yet to publicly comment in detail about these policy changes. Nevertheless, as the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this new flexibility will impact both physicians' practices and the health outcomes of patients involved.
-With files from Allison Jones
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 11, 2025.
