News and announcements

Access resources for respiratory illness

As we head into the thick of respiratory illness season, Ontario Health has released a memo with support for primary care. It includes information and resources related to virtual care programs, influenza, RSV and COVID-19. Additionally, you can watch a recording of the Ontario Health information session that was held on Nov. 1, which covers updates on RSV, COVID-19 and influenza. 

Making progress on sick notes

It’s official: Employers can no longer request workers get a sick note from a physician for up to three unpaid sick days.

This is a significant first step, and we’ll continue to advocate on solutions to cut red tape faced by physicians. Read more on the Ontario government’s website.

How AI can impact your work and build your confidence

The new AI Learning Centre from the Centre for Effective Practice offers health-care professionals like you practical, evidence-based guidance on how to assess the use of artificial intelligence ethically and effectively in clinical settings. Features include:

• A guide to AI tools in primary care
• A resource on AI fundamentals for practitioners
• Continuous monitoring of the ethical and regulatory landscape

New billing brief for visits related to a surgical procedure

You had questions and we’ve got answers. We have developed a new billing brief covering visits related to a surgical procedure in collaboration with the Ministry of Health via the bilateral Education and Prevention Committee to shed light on a matter you’ve been asking about. The brief has been posted to the ministry’s site. If you have any feedback, please let us know.

Completing the CPSO’s Quality Improvement Program with ease

The CPSO is entering the last year of the first five-year cycle of its QI Program. If you have not completed a CPSO Quality Program within the past five years, you should have received an invitation last week to complete it this year. We have resources to help make completing the program as easy as possible, including an overview of the program and concrete quality improvement ideas.

This year, the CPSO expanded its program to include options for members 70 to 79 years of age with the QI Enhanced Program.

Answering your questions about RSV immunization

On Sept. 19, we hosted a webinar about this year’s RSV infant prophylaxis program. During the session, we received almost 100 questions. Responses to questions that went unanswered due to time constraints have been provided by Dr. Daniel Warshafsky from the office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and posted online. Access the webinar recording and Q-and-A on OMA Learns.

Addressing the home care medical supply disruption

We are aware that recent provincewide changes to pharmacy contracts have led to significant disruptions in home care medical supplies for you and your patients. We’re working with Ontario Health at Home to address these challenges, prioritizing the needs of palliative patients and ensuring you receive the necessary support and information.

Ontario Health at Home recommends contacting your care co-ordinator to help resolve any issues with medical supplies. You may also direct questions to the Medical Supplies Escalation Line at 1-866-377-7567. If problems persist, please advise us by emailing info@oma.org.

New test-to-treat approach for at-risk COVID patients

Publicly funded COVID-19 testing (including rapid antigen tests and PCR testing) is now only recommended for those individuals who are eligible for treatment, according to a new test-to-treat strategy detailed in a recent memo from Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore. This includes symptomatic individuals who are:

• 65 years of age or older
• Immunocompromised
• Living with high-risk medical conditions

Hospitalized patients and residents of long-term care homes or other high-risk congregate living settings are also eligible for COVID-19 testing and treatment.

Paxlovid can continue to be prescribed and dispensed at community pharmacies. Pharmacies that do not stock Paxlovid are encouraged to assist eligible patients in locating a nearby pharmacy that does.

You can order rapid antigen tests through the PPE Supply Portal and provide them to eligible patients at no charge.

Understanding delegation

We developed a new resource to help you delegate controlled acts and understand your rights and responsibilities when doing so, and our delegation and medical directives checklists will help you meet CPSO requirements. Delegating through medical directives and direct orders can support your team-based approach to care, ensuring patients get the care they need when they need it.

Get details on this year’s flu vaccine program

Visit our updated flu vaccine web page and poster for details on the 2024-25 Universal Influenza Immunization Program. Health-care workers, first responders, individuals at high risk for complications or hospitalization from the flu and residents of retirement homes and congregate-living settings should be prioritized for vaccination as it becomes available this month. The general public can start receiving the flu vaccine on Oct. 28. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines can be administered at the same time. Contact your local public health unit to order the flu vaccine.