Media Release November 18, 2014 Court confirms Dr. Graham Hunter guilty of Unprofessional Conduct Alberta’s Court of Appeal has confirmed family physician Dr. Graham Hunter is guilty of unprofessional conduct for pursuing a relationship with a patient. The original decision was made by a Hearing Tribunal of the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta in March 2012. However, Dr. Hunter appealed the decision first to College Council, and then to the Court of Appeal. The College waits for all appeal processes to be complete before a disciplinary decision can be made public. The Timeline: Dr. Hunter was suspended by the College for two months, with one month held in abeyance pending fulfilment of the following terms and conditions: 1. Dr. Hunter will undergo, at his own cost, a multi-disciplinary assessment at a facility acceptable to the Complaints Director. The assessment will involve an assessment of current fitness to practice and need for treatment. If he is able to return to practice after the completion of the suspension, conditions may be imposed on his practice. 2. If Dr. Hunter is deemed not fit to practice, he will be suspended, and cannot return to practice until he is deemed fit to do so, with or without conditions. 3. Dr. Hunter will, at his own expense, undertake and complete any treatment recommended by the multi-disciplinary assessment program. 4. Dr. Hunter will, at his own expense, complete a boundaries course acceptable to the Complaints Director. 5. If, as a result of the multi-disciplinary assessment, there is a need for further treatment or practice conditions: …/2 a. The Complaints Director will impose such conditions; and b. If there is any dispute regarding the imposition of conditions, the matter may be remitted to a Hearing Tribunal for a decision. 6. When Dr. Hunter returns to practice or if he is found to be unfit to practice as a result of the multi-disciplinary assessment, he will, at his own cost, enter into a continuing care agreement with the College for participation in the aftercare program for boundary violators. 7. Dr. Hunter is responsible for the costs of the investigation and hearing. 8. Should any dispute arise between the parties regarding the above-referenced orders, including a disagreement regarding the conditions to be imposed on Dr. Hunter’s practice permit as referenced in #6, the matter may be remitted to a Hearing Tribunal for further consideration. Resources: CPSA Hearing Tribunal Decision CPSA Council Decision Alberta Court of Appeal Decision - 30 – Good medical practice is what the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta is about. We issue practice permits to those who meet education and training criteria, ensure Alberta physicians uphold ethical and medical practice standards, and investigate and resolve physician-related complaints. We also accredit various medical facilities and provide direction on policy issues that help ensure responsible healthcare delivery. For more information contact: Kelly Eby, ABC Director, Communications & Government Relations, CPSA 780-969-4973 or via [email protected] …/2