Physicians in the Northwest Territories have a professional obligation to report health conditions that could affect safe practice. This requirement is set out in the NWT Standards of Practice for Physicians.

This page explains when and how medical practitioners must report health concerns that may affect their ability to practice safely and competently.

When to report your own health concerns

You must report to the Registrar, Chief of Profession Regulation:

• When you first register as a regulated professional
• Any time you become aware of a physical, cognitive, or mental condition that may affect your ability to practice safely or fully

Examples of reportable conditions include:

• Conditions affecting memory, attention, or decision-making
• Physical limitations that interfere with essential practice skills
• Mental health conditions that affect judgment or behaviour
• Substance use disorders that may impact safe practice
• Progressive neurological conditions

What happens after you report

Confidentiality

Your information is kept strictly confidential with the Professional Licensing Office. It will only be shared with others, such as an independent medical practitioner if you give explicit consent.

Support process

Staff will handle your disclosure with compassion and respect. The goal is to support you while protecting public safety.

Next steps may include:

All disclosures are managed on a case-by-case basis. Upon receiving a health disclosure, staff will take appropriate steps as required, which may include:

• A confidential discussion about your health concerns
• A fitness-to-practice assessment by an independent practitioner
• Actions tailored to your situation, such as:
  • Temporary leave from practice
  • Practice limitations or conditions
  • Ongoing health monitoring
  • No action, if appropriate

Reporting concerns about a colleague

You must report to the Complaints Officer within the Professional Licensing Office if you have reasonable grounds to believe a regulated colleague has a health condition that may affect their ability to practice safely or competently.

"Reasonable grounds" means information that would lead a similarly trained professional to believe there may be a risk to safe practice.

Reports should be made promptly after becoming aware of the concern.

Reporting as a treatment provider

If you are treating a patient who is also a regulated professional, you must report to the Complaints Officer within the Professional Licensing Office if:

• The patient has a physical, cognitive, or mental condition, and
• It is reasonably foreseeable that public safety may be at risk due to this condition

This obligation applies only when there is a clear risk to public safety. It does not override patient confidentiality in other cases.

If you’re unsure

If you’re unsure whether a concern should be reported, contact the Professional Licensing Office for confidential guidance.

Contact

Professional Licensing Office
Health and Social Services
5015 – 49 Street (7th floor)
P. O. Box 1320
Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9
Email: professional_licensing@gov.nt.ca
Phone: 867-767-9067, ext. 49053

Your inquiry will be forwarded to the appropriate staff member. All inquiries will be handled confidentially.

Failure to report

Failing to report health concerns may be considered professional misconduct under applicable legislation. Reporting is intended to protect public safety and support professionals, not to punish.

Privacy

Information collected under these reporting requirements is protected under the Health Information Act and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It is used only to assess fitness to practice and protect public safety.