PORT McNEILL – A local doctor has been disciplined for unprofessional conduct, said the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia.
Dr. Margaret Jane Clelland, a general practitioner at the Port McNeill Medical Clinic, has admitted unprofessional conduct in an incident in March 2009, when she issued prescriptions to an individual when she knew that the prescribed medications were not for that patient's personal use, said a press release from the college.
As well, Clelland admitted she was aware that the individual had submitted or planned to submit a claim for the cost of the prescribed medications to his third-party insurer. Dr. Clelland has reimbursed the insurer in full for the cost of the claimed prescription benefits, noted the release.
As part of her discipline, Dr.Clellend has consented to having her status transferred from Full – General/Family Practice class to the Conditional – Disciplined class, effective Feb. 9, 2011.
Dr. Clelland will continue to practice in Port McNeill, but under several conditions including a formal written reprimand from the college, the establishment of a mentorship with a local physician approved by the College; participation in continuing medical education in the areas of ethics and professionalism as directed by the College; attendance for an interview at the College for the purpose of reviewing the education undertaken and to discuss her understanding of and insight into her conduct; and compliance with the monitoring of her practice.
This is a first offense for Dr. Clelland, said the college.